Ground Broken for City Hall

SEA ISLE CITY – Dozens of residents, business owners, emergency responders and elected officials, including Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno were on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new City Hall and Public Safety Complex March 31.
The old City Hall, built in 1906, and the public safety building, were both irreparably damaged by Superstorm Sandy. The new complex will house the police and fire departments, as well as provide 29,000-square-feet of interior space for functions such as municipal court, city council chambers, mayor’s office, and city administration.
The ceremony was moved inside the existing fire department garages due to the weather. Mayor Lenoard Desiderio greeted the crowd by saying, “Here in Sea Isle City, we know-how to improvise,” as he pointed to the golden shovels and large mound of dirt which had been brought inside for the ceremony. Desiderio thanked city employees and the volunteer emergency personnel for their cooperation during a time when many city departments have been uprooted due to storm damage. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), who received a standing ovation from the crowd, congratulated the city on its new undertaking.
Assemblymen Samuel Fiocci (R-1st) and Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st) also said a few words.
Guadagno thanked police officers and emergency responders for, “Putting the residents of Sea Isle first, while putting your own lives at risk. You’ve waited 17 months to find a new home, and now its coming.” Guadagno went on to tell the story of when she first met Desiderio, and was given the key to the city. “A key which no longer works,” she said. To which Desiderio responded, “I thought you were going to bring that up,” as he presented Guadagno with a new key to the new city hall.
Guadagno said, “I look forward to putting this key in the door and opening it for the first time. On time, and on budget, I might add.”
Much of the former public safety building had already been demolished to make way for the new project. A decision is expected in the coming months as to what will be done with the former city hall building and property. The city anticipates the new complex to be open by spring 2015.
To contact Don Tozer, email dtozer@cmcherald.com.