COURT HOUSE – Rio Grande is the major retail shopping area for much of southern Cape May County. It sits at the intersection of two of the county’s most traveled roads, Route 9 and Route 47. Despite its centrality, Rio Grande remains a troubled area, confronting drug use, homelessness and petty crime.
According to Middle Township Mayor Timothy Donohue, business owners in Rio Grande want the township to do more to deal with growing problems in the area. Donohue cites changes in state law and directives that he says have hampered the ability of police to confront many of the issues related to open drug use. He also says the state has reneged on its duty to address mental health and homelessness, both of which contribute to the atmosphere of petty crime and drug use in the area.
On Oct. 5, the township committee established a Rio Grande Community Partnership championed by Committeeman James Norris. The purpose of the partnership is to unite the efforts of residents, business owners, police and municipal government in a joint attack on some of the problems plaguing the community.
The ordinance calls for a nine-member group appointed by the governing body with a chair appointed by the mayor. Donohue promised the township would move to fill the newly created positions on the partnership soon.
– Vince Conti
Email: vconti@cmcherald.com
