CARA Lauds Two Officers, Counsel Reports on Airport Park Upgrades

VILLAS – A representative of the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) attended the Lower Township Council meeting Feb. 22 to present Cpl. Robert Hartman and Patrolman Stephen Flitcroft with the “Purple Ribbon” award for their work to make victims of domestic abuse feel more comfortable. 
Spokesperson Nikki Nichols of CARA expressed gratitude to both officers who displayed extraordinary caring and concern for a victim of domestic abuse. They also assisted the victim’s advocate who was assisted through the criminal justice process by those officers.
Airport Park Upgrades
Cape May County Counsel James Arsenault provided additional information about a township resolution that directs the Lower Township Planning Board to conduct an “Area In Need of Redevelopment” study regarding the Cape May County Airport in Erma.
Arsenault advised council that although the title of the study sounds negative, its purpose is to focus attention on various proposals that will contribute to turning the airport, an “under-utilized asset,” into a facility that evokes pride and brings new economic growth to the county. Arsenault explained that the local planning board must lead the study, a study that should identify opportunities for development that are consistent with the Township’s plans and local zoning. 
Lower Township Council would have to approve the plan that would then be sent to the county. The goal is to make the airport more attractive to economic development by investors.
Arsenault cited the abandoned Everlon Co. building as an example of a difficult issue that needs cooperative action. He reminded everyone that because the site was once used to manufacture buttons, that there are environmental issues to be resolved before the building can be demolished and re-born as an economic asset.
Flooding Project
Mark Sray, of Mott McDonald Engineering, briefed the council on the Roseanne Avenue flood project. He stated that the design for the project is complete and that all Department of Environmental Protection permits have been sent to the state for approval.
Township Administrator James Ridgway added that he intends to have a face-to-face meeting with six residents who are directly affected by the project to ensure all issues and concerns of residents have been addressed.
Sray also mentioned that the competitive bid that was sent out regarding the emergency generator project has been re-published because all the bids received were more than the budget.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.