Five Open Space Projects Proposed, Among Them a CG Motor Lifeboat

CREST HAVEN – Since founding in 1989 the county’s Open Space and Farmland Preservation Program had been all ashore. That may “go to sea” if freeholders approve a proposed project presented Aug. 23 by Planning Director Leslie Gimeno. It was one of five she explained at the freeholder caucus. 
Kevin Maloney, president of the Cape May Maritime Museum, placed a scale model of a 36-foot Coast Guard wooden motor lifeboat so freeholders could envision his next project: restoration of a vessel that had been stationed in Cape May County from 1960 to 1972.
The $148,630 project would restore the vessel, which currently is less than seaworthy, to its original state. The boat has been registered with the state Historic Preservation Office.
Gimeno said Maloney hopes to make the lifeboat an educational partnership with the Coast Guard and Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, Inc. The museum would pay half the project cost, $74,315 with the county program funding the rest.
The funds said Gimeno, are only disbursed to an organization upon completion and demonstration that all criteria have been satisfied.
The lifeboat is considered a  “structure,” said Gimeno. By definition, it is eligible for the program and has received a certificate of eligibility for the cost sharing.
As described, the boat would be restored to its historical accuracy. Further, the museum anticipates taking patrons on tours of Cape May Harbor aboard the white craft.
Maloney told the Herald the craft was built in the Baltimore area around 1952. Among its attributes, he said, is that parts of it are made of cypress and some of its metal parts are made of nickel.
A ship chandler, skilled in wood, who works at Yank Boatworks in Tuckahoe is on board with the restoration. Its motor will be rebuilt to original specifications.
A 45-day waiting period must take place before action becomes final on the award, as with all other Open Space program projects.
Other Projects
Library Pocket Park
At the County Library’s main branch on Mechanic Street, Court House, an outdoor “pocket park” is proposed. With fencing and low-level lighting, the park will become an outdoor classroom that will “expand programming for children in an open-air setting.”
Situated in the heart of the county seat and business district, Gimeno said the park would also afford a place where people, who work in the downtown area, will be able to eat their lunch. In addition to pavers, some small animal statues are planned.
The library’s WiFi will be expanded to enable those in the park to link their mobile devices to the Internet. Price: $180,000.
Two-Mile U.S. Fish and Wildlife National Refuge
In partnership with the Cape May County Park Department an ornamental entrance, nature tower on the beach, bicycle racks and benches would make the refuge, which is accessible via a bike path, more attractive to visitors. Price: $132,325
Historic Tatham Lifesaving Station
Also known as the Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post 331 in Stone Harbor, the building, (circa 1895), is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Its facade will be restored, and windows will be replaced so that its appearance will be historically accurate. Price:$42,109. The American Legion will pay 40 percent, $16,843. It requests $25,265 from the Open Space Program.
Lake Lily
In Cape May Point, a park will be developed at the southern tip of the lake. Described by Gimeno as a passive recreation area, the park would include enhanced shoreline walkway and parking that is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant. Price: $426,800.