CREST HAVEN – Peter Lomax, director of the county Open Space Review Board, presented a summary of historic preservation and parks-recreation project grant recommendations to freeholders May 8 for their consideration.
Lomax began by explaining that he intended to recommend funds based on a need to provide a “better quality of life to veterans, preserve our coastal waterways, preserve our history and to improve services to those who are underserved in the county.”
• The World War I War Memorial Park in Cape May at Gurney Street and Columbia Avenue was dedicated in 1923. Since then, the monument has largely gone unnoticed as the city developed into a destination for tourists.
The project is designed to improve access by reengineering sidewalks and other amenities at the site to make the monument more inviting to all. The board recommended a $189,208 grant out of a total budget of $439,000.
• The MLK (Community) Center, in Whitesboro, has been a local gathering place for youngsters and others who like to play tennis. This project is designed to reconstruct two tennis courts that are in need of repair. The board recommended a $120,000 grant out of a total of $144,680.
• The Wildwood Crest Sunset Lake Improvement project seeks to improve and preserve this resource for residents and visitors. The project includes a gazebo, fishing pier, kayak launch, walking path, bike racks, benches, and other amenities. The board recommended a $302,000 grant out of a budget of $2.5 million.
• The Woodbine Eco Park project seeks to create an eight-acre hub of activity to include a gazebo, playground, fitness stations, athletic courts, and parking. The board recommends a $215,960 grant out of a budget of $484,000
• The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts and Humanities, Inc. application seeks to restore two unique chimneys at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May. The irregular shape of these “upside down” chimneys designed by architect Frank Furness requires attention before they begin to disintegrate. The board recommended a $38,700 grant out of a total budget of $64,500.
• Historic Cold Spring Village applied for a grant to restore four buildings: Dennisville Inn, circa 1836, needs structural stabilization, Ezra Norton house, circa 1859, needs cedar shake roof repairs. The Heislerville Store circa 1876 needs structural support. The final building needing attention at the village is the Lewis Corson Gandy Barn. This building is considered one of the first “pre-fab” buildings constructed in the area. The board recommended a $48,120 grant out of a budget of $80,200.
• The Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) project will restore and repair the northeast control tower at the airport that needs steel support pilings and new siding. The board recommends a $66,372 grant out of a budget of $110,620.
The freeholders have 45 days to decide on these grant recommendations. Funds are not disbursed until a project is completed and inspected to ensure it met design criteria.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
