The Arc Takes Stewardship Role Seriously

Clarification: To clarify the status of the Jan. 29 County Health department inspection related to citizen complaints about a cesspool and heating oil storage tank at the Arc of Cape May County, the Herald spoke to Erin Wertz, senior registered environmental health specialist.
“We take all questions regarding safety and environmental protection very seriously,” she stated. “An investigation was made of the cesspool complaint to see if any discharge, including underground, was coming from it and no cesspool was found at the Arc.
“There is also no record of any cesspool but this is not unusual since the property is very old. So the cesspool issue as pertains to the Arc property is closed at the county end as the concern is unfounded.
“The complaint regarding the underground heating oil tank is a matter that falls under state regulation, specifically the Department of Environmental Protection (unregulated underground tank program).
“As a result, the matter has been referred to Dennis Township, the relevant municipality, to work with DEP on assessing if the tank has been properly maintained and/or abandoned under applicable building and fire codes.”  
SOUTH DENNIS – As follow up to the front-page story Jan. 27, a subsequent meeting with the director of operations of the Arc of Cape May County, Sarah Matthews, was held. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an on-the-scene report related to a couple of Spout Offs and other gripes that have surfaced from the public about the Arc’s operations and to ascertain their reasonableness.
The mission of Arc is to “promote and protect the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community.” Activities that support the organization’s overall goal include residential programs, respite for caregivers, advocacy and community education.
The administrative offices of the Arc have been located since 1989 in the Joseph Falkinburge house built in 1805.
Matthews has been with the Arc for the last 22 years and takes her role as entrusted with the preservation of the significant historical property in the highest fiduciary manner.
“We strive at all times to maintain the historic integrity and significance of this beautiful building. The Falkinburge House is on both the state as well as the federal registries of historic buildings so we are well aware of how important it is that we take good care of it.
“We go to great lengths to accommodate both the architectural details and overall attributes of this magnificent building as well as making sure we maintain great relationships with our neighbors even if they do not closely abut the property,” said Matthews. “This entire property and in particular the house, itself, represents the characteristics of the Arc: strength, solid foundation, caring esthetics and deep roots in the County’s history.”
Touring the grounds of the Arc’s property a visitor is struck by the step back in time experienced even though the house is on a busy stretch of Route 47. A period traditional black wrought iron fence encircles the grounds and a red barn, which is an example of “English style” construction, still boasts a number of signature influences such as hand-hewn ceiling beams from two centuries ago.  
Arc funding comes from the State of New Jersey, the bulk from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and another portion from the Division of Children and Families.
“The people we help, who rely on the Arc of Cape May County, are the friends, neighbors, family members of County residents,” continued Matthews. We serve over 300 mentally disabled individuals who live in group home settings or apartments located throughout the county except for the barrier islands because of the periodic risk of flooding.
“Frequently, we are taking care of individuals from the teen years until the end of their lives. We also employ 254 individuals, many of whom also are mentally disabled and would not otherwise be integrated into the community. They do meaningful needed work such as helping take care of the grounds,” she added.
The Arc of Cape May County was established in 1951 by a group of local parents who wanted to do better for their developmentally and intellectually disabled children. The year before, the Arc as a non-profit model was first started by concerned parents in Minneapolis, Minn.
In 2016, there is a network of impressive Arc resources such as the current number of 700 Arc chapters throughout the nation, located as well in Atlantic and Cumberland counties. 
Over the last few years, a couple of Dennis Township residents, who do not live near the Arc property, raised objections about the facility and its operations through township meetings or through letters to the editor.
“We do know who these couple of individuals are but really don’t want to get into any argument so won’t comment. Further we have been able to address the various complaints they’ve raised,” said Matthews.
For example, these individuals have questioned the appropriateness of giving Open Space/Historic Property funding to the Arc even though the building meets eligibility criteria according to Sept. 22 Open Space Board meeting minutes reflecting the decision-making process. 
Other allegations are that there is a cesspool on the property, when, according to Matthews, she later called the county Health Department inspector saying there is not after a Jan. 29 inspection. Another accusation is that the Arc has failed to remediate an underground oil tank when the Arc has no leaking oil, stated Matthews.
“We are very focused on not doing anything that is detrimental to the house, the grounds and of course to any enjoyment of their property by the neighbors. As a result, we enjoy excellent relationships with these neighbors.
“We are on the annual Dennisville Historic Homes visit at Christmas and receive, as do other private residences in the township, over 200 guests each year. This number is augmented by the numerous members of the public that come through our doors each day,” explained Executive Director Patricia Merk, who has been in this role since September 2015 after working at various state developmental centers throughout the region. 
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.