Responds to Concerns About Rio Grande

To the Editor: 
In response to recent concerns regarding the Rio Grande section of Middle Township, I would like to clarify some misconceptions with actual facts. It is obvious that growth in Rio Grande is a large part of the problems that exist today. The Social Services building has been part of the Rio Grande landscape since the early 1970s, when it was housed in the vacated bowling alley. The present building was moved across Route 47 and opened in 1996. This was supported by Mayor Michael Voll and Township Committee who encouraged the new construction, approved the permits and welcomed the $110,000 in tax ratables it brought to Middle Township. 
Currently, Cape May County receives $4 million in federal funding to support the emergency housing program.  Should a county shelter be built, we would lose that funding and the estimated $2 million per year expense of a shelter would be shouldered by the taxpayers of Cape May County. 
Other growth supported by Middle Township Committee included the development of the shopping centers which provided jobs for area residents.  More recently, Middle Township officials were forced to approve affordable housing, with no apparent opposition from former Mayor Voll. The combined development brought more people into Rio Grande without a plan in place by the administration to manage the growth.
Through the outstanding leadership of Chief Christopher Leusner and the exceptional work of the officers of Middle Township Police Department, the crime rate in Middle Township has been reduced. The police department that was gutted under subsequent administrations was bolstered in the past five years, resulting in an expanded police force, better training and community policing programs.
Cape May County Department of Social Services has a responsibility and mandate from the state of New Jersey to provide housing for those who find themselves in need.  Years ago, Middle Township turned the responsibility over to the county because of complaints they received regarding their handling of the General Assistance program. This was during former Mayor Voll’s tenure.
Any blanket reference to these individuals as ‘undesirables’ is a travesty and we are appalled a former mayor and public servant would be so insensitive. 
The Department of Social Services is the conduit for state funding and they must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the state of New Jersey.  The voucher system and all funded programs are approved and audited; failure to comply will result in loss of funding, which will gravely impact all who participate in the programs. Over the past three years, the number of vouchers distributed by the Social Services Department has been reduced with more than 20 percent fewer vouchers in use today.  This comes from the county being proactive and instituting stricter guidelines, upgrading the fraud detection unit and increasing staffing, to better manage the program and address the growing concerns.
The responsibility of caring for the homeless population is actually the responsibility of the municipality.  County Board of Chosen Freeholders took a leadership position and took on the issue county-wide, with the intent of assisting municipalities in managing the process. If Middle Township or any other municipality feels we are not handling it to their satisfaction, the county would be happy to discuss the municipality taking back the responsibility for administering and funding the program themselves.
Let me be clear that Cape May County is mandated to operate under state guidelines along with every other county in the state of New Jersey.  Any power or authority to change any mandates relating to any of the programs is under the control of our state legislature. Perhaps, it is time we engage those that actually have the power to improve these issues instead of casting blame in the wrong direction and permanently stigmatizing those who are genuinely in need of assistance.