To the Editor:
Every summer there seems to be some local issue of the moment that gets folks, if not up in arms, then vigorously engaged in conversation. This year it is the Jacob Jones memorial.
It seems born of two unfortunate circumstances. One is the original sinking of the ship “off Cape May,” which is the thin link to this town. The second is that Cape May is home to the architect pushing what could possibly be described by some as both a white elephant and a vanity project.
If the point is to memorialize the lost souls of the ship, a simple blue and gold historical marker sign would be sufficient. Since the the arguments seem to revolve around placement of the structure, rather than sticking it on the town beach, suitable locations could be the Coast Guard base or the state park, which already has a WWII connection as the site of the gun bunker. Both spots would supply enough visitors to look at it.
In any event, any fundraising for the structure should include a provision for a perpetual care fund like they have in cemeteries to provide for lifetime maintenance, assuming the project goes through.
James McKittrick
Cape May
