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July 22-28
New Jersey Olympians
The United States sent 592 athletes to compete in the Paris Olympics. How many are from each state is a matter of whose criteria you use. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the contingent from New Jersey numbers 21. According to a state website with the banner New Jersey Proud, the number is 32.
The state’s number takes the benefit of any New Jersey tie. One Olympian on the state list was born in the Garden State but left with parents for Texas at age 6. Rosters and criteria change, so view the various lists and come to your own count of New Jerseyans in Paris.
If we choose to accept the Census Bureau count, which is based on residency now of the roster of athletes on July 10, we have 21 athletes to be very proud of. They come mostly from the populous north of the state. Morris County alone accounts for seven, or one-third of the delegation. In total, nine of the state’s 21 counties contributed to Team USA. In addition to Morris, there are three from Essex, and two each from Bergen, Burlington, Middlesex and Somerset. The remaining three are one each from Gloucester, Monmouth and Hudson.
New Jersey is contributing athletes across 12 areas of competition, ranging from four in track and field and three each in fencing, soccer and swimming. There are one each in field hockey, gymnastics, rowing, sport climbing, tennis, table tennis and judo. One is competing in the triathlon.
They come from small boroughs of less than 4,000 and from towns near New York City of more than 40,000. There are 12 men and nine women, even though women outnumber men in the total U.S. delegation.
As this was written, Mendham’s Jack Alexy helped the USA win gold in the 4×100 freestyle relay. The Morris County native swam the first leg of the race. Nic Fink, also of Morris County, won the silver in the men’s 100 meter breaststroke. The TEAM USA website keeps a running tab of medals won.
Whatever list one uses to define the New Jersey athletes at the games, they all worked hard to get to Paris and can expect the experience of a lifetime in the City of Lights.
Home Prices
The National Association of Realtors released a report July 23 showing that U.S. median home prices have hit a record high for the second month in a row while sales of existing homes slipped by almost 6%. For Cape May County, the May report on home prices in the county from the Federal Reserve of New York says that year-over-year growth in home prices continued for May but at the lowest rate since May 2020.
Prices nationally and in the county are still rising, but at a much slower pace as inventory recovers from its low points and homes sit longer and get fewer offers.
The national median price for a home hit a record $426,900 this month, with real estate experts arguing that the lack of affordable homes and the persistence of high interest rates is affecting the market. Freddie Mac says an average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage as of July 18 comes with a 6.77% rate.
The realtors association sees a slow shift from a sellers’ market to a buyers’ market, with inventory at its highest level in four years. Existing home sales in the Northeast in June declined 6% from June 2023, but the median price rose to $521,500.
In New Jersey, Cape May and Ocean counties saw the smallest increase in year-over-year price growth across the state’s 21 counties. That is a big change from the environment where Cape May County led the state in price increases since 2021.
Prices are rising fastest where there is room for them to grow, but affordability issues are starting to plague the overall market.
Climate Change Polling
As the Herald discussed the growing backlash against climate change policies in Europe in the July 31 editorial, Gallup poll results tell us that two-thirds of Americans are still concerned about climate change. Over 60% even accept the argument that global warming is caused by pollution from human activities.
But over half (56%) of those polled think that climate change will not pose a serious threat in their own lifetime. This lack of perceived immediacy puts environmental worries relatively low on the list of problems they want dealt with. Economic and social issues rise to the top of a 14-category list of national concerns. Climate change as a policy priority is on the list but well behind other concerns like inflation, crime, the economy and health care.
A report from Brookings shows the public is paying more attention to climate change, but supporters of an aggressive climate action agenda are finding it hard to sustain a broad and durable coalition in favor of actions that ask for considerable sacrifice now in order to deal with a future threat.
As insurers begin to reprice their policies, coverage exposures may bring the concerns about climate change back from the future to the present. The federal government has already started repricing flood insurance, and now both federal and state mapping may significantly increase the land areas subject to flood insurance coverage for purposes of access to federally backed mortgages.
As the Gallup polling shows, American priorities are shifting away from environmental concerns due to the realities of an economically challenging time. In many areas a backlash greets policy actions that call for economic sacrifice in order to reach climate goals.
Those pushing for drastic climate action are finding the going tough. Still, 52% of Americans feel protection of the environment and dealing with climate change should be given a higher priority. It’s a conundrum that supporters of a climate action agenda cannot ignore.
Happenings
Franklin Zeigler of Cape May was charged with third-degree animal cruelty for allegedly decapitating a seagull on the North Wildwood boardwalk. He was also arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest during the investigation.
Old Navy will open a new store at Grande Center in Rio Grande in September, confirmed by a company spokesperson. The store will occupy the former Bed, Bath & Beyond location and is currently hiring.
Jack Morey, co-owner of Morey’s Piers and a prominent Wildwood community leader, died on July 19 at 63 from cancer complications. He was known for his visionary projects and extensive community involvement.
Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration announced the Extreme Heat Resilience Plan on July 19, detailing 136 actions by 22 state agencies to mitigate extreme heat impacts. Priorities include expanding cooling centers and developing worker safety standards.
Corey J. Mackryan Jr. was arrested in Lower Township for weapons and aggravated assault charges after allegedly firing a handgun during a dispute on July 17. Police seized two Glock handguns and other related items during the investigation.
Robert A. James, 53, of Dennis Township, was arrested on July 22 after a search of his home on Route 47 north led to the seizure of drugs and multiple loaded firearms. He faces several charges, including weapon possession during CDS offenses and intent to distribute MDMA.
At a July 18 Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Cape May County mayors discussed challenges and strategies, including the impact of NJPACT on construction standards and local budgets. They highlighted measures such as privatizing emergency services, short-term rental ordinances, and new revenue sources like cannabis licenses.
Sea Isle City Council renewed its insurance contract with the Atlantic County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund for one year, starting Jan. 1, 2025. Mayor Leonard Desiderio praised the JIF for its role in maintaining high safety standards.
On July 19, local attorney Brandon Walcott rescued a family of four caught in a riptide at 37th Avenue beach. His quick action helped them safely reach shore, and no one required further medical treatment.
Amy Vaules withdrew her legal challenge to Ocean City Council’s Third Ward election results after discovering the contested mail-in ballots were received too late to count. Levchuk criticized Vaules’ residency claims, which she denied, asserting her Ocean City residence and refuting his allegations.
Cape May County officials are looking for a new airport operator after experiencing poor treatment at a July 16 DRBA meeting. The officials felt their concerns were dismissed, leading to a strained relationship with the authority.
A historical marker has been placed at the former site of Wildwood’s Elfra Court Motel, the first Black-owned motel in the area. The effort, led by the original owners’ grandson, Bruce Harris, honors the motel’s role in providing lodging for Black families and entertainers during the Jim Crow era.
Public donations have exceeded $45,000 to cover medical expenses for Vilte Gruzdyte, a Lithuanian student who sustained a brain injury after being accidentally shot in Wildwood. Gruzdyte, who remains hospitalized, faces extensive recovery costs not covered by her insurance.
Rio Grande first responders Theodore and Courtney Bohn’s home was destroyed by fire while they were on vacation in Florida, resulting in the loss of five pets and most of their belongings. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $16,000 to aid in their recovery and rebuilding.
Spout Off of the Week
Middle Township – I agree with the spouters who oppose the bond (spending) referendum Middle’s superintendent wants enacted and I’ve had district employees tell me how frivolous and unnecessary it is. I will be voting “no.” Our property taxes continue to rise as does the cost of living and it’s a bad time to “borrow” anyway given the high interest rates, even if the items the super wanted were needed, which they are not, IMO. I suggest Middle residents investigate the issue and decide for themselves how they should vote on it, but please don’t just ignore the issue and sit it out.
Read more spouts at spoutoff.capemaycountyherald.com.
