Cape May County: New measure to halt visits
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – All 16 municipalities in Cape May County, backed by the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders, have upped the ante in discouraging visitors to the county by asking for a halt in short-term rentals of properties.
In a press release issued late Monday afternoon, the freeholders said all the municipalities were “unanimous” in discouraging non-essential visits to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes property owners from outside the county.
The freeholders said the agreement was reached during a conference call among elected and appointed officials earlier in the day.
“County leadership applauds our municipal leaders for taking a proactive approach as we all work together to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton in the release. “We are very supportive of this practical and reasonable approach to coping with pandemic and urge everyone to follow the directives coming from the Office of the Governor and health officials.”
The release offered “two specific requests” that read:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the safety and welfare of citizens of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, and Connecticut. As an effort to protect our citizens, first responders, and others who are working collectively to provide essential services to us, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued a series of executive orders that have the force and effect of law. These orders, in part, identify essential service and place travel restrictions in New Jersey.
“As a result of this pandemic and in an abundance of caution and concern for everyone’s safety and well-being, the mayors of the 16 municipalities in Cape May County… from Ocean City to Cape May Point … are unified with two specific requests. First, we are strongly urging the elimination of all short-term rentals for the duration of the Governor’s executive orders, which continue indefinitely until rescinded. This appeal is made to all realtors, online rental platforms, and individuals. Hotels and motels are considered to be essential services and we ask that they rent only to individuals who are performing essential functions per the Governor’s executive orders, not to traditional tourists.
“Our second ask is for you to remain at your primary residence and adhere to social distancing practices. Coastal mayors have been forced to make difficult and unpopular decisions including closing playgrounds and outdoor recreational facilities; some towns have been forced to close beaches and boardwalks, and others may follow suit, simply because social distancing guidance has been ignored. We recognize that individuals love to visit the coastal region, and want to visit their second homes for a change of scenery. That travel is contrary to the executive orders enacted by the Governor, and contrary to the guidance from health officials to stay at home as much as possible. Elected officials from every community may be forced to enact further restrictions if this appeal is not followed.
“We understand these are unconventional requests by elected officials who every day appreciate the visitation and investment in our communities. However, we stand together in support of this position to protect you and your families so we can all enjoy good health when this crisis has passed.
“Thank you from the mayors and elected officials from Cape May, Cape May Point, West Cape May, Lower Township, Wildwood Crest, Wildwood, North Wildwood, West Wildwood, Middle Township, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Dennis Township, Woodbine, Upper Township, and Ocean City.”
To go with that countywide decision, Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio said his community was stopping online rentals and that he had secured the support of local real estate firms.
“We are very aware of concerns about the influx of visitors to Sea Isle during the current public health emergency, and we are doing everything legally permissible, in accordance with the governor’s executive orders, to limit travel to and within Sea Isle City,” Desiderio wrote in a release Monday afternoon.
“In furtherance of this, as authorized by Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 108, Sea Isle City is prohibiting online marketplaces from offering short-term rentals until further notice.
“In addition,” he wrote, ”I have spoken with leaders in the Sea Isle City real estate community, and they have agreed to suspend short-term rentals through the month of April. I am urging all property owners to do the same.
“I want to thank the real estate and business community for their cooperation with this matter. They understand, as we all do, the magnitude of this crisis, and that a temporary moratorium on rentals is appropriate at this time.
“We all have to do our part to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and I absolutely believe this is another action that must be taken in our collective efforts.
“I also want to thank everyone in Sea Isle City, and ask that we continue to show the good spirit and caring attitude that is part of the fabric of our community. These are trying times, but I will repeat what I’ve said before – we will get through this by working together and caring for each other,” Desiderio wrote.
Before the countywide agreement was reached, mayors in Ocean City, Sea Isle City and the City of Cape May had ordered the beaches, Boardwalk and Promenades closed to the public until further notice. (See related story, page A1.)