Dismantling process can begin; Upper Township may use site for emergency training
UPPER TOWNSHIP — The sale of the B.L. England property is complete and the defunct power plant is set for dismantling, solicitor Dan Young told Upper Township Committee on Monday.
Committeeman Jay Newman raised the possibility of using the vacant property in the meantime for training emergency personnel. It could serve as a practical use in what Municipal Engineer Paul Dietrich said will be a multiyear demolition project.
Newman said the plant is a large industrial site that has been there for more than 60 years and provides “unique training opportunities.”
Chief of the Marmora Volunteer Fire Company, Newman said the training would benefit the county’s Urban Search and Rescue team.
“All we can do is ask,” he said.
At the end of November, then-mayor Rich Palombo announced the sale of the defunct coal- and oil-fired electricity generating plant on a property that encompasses more than 350 acres in Beesleys Point. Beesleys Point Development LLC plans a massive project including a marina, retail shops, restaurants, a hotel, seasonal villas and some sort of boardwalk.
At the time, Palombo said much of the sales price comes down to remediating the site.
“Quite frankly, that’s where the sale comes in because they estimate it will cost between $13 (million) and $15 million … to tear the buildings down, clean up everything that needs to be cleaned up,” Palombo said. “Without giving a (sale price), that gives you some idea of the estimate to clean this place up.”
Danish wind-power company Ørsted and PSEG have a joint venture for a massive turbine farm 15 miles off the coast of Cape May and Atlantic counties. They plan to run transmission lines from the wind turbines through Ocean City to connect to the power grid at the former B.L. England site.
“I’m looking forward to working with Ørsted for the best for the residents of Upper Township,” Newman said.
Asked to clarify, Newman said talks with the company have not progressed past the preliminary stages but that Township Committee wants to have a role in the future of the site to ensure the best outcome for residents.
“We wanted to put it there out front,” he said. “We want to be in a position to have the least impact on our residents and the greatest impact.”
“They’ve been very gracious and easy to work with,” Committeewoman Kim Hayes said.
“It’s a very good day for Upper Township and I look forward to working with all of you on this,” Mayor Curtis Corson said.
Parking permits on Harbor, Cove Road
Young raised the idea of ending parking permit requirements on Harbor Road and Cove Road, asking whether they are still needed.
Both Newman and Corson said the requirements are important in case there is new bridge construction.
Hayes asked how it would be enforced as State Police are unlikely to deploy to check parking permits.
“Why pass a rule we can’t police?” she asked.
Changing shoreline
Corson raised concerns about the changing shoreline of the township’s beaches. He noted that grants and programs are available to combat it but that studies are needed first.
The mayor suggested committee members attend a presentation of the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club, which will be involved with any projects, on March 26.
“This affects the whole township,” Corson said.
COVID updates end
Upper Township Administrator Scott Morgan reported that the Cape May County Department of Health announced last week it will no longer be providing weekly COVID-19 updates as the rate of cases has dropped dramatically.
“Cape May County recently saw a day where no resident was in our hospital for COVID-19. We have seen many days in the past two weeks with single digits of reported new COVID cases,” a news release Friday from the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners stated. “COVID-19 is likely to be with us as a respiratory disease for many years to come. We must be diligent in protecting our most vulnerable. Cape May County is moving off of a crisis footing when it comes to COVID. Protect your loved ones. Please get vaccinated and boosted. Get tested if you have any concerns.”
“Regular COVID updates will no longer be issued. Health officials will continue to track cases and will alert the public if there are developments of concern.”
Upper Township Community Guide
Morgan noted that for the sixth year the Upper Township Business Association will be publishing a membership and community guide this spring.
Committeeman Mark Pancoast suggested the guide recognize the 75th year of Marmora Volunteer Fire Company.
Asked about the idea, David Nahan, editor of the community guide for the Upper Township Sentinel, which works with the UTBA, agreed that honoring the Marmora Volunteer Fire Company is a great fit for the guide.
Riptide hockey honored
Township Committee honored the Upper Riptide hockey team for winning the Cape May County Hockey League title this season.
In December, the team won the grades five to eight division title by taking a three-game series 2-1 over Middle Township.
Easter egg hunt
Hayes announced the township’s annual Easter egg hunt is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 9 at Amanda’s Field.
The committee passed 14 routine resolutions in a consent motion with none being tabled. These consisted mainly of annual appointments and renewals of positions such as legal counsel and part-time employees.
Committee also recognized the Cub Scouts of Pack 79 for attaining the Arrow of Light award.
The committee has scheduled two public hearings regarding land ordinances: 4:30 p.m. March 14 and 6:30 p.m. March 28.
The next regular meeting of the committee is set for 6:30 p.m. March 14.
By KYLE McCRANE/Special to the Sentinel
