Lear says he will wait until Monday, March 30, when he talks to other mayors in the county
By JACK FICHTER/Cape May Star and Wave
CAPE MAY – Mayor Chuck Lear said Cape May is waiting on deciding whether to close Cape May’s beaches and Promenade, but it is a distinct possibility.
“Our thought was to go ahead and wait, give it a little bit more time and if we do it, try and do it as a county and do it together,” he said Friday, March 27.
“The next conference call with other mayors is scheduled for Monday (March 30),” Lear said. “Now that Ocean City and other communities have weighed in as well, it’s more of a possibility.”
Cape May Police Chief Tony Marino issued an advisory on persons on the beachfront on March 27:
“We have noticed an increasing amount of activity on the Cape May Beachfront. We would like to stress that the governors travel ban is so important to protect our community.
“Please adhere to social distancing guidelines and be mindful of others even if you are outside exercising. If you are not feeling well, please stay home to keep our residents safe. If residents from another state are staying at their alternate residence, Gov. Murphy’s orders are being enforced so please abide by New Jersey’s Guidelines.”
Lear said if the shutdown continues, more and more persons will be using the beach and Promenade.
He said at some point the city will have to act to limit activity on the beach and Promenade. If towns to the north of Cape May close their beaches, Cape May will have to follow suit, so the city does not become a beach destination, Lear said.
On Friday morning, Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio announced his community was closing all of the beaches and the Promenade to the public, effective immediately.
On Wednesday, March 25, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian closed the Boardwalk and all beaches to the public.