Township secured DEP beach cultivation permit to operate a bulldozer in Strathmere
PETERSBURG — After securing a beach cultivation permit, Upper Township was able to move sand around on the beaches of Strathmere to provide a safe path to the beaches in the north end, which have suffered tremendously from erosion.
“Great job from Public Works getting things moving in time for Memorial Day weekend. The bulldozer was in full force twice last week,” Committeeman Zach Palombo said May 27.
He said Public Works was able to “sculpt a walkway,” noting the nor’easter “undid the work and it had to be redone on Friday before the parade.”
“I want to thank Mr. Reeves and Mr. Jones and their team for getting us up and moving for the unofficial start,” Palombo said.
Mayor Curtis Corson said he heard a lot of compliments about the beach access.
The mayor also said he heard a lot of complaints about people taking dogs to the beach.
“On the beach, we have an ongoing problem and there were numerous complaints I received this weekend,” he said. “I am going to ask our code enforcement to take a look at it and handle it.”
“It’s pretty simple. Signs explain it, you walk by a sign when you take your dog to the beach. There was a lot of reports of dogs wandering loose on the beach. We have an ordinance in place. We’re going to enforce it,” he said.
Fireworks June 28
Councilman Sam Palombo said fireworks are set for the Summer Celebration, scheduled for June 28 at Amanda’s Field.
“I look forward to celebrating that with everyone in the community,” he said.
Responders honored
Deputy Mayor Victor Nappen presented proclamations to three members of the township’s public safety team. Township Committee passed a resolution honoring Upper Township Division of EMS EMT Anthony Lamanna, EMT Ryan Schaefer and Rescue Squad Volunteer Abrianna Hoover on receiving the Shore Medical Center Clinical Excellence Award.
“On Dec. 29, 2024, our Upper Township EMS crew responded to a critical respiratory emergency at a residence in Seaville. Upon arrival, the crew was informed that the patient had lost consciousness and a bystander was attempting CPR.
“The EMS team quickly confirmed that the patient was pulseless and immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR, use of an AED and assisted ventilations with a bag valve mask.”
The original EMS crew transported the patient to Shore Medical Center in Somers Point.
Nappen said Shore Medical Center recognized the response as part of National EMS Week, noting the award is presented based on feedback from the hospital’s nursing staff regarding the high level of life-saving care the patient received.
“Their swift actions represent the very best of Upper Township EMS and the vital role our emergency responders perform every day,” Nappen said.
Township Committee approved funding education for its EMTs. Interim Administrator Joe Verunni said Division of EMS Chief John Britton had requested emergency pediatric care training for 10 EMTs at a cost of $2,660. Each EMT would gain 16 continuing education credits.
Changing of guard
Verunni was attending his final meeting after the township hired a permanent replacement for former administrator Gary DeMarzo.
Jimmy Van Zlike will bring nearly a quarter-century of experience in the U.S. Army to Upper Township when he takes over June 2.
As an executive city management leader preparing to separate from his enlistment, Van Zlike has spent the past three years as deputy city manager of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where he was entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of more than 5,000 soldiers, family members, civilians and contractors.
The township hired Verunni of Jersey Professional Management as interim administrator to lead the search for a permanent replacement.
“Joe stepped into a hornet’s nest in a lot of ways. He’s been steadfast, he’s been responsive and it’s been great having him,” Nappen said. “But going forward, we’re excited to have Jimmy in the crowd and I think it’s going to be very, very good for the township.”
“We look forward to a smooth transition and it should be a good transition,” Corson said.
Verunni said he is confident in the new hire.
“Jim’s going to hit the ground running, I’m certain of that,” he said. “I hope he spends many years here in Upper Township.”
Rec hoop champs
Sam Palombo, who oversees recreation, noted the Upper Township Basketball Association’s eighth-grade girls team won the South Shore Basketball League Championship on March 8 at the Wildwood Crest Pier Recreation Center.
They finished the season with a record of 19-5 and defeated North Wildwood 39-21.
One of the coaches and the players — Camryn Schiemer, Mya Dever, Brecklyn Foley, Carolena Polo, Maeve Daily, Ciara Cortes and Holly DeLong — were presented with a proclamation from Township Committee.
Living Shoreline
Engineer Ryan MacNeill said the township has received a DEP permit for the Living Shoreline project and is still awaiting another from the U.S. Army Corps of Engnineers.
The Strathmere Bay Living Shoreline project was made possible through a grant received by the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club.
MacNeill said the living shoreline project aims to alleviate erosion south of the boat ramp on Bayview Drive.
“The goal is to send out to bid in July with an award in August at the latest,” he said May 27, noting there are restrictions on construction that prohibit work between April 1 and Aug. 15.
“The goal is September having construction start and then completed by December of this year if all goes well,” MacNeill said.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
