Cape May Court House, N.J. – Middle Township is employing multiple strategies to maintain stability in the face of local and national economic pressures, Mayor Tim Donohue said in his annual State of the Township address.
Donohue delivered his remarks on March 1 at the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce State of the Township event, held at Bellevue Tavern.
The address offered a broad overview of Township measures to promote a business-friendly environment through responsible development and cost-efficient budgeting.
Economic strategies
Middle has been fiscally proactive to counter challenges such as inflationary impact on contracts and the rising costs of energy, pensions and healthcare. Donohue noted that Middle’s healthcare costs have gone up dramatically, by $1 million over the past year. The Township also must pay wages that are comparable to other municipalities.
“We don’t operate in a vacuum,” Donohue said. “Every town is trying to find good people. And you have to pay them to get them to work for you.”
Donohue noted that Middle has accelerated efforts to control costs through shared services agreements and the privatization of EMS services, a hiring freeze and reduction in operating expenses.
At the same time, the Township is taking steps to expand revenue sources. A short-term rental licensing and occupancy tax was established in 2022, and the Township will soon roll out a business registration plan to comply with a state law requiring business and rental unit liability insurance. Other steps to diversify revenue include annual land sales and potential revenue from Class 1 and Class 5 cannabis sales tax.
Donohue added that Middle works hard to maintain its value to residents. The municipal tax levy funds top-quality services but represents just a quarter of residents’ property tax bills.
Business development
Middle continues to steadily attract new and varied businesses, Donohue said.
One of the most anticipated openings this year will be Cape Square in Rio Grande. The entertainment complex will include eight movie theaters, a beer garden, bowling alley, arcade and golf simulator.
After adding new eateries and home design stores in 2022, the Township anticipates a variety of service and retail businesses will open this year.
Donohue credited the Township’s responsible development plans for contributing to business growth. Middle is moving forward with initiatives such as expanding economic development zones in Rio Grande, working with the county to enhance downtown Cape May Court House, and creating workforce housing opportunities.
Quality-of-life upgrades
The Township continues to increase recreational opportunities and maintain and improve infrastructure to benefit its 20,000-plus residents.
Paving projects and sewer system upgrades will continue in 2023, as Middle prioritizes proactive maintenance.
Donohue also highlighted the completion of Bike Path North to connect Middle in the county-wide trail network, and the grants secured to improve the Norbury Landing recreation area in the Del Haven section.
Middle also spearheaded Rio Grande Community Partnership to address quality-of-life concerns for residents and business owners.
“What’s missing in Rio Grande is support for mental health and the framework to support the homeless,” Donohue said. “It’s very difficult for a municipality to do this on its own. We’re bringing in state agencies and county agencies to help tackle this problem.”
Recreation continues to be a focus in Middle, with facilities upgrades and new sports and general activity programs for Township youth. Seniors also can expect improvements, as a $25,000 grant will fund a drop-down theater screen and other improvements at the Samuel S. De Vico Senior Center.
See the full State of the Township presentation at middletownship.com