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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Margate City, a Sustainable Jersey bronze certified applicant.

Margate City was certified on September 19, 2024 with 210 points. Listed below is information regarding Margate City’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Margate City is:

Name:Stephen Jasiecki
Title/Position:Chair / Sustainable Margate
Address:9001 Winchester Avenue
Margate, NJ 08402
Phone:609-412-3648

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Margate City was approved for in 2024 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Community Partnership & Outreach

    Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: Sustainable Margate was established July 30th 2013. The Green Team has been very active working with environmental concerns with the city administration and the respective departments. We have scheduled meetings at the Margate Library on the second Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5 pm There are 12 members recognized by resolution as the official Green Team with several others supporters who are involved with our projects. Our meetings are posted on the city web site and are open to the public. We have an excelent relationship with our city administration, Business Association and school system.

    Community Education & Outreach

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Doug Tallamy Event The Sustainable Downbeach Green teams brought Entomologist Doug Tallamy to Atlantic City on March 11th 2024 to speak about the benefit of native plants and talk about the “Home Grown National Park” program. The program is to benefit the whole of Absecon Island and surrounding communities. Doug Tallamy is the premier, best selling author on native landscaping, the importance of landscaping and how to do it. The target audience were landscapers, planning board, members and officials as well as the general public. We hope to enlighten decision makers to a better approach for a sustainable community, especially ours where wildlife is dependent on landscape practices. The presentation took place at Stockton's Atlantic City Campus. Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep and Meet and Greet. Every year Margate participates in 2 bi annual Clean Ocean Beach sweeps. On December 5th. There was a Meet and Greet to meet the COA representatives and learn involvement opportunities, education and advocacy. This was an Island wide program that included all 4 towns on the island. Seed Planting Workshop. On May 16th 2023 Sustainable Downbeach hosted a seed planting workshop at the Margate Bloom Pavilion. The purpose was to teach participants about the proper materials and techniques to raise plants from seeds. Participants learned how to properly plant seeds and were able to take home their plantings. Bloom Open House, On April 20th 2023, The Bloom Pavilion held an open house where citizens and visitors could learn about the various amenities the city has to offer. Tables were set up to showcase the various programs the cities offers. Sustainable Margate partner with Public Works to explain recycling, trash pick-up schedules and answer any questions regarding city programs.

    Green Fair

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Margate City held its first Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. March 26, 2023 and second on April 14th 2024. The event was a collaboration with the Margate Business Association, the Margate Mothers Association, Sustainable Downbeach and the Margate Recreation Department. Sustainable Margate hosted an environmental segment along one of the bridal paths, that included representation from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Center, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Surfrider Foundation Jersey Shore Chapter, The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Busy Bees, Earth First Native Plants and Nursery, South Jersey Native Plant Society, Margate Terrapin Turtle rescue and NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador. The organizations provided information about varies aspects of nature and the connections of shore life. All the organizations were able to promote how we can be better stewards of the environment. Topics covered a range of subjects from plants that provide habitat to the marine life that lives in the bays and ocean. To garner interest in the varies booths, kids were handed a “passport book” where they could jot down an interesting fact learned from that booth and receive a sticker. A completed book earned the passport holder a lightweight reusable backpack bag. By being part of a large event with music, food and crafters we were able to reach a larger audience. The turnout was better then expected. Advertising was accomplished with flyers, posters, social media and articles. Police closed the street and provided traffic control. Public Works provided power, manpower for set up and break down and cleanup.

  • Emergency Management

    Emergency Communications Planning

    15 Points

    Program Summary: Margate has a variety of emergency and non-emergency communication systems to get information to the public. These systems include community newspapers, websites, Instagram, facebook postings, news media, press, radio), reverse 911 calls, electric sign boards, an Emergency Alert System that can send out a siren and verbal alert messages that can be herd city wide and rout alerting system using municipal vehicles and loudspeakers. This system is used for severe storm/flooding alerts, traffic advisories, road closures, Hydrant flushing and other events deemed necessary. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Margate newsletters and News Flash mini-alerts, Code Red system for the latest updates and information. They are also encouraged to “Like” the Facebook page for resident news, photos, updates and general inquiries.

  • Food

    Farmers Markets

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Margate Community Farmers Market operates every Thursday from June 15th to August 31st beginning at 8:30 to 12:00 noon at Amherst and Madison Ave. The Market host 42 venders that sell farm produce, seafood, breads, plants and flowers, prepared foods, and condiments. The Community Food Bank always has a booth at the Market and each week a different non-profit organization is allowed to set up a booth for no fee. The market has a “No plastic Bag” policy. The city supports the market by closing streets, providing traffic control and trash removal. Large banners around the city advertise the market throughout the summer. Advertisement is posted through social media (websites, Facebook, newsletters), posters and fliers.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 1

    10 Points

    Program Summary: To build awareness and educate the public about the changing shoreline, Sustainable Margate, lobbied city officials to install a “MyCoast” Photo Station on the Margate Fishing Pier. The idea was to provide an education as well as functional device that would educate visitors of the changing shoreline. Sustainable Margate contacted the Jacque Cousteau Estuary Research Reserve (JCNEER) to see if we can receive a photo Station and install it in an area where citizens and visitors can photograph a target area and note changes over time. Green Team chair Steve Jasiecki set up a meeting with Amanda Archer, JCNERR, Devon Haines of the DEP, City Administrator, Ken Mosca, and Margate Public Works employee, Anthony Edge to discuss the project. The JCNERR and EPA agreed that Margate can receive a station and on October 31st the photo station was installed. The photo station is a platform attached to the railing of the fishing pier where visitors can place a cell phone in the holder and snap a picture of the shoreline. When a photo is uploaded to the app, Information about the weather and tide height, are automatically attached to the photo and become part of a data base that will help scientist better understand coastal changes Analyses of the photos over time provides a visual comparison of changes along our coast The MyCoast app. allows citizen scientist to contribute valuable information that helps scientist and stakeholders like government agencies, business owners, and residents understand coastal changes. This allows them to make data-based decisions on coastal development. The public is encouraged to use the My Coast App. and be part of a crowd source network that adds information to a growing data base.

    Innovative Community Project 2

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Contractors Containment ordinance/resolution Barrier Islands have seen a lot of new construction replacing older homes with newer homes that are more resilient to flooding and changing climate. polycarbonate materials have replaced wood for trim, siding, and decking. These materials look and behave like wood but they are not wood. The cutting of polycarbonate material creates hundreds of pounds of microplastics that are entering the environment every day. These microparticles are winding up in the ground, blown about in the air, enter the storm drains into the bays and ultimately into the ocean. As far as our research has shown, the proper handling of this material has never been addressed. Sustainable Margate set out to create guidelines and an ordinance that would require contractors and homeowners to take protective measures to prevent microplastics from entering the environment. We developed a sample ordinance that would require anyone working with this material to take proactive steps to mitigate the sawdust created by polycarbonate products. We have also created a handout with guidelines for contractors. Margate Solicitor Scott Abbot and Clean Ocean Action attorneys reviewed and fine-tuned the sample ordinance to present the best possible language for the document. Margate and has adopted a resolution on March 7th 2024 to promote awareness and clean worksites. Flyers in English and Spanish are attached to each building permit with the recommended guidelines. https://www.margate-nj.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif846/f/uploads/74-2024_authorizing_city_to_promote_public_awareness_clean_safe_worksites_for_contractors.pdf Sustainable Margate is spreading the word and would like to see all towns adopt a similar plan. We are happy to assist have other municipalities by sending them a sample ordinance, flyers, and photographs to help them with education and passing an ordinance in their cities. Our goal is to see this become a State Law See channel NBC news segment here: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/combatting-waste-pollution-at-construction-sites-at-the-jersey-shore/3758690/

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Improvement Projects

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Margate has completed 2 major Capital Improvement Projects that complements Margate’s Bicycling and Pedestrian Plan One project The Atlantic Avenue “Road Diet” made one of its main streets safer for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles. The street, Atlantic Ave., runs a mile and a half, the whole length of Margate and is the last street before the beach and ocean. This street sees a lot of bicycle and foot traffic as people need to cross this heavily trafficked street to get to the beach. Atlantic Ave was re-striped to reduce the existing four-lane roadway to a three-lane roadway consisting of two through lanes and a center striped median with left turn lanes. The existing bicycle lanes were widened to provide more cycling safety. A second capital improvement is the Amhurst Ave. Promenade. Along the Marina District, new bulkheads were raised higher to hold back flooding, new improved check valves for storm drains and a raised pedestrian walkway has been installed. In addition, the avenue has been changed from a 2 way to a one-way street and a bike lane has been added. Amenities like bike racks, benches trash receptacles and improved lighting have been added to promote a nice bike/walkable area. The Promenade construction is ADA compliant.

    Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In September 2015, NJDOT undertook the first joint bike and pedestrian for two contiguous cities: Ventnor and Margate. The final plan was completed by Urban Engineers of Philadelphia in October, 2016. The Margate Planning Board passed a resolution on August 2017 to formally adopt this plan and make it part of the city's master plan. The SJTPO is budgeting funds for 2018 to conduct a traffic study of Atlantic Avenue in Ventnor and Margate.

  • Local Economies

    Buy Local Campaign

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Margate Business Association (MBA). Has had an ongoing Buy Local Campaign Program since they formed over 2 decades ago. The Program, “Margate has More” promotes the economic and physical revitalization and welfare of the businesses and Bay District of Margate. The program is made up of business leaders including Mayor Mike Collins and incorporates members of the Police, Public Works, the Margate Mothers Association and Sustainable Margate. The association has a dedicated website to promote businesses and events to encourage people to “Shop Local”. https://margatehasmore.com/about-the-mba/ Pages include where to shop, dine and things to do. It also has an events page, services, and calendar of events. There is a link on the City’s website to the “Margate Has More” website. In December the MBA distributes a calendar with a municipal directory, public information and local events which is mailed to residents and distributed through the library, municipal complex and senior pavilion. Every year during "Shop Small Weekend" the MBA in conjunction with the city host a Holiday parade promoting small businesses. The police close the street for the parade route. A police motorcycle brigade leads the parade with lights and sirens. Characters, various organizations, dancers, floats and bands make up the parade. The Fire Department take part where costume characters ride in the back of trucks to wave to the patrons. Santa clause ends the parade riding in a city supplied lifeguard board towed by a city utility truck. The parade route starts in the southern business district and ends up in the northern district where vender tables are set up to welcome visitors. People walk around and can visit the various booths and get a coupon for a free slice of pizza. Shop small weekend article https://www.downbeach.com/2023/11/25/shop-small-weekend-delights-margate-children-and-shoppers/

    Support Local Businesses

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Margate has a close relationship with the Margate Business Association (MBA). The Margate web page has a link to the Association’s “Margate Has More” website which promotes local businesses and activities. https://www.margate-nj.com The City home page has links to shopping, dining and real estate opportunities, listing every business in these categories that maintain a mercantile license. The city provides city resources and financial support for the many activities the MBA host such Beachstock, Fall Funfest, Thrilling Thursdays, Cornhole tournaments Duck Derby, Le Tour De Downbeach and other civic activities that promote businesses. In addition, the City annually passes an ordinance to permit and promote a Sidewalk Sale program that allows retailers to display in front of their establishments Sustainable Margate supports local businesses by participating in there events We also participate with the business community by providing an environmental educational element in their many civic and promotional activities. https://margatehasmore.com.

  • Natural Resources

    Community Forestry Management Plan & NJUCF Accreditation

    20 Points

    Program Summary: In 2016 Sustainable Margate secured a grant from the NJ Forestry Service to develop a Community Forestry Management Plan. Micky Riggin of Arbor Care Resources, created the plan, which was accepted by the city Commissioners for the years 2018 to 2022. In August of 2021 Margate was granted a 5-year extension resulting in a new expiration date of Dec 31st, 2027. On September 24-2020 the Planning Board accepted the CFMP as a guide for future ordinances. Ordinance No.12-2020 a revision of the master Plan Section 2 175-26 was passed stating trees with calipers greater then 12 inches shall not be removed unless in poor condition. We continuing to work our Forestry Plan by participate in Arbor Day, receiving continuing Education Credits and submitting the Annual Accomplishment Report. Every year we add a new tree to our tree park. Sustainable Margate continues to educate the public about the benefits of trees. For 2024 we are looking into performing another tree inventory.

    Tree Planting Programs

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In an effort to promote the planting of trees, Sustainable Margate held an Arbor Day event 4/30/2021where a variety of trees were planted to display the difference between tree species. The site selected is an area next to the city’s Dog Park. The idea is to start a showcase of a variety of trees. This will serve as an education aspect of the different tree species and will aid residents in deciding which trees are available and how they will look. We will continue to add trees to the park in the future to increase the diversity. During the tree planting, the Mayor read a proclamation at the event recognizing Arbor Day and the promotion of the planting of trees. Potted trees and Barberry shrubs were given away at this event. According to our Building Code, new housing structures are required to plant 2 street trees in the governors’ strip in front of their homes. This has been on the books to increase and maintain Margate’s tree canopy. (Building Code 175-26)

  • Public Information & Engagement

    Municipal Communications Strategy

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Margate has multiple ways of communicating with its residents. The most common forms of communication are: City mailers, fliers with information that periodically is mailed along with property and water and sewer bills. These fliers are also on hand at the Municipal Complex, library and Senior Center. The Margate webpage. https://www.margate-nj.com An easily navigable website that has drop down menus where a person can search for information about department, Government, businesses recreation, etc… A search box is included to help find specific information Margate Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com /MargateCityNJ where resident’s can find all the latest information, photos and events. A monthly “News and Views” newsletter that has updates of community interest. It also includes important information on city services like road construction, educational programs. A spotlight feature is included that will highlight a particular department or event. Residents can also sign up for the following sites for alerts. Margate’s Code Red system for emergencies and updates. A reverse 911. This is an informative service that alerts residents by phone of potential emergencies and activities that will affect residents. Examples are: storm alerts, flooding situations, fire hydrant flushing, traffic pattern changes due to street closings /events, etc… News flash mini alerts, where subscribers can learn about special events and news. Newspapers and radio are other forms of communications that are used when appropriate. In addition there are several public community Facebook forums (non government) people enjoy where people can post pictures, seek information about businesses, contractors, and general inquiries. The Margate Business Association Web page host a lot of information of fun and engaging activities that are presented throughout the year https://margatehasmore.com Our Communications is handled by Margate City Recreation Department employee Jesse Weiner and our last communication inventory took place February 2, 2024.

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: To safely dispose of outdated or no longer needed pharmaceutical drugs, Margate has established a permanent 24-hour ‘Prescription Drug Drop Box’ in the foyer of the Margate City Police Department. The Drop box is in a safe, convenient location where people can drop off their no longer needed pharmaceuticals. This year 155 pounds of drugs have been collected. The Drugs are disposed once a year at a facility in Camden. The Drug disposal Program is run by the Margate City Police Department. A link to the flyer explaining the Pharmaceutical Disposal Program can be found on the police website here: https://www.margate-nj.com/police The program is promoted through city newsletters, community calendar and web site. It is a quite successful program with lots of unused drugs being safely disposed and kept out of landfills and waterways.

    Recycling & Waste Reduction Education & Compliance

    15 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Margate has a long-standing Recycling Ordinance which can be found in Margate’s code book under Chapter 221 Recycling ordinance here: https://ecode360.com/10325293 Margate’s Recycling and waste collection is conducted by the Atlantic County Utility Authority, ACUA On collection days, the ACUA and City employees are trained to look for noncompliance. Improper disposal, (contamination) will not be picked up. When improper recycling and/or trash disposal is noted, The City Recycling Coordinator contacts the resident to educate them on the proper way to recycling or dispose of the material. When the owner isn’t available the container gets tagged with what is not proper so the owner can make the corrections. One or 2 visits usually brings on compliance. The recycling coordinator is authorized to give fines for non-compliance, and he is not shy to give the owner a ticket. Proper recycling instructions are distributed at the Municipal Complex, Library, Senior Center and during tabling events like Open House Days, Fall Funfest, Farmers Market. And other events Information is available on Margate’s web site, social media pages, newsletters and the yearly calendar which gets distributed to all households The ACUA has an excellent education branch about reducing, and recycling. We team up at city events like Beach Stock, Cherry Blossom Festival, Fall Funfest and Shop Small weekend to help promote waste reduction and recycling. Promotion material’s with the occasional visit from the character “Super Can” are distributed at these events Every year the school system has some form of recycling/environmental education. This year we hosted the Recycling Magician who through entertaining magic, explained to the students on how to reduce and the importance of recycling.

    Community Paper Shredding Day

    5 Points

    Program Summary: To promote proper recycling and to assist the residents of Margate to properly and safely disposes of their personal records, the City of Margate conducts 2 shredding events a year. Two annual shredding events were held at the city yard in 2023. These events were held on April 22nd and November 18th. Margate's Recycling Coordinator, Anthony Edge, promoted and organized the bi-annual shredding events. The events are held from 9 am - 12 noon at the public works facility, which has convenient in and out access. The city advertised the event through its facebook page, posted flyers and articles in the regional news media. The City of Margate and Borough of Longport shared services for this event.

    Recycling Depot

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Recycling Depot update 2024. To help residents manage their recycling and household waste, the city of Margate established the Margate City Convenience Center (MCCC) in 1992. Although Margate City provides weekly trash and recycling collection, the MCCC provides an opportunity for residents to discard their trash and recyclables at the yard if they are unable to place their trash and recycling cans at the curb on collection day. Hours of operation are Sunday 11 am - 3 pm, Tuesday 1 pm -3 pm and Thursday 1 pm - 3 pm. The MCCC is open to accepting single stream recycling materials as well as brick, block, metal, yard waste, and electronics as well as household trash. Staff is on hand to help residents dispose of their waste in the proper containers. The MCCC has containers for single stream plastics, metal, trash and yard waste. In addition to the Convenience Center, recycling bins are left outside the yard weekdays between 7am and 3pm for recycling drop off material. Information about the MCCC is posted on the city’s website, Facebook page, newsletters, local cable information channel, and calendar.