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Sustainable Jersey Certification Report

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This is the Sustainable Jersey Certification Report of Cape May Point Boro, a Sustainable Jersey bronze certified applicant.

Cape May Point Boro was certified on September 21, 2023 with 170 points. Listed below is information regarding Cape May Point Boro’s Sustainable Jersey efforts and materials associated with the applicant’s certified actions.

Contact Information

The designated Sustainable Jersey contact for Cape May Point Boro is:

Name:Catherine Busch
Title/Position:Commissioner / Public Works, Parks and Public Property
Address:215 Lighthouse Avenue P.O. Box 409
Cape May Point, NJ 08212
Phone:609-884-8468 x18

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Cape May Point Boro was approved for in 2023 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • Animals in the Community

    Pledge Supporting NJ Wildlife Action Plan *Retired 12/31/22*

    10 Points

    Program Summary: In the previous certification cycle, the Borough Commissioners passed a resolution pledging support of NJWAP on April 9, 2020 (attached). In early June 2020, a memo was distributed to key staff (attached) and distribution of that memo is also attached. The Pledge along with supporting documents was posted on the Borough website https://www.capemaypoint.org/community/our-environment.html and shared with community volunteer organizations that conduct activities on public lands. Activities undertaken in 2021 and 2022 to protect critical habitat of public lands in support of the Wildlife Pledge around Lake Lily include: 1. Ended the use of algaecides and herbicides in Lake Lily and switched to a lake management company that uses environmentally-friendly methods to reduce nitrogen and phosphates, promote a re-balanced eco-system, and reduce the risk of Harmful Algae Bloom. After two years of treatments (2021-2022), the water quality has improved and better supports wildlife. 2. Continued the removal of invasive species from the riparian buffer and added native woody plants. Also, continued to add native perennials, trees, and shrubs to the public park at the southern edge for the benefit of pollinators and birds. The Borough increased efforts to remove invasive trees and shrubs from our parks and natural areas. For documentation, see the attached 2021 and 2022 annual reports from the Public Works Commissioner mailed to all property owners and posted on our website https://capemaypoint.org/government/commissioner.html The Environmental Commission also sent out numerous news alerts, articles, and posters to educate residents on topics that support native wildlife documented in the following actions: Innovative Projects - Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, Community Education and Outreach.

  • Community Partnership & Outreach

    Green Team

    10 Points
    Bronze Required Silver Required

    Program Summary: The Cape May Point Green Team was appointed in August 2016, and met regularly September through December 2016 to research the feasibility of applying for certification in 2017. A report was submitted to the CMP Commissioners and the decision was made to go forward with the certification process in 2017. Bronze certification was achieved in 2017 and re-certification in 2020. With the election of the Green Team Chair to Borough Commissioner, it was decided to assign the Green Team to the Environmental Commission. There was always significant overlap in members, and the Borough Commissioners passed a resolution in January, 2021 (see attached) to permanently assign responsibility and coordination to the Environmental Commission. This is documented on our website here https://capemaypoint.org/government/green-team-advisory-committee.html and a current list of members of the Environmental Commission can be found here https://capemaypoint.org/government/environmental-commission.html . The Green Team is a standing item on the EC agenda and most months there is discussion of on-going and planned projects. See attached minutes from February 2022 and August 2022 for examples.

    Community Education & Outreach

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Green Team held two, in-person nature walks around Lake Lily. Each was publicized on the Cape May Point website with email notifications send to all residents that signed up to receive town announcements. The first occurred on January 30th (this also was noted in the local paper) and the second occurred on March 12th. Attendees were taught about wintering waterfowl identification and where they migrate to for breeding; improvements in water quality and upkeep of the lake; and restoration efforts of the flora surrounding the lake, including removal of invasives and replacement with natives. The attendees commended the team for the walks, expressed how well the information was presented, and how much they enjoyed the walks.

  • Emergency Management

    Coastal Vulnerability Assessment *Retired 12/31/22*

    20 Points

    Program Summary: Cape May Point completed their Municipal Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, May, 2016 Final Report (CVA) with the assistance of Sustainable Jersey staff (attached). The report includes the required elements, and it was distributed to the governing body, key staff, and the Planning Board (attached). The Planning Board's "2017 Master Plan Reexamination Report and Master Plan Amendment" (attached, see page 18) included the CVA report in the appendices and addressed recommendations for going forward in becoming a more resilient community. The CVA was given to the Environmental Commission for preparing their "Environmental Resource Inventory Re-Examination and Update, 2017" (approved in another action in 2017) and information and four maps from the CVA were incorporated into Chapter 10 (attached).

    Emergency Communications Planning

    15 Points

    Program Summary: This action was approved in 2017 and 2020. The Emergency Management plan remains the same. See the attached Emergency Communication Planning Submission Checklist and supporting documents ESF 2, ESF 15, a Sept 29, 2022 news alert, and a screen shot of the June 2, 2022 test of the Code Red text alert managed by Cape May County. In January 2020, Cape May Point significantly improved the Borough website which included for the first time, a system that could handle sign-ups for email alerts and notifications (see https://www.capemaypoint.org/newsletter-notices-signup.html). See also the Code Red Emergency Notification Signup on the Home page. The Emergency Management page (https://www.capemaypoint.org/departments/emergency-management.html) provides contact information for Borough EM Coordinator and staff as well as an explanation of the different emergency siren codes.

    Vulnerable Populations Identification for Emergencies

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Information about Register Ready is on the Borough website https://www.capemaypoint.org/community/important-links.html. Register Ready brochures and paper forms (attached) are available in the lobby of the municipal building and the post office. The Borough maintains an email list for those who have signed up via the website for Alerts & Notifications. This system is used once a year during hurricane season to remind everyone to prepare and sign-up for Code Red Emergency Notifications and for the Register Ready database (see attached email alerts from 2021 & 2022). Hurricane preparedness and Code Red and Register Ready is also discussed at least once a year at Borough meetings.

  • Innovative Projects

    Innovative Community Project 2

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Cape May Point is well known for concentrations of migrating monarchs. Since 1990, NJ Audubon has had a research and education program focusing on the fall migration of monarch butterflies along the Atlantic coast, the Monarch Monitoring Project. This includes Cape May Point. It was a automatic fit that the Green Team/EC supported the monarchs and educated its residents on how to do so as well. Education was accomplished through website articles, requests for photographs, publicization of the National Wildlife Foundation of the Mayors’ Monarchs Pledge and posters at Town Hall, the Post Office, and kiosks located at beach entrances. The Green Team supported the monarchs both with additional milkweed for the caterpillars and nectaring plants in the Fall. Revitalization of a large, horseshoe-shaped bed was undertaken. The invasive species were removed and replaced with native plants. It was a very labor-intensive undertaking. The transformation of the bed was the perfect opportunity to educate residents about native plants and providing food for both Monarch caterpillars and migrating monarchs. For our work the Cape May Point Taxpayers Association presented the group with a local Heritage Award. The front page of the Cape May Point website had a slideshow of Monarch photographs submitted by the residents.

  • Land Use & Transportation

    Bicycle and/or Pedestrian Plan

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation's Local Bicycle/Pedestrian Planning Assistance Program, the City of Cape May and the Borough of Cape May Point are finalizing "BikeWalk Cape May", a joint bicycle and pedestrian plan that seeks to improve mobility and safety for non-motorized traffic. This plan included a detailed review and inventory of pedestrian and bicycle traffic generators, crashes, and overall conditions at major intersections and along key corridors. Following that review, a series of conceptual recommendations have been developed to address many existing deficient conditions. Ultimately, the recommendations are intended to create a robust bicycle and pedestrian network that better links the two communities, enhances connections between neighborhoods and key destinations, expands the existing on-street bicycle network, leverages the communities' historic and natural assets, and strengthens Cape May and Cape May Point as major tourist destinations. The uploaded supporting documentation includes a draft of the plan as well as flyer advertising public meeting to solicit public input to the proposed plan before its final adoption by the City of Cape May and Borough of Cape May Point. Reviewer Feedback The "Must Revise" component requests a copy of the governing body resolution incorporating the Bicycle Plan into the Municipal Master Plan within 10 years of the June submission date. Please note, the governing body does not produce the Master Plan. It is developed and approved by the Municipal Planning Board. We have attached the 2017 Amended Master Plan. Also attached are the Planning Board's approval of the Plan in addition to the governing body's acknowledgement of the Plan. The Master Plan approved by the Planning Board and acknowledged by the governing body incorporates the Bicycle Plan within its circulation element.

    Green Infrastructure Implementation

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Project 1: The Municipal Rain Garden was designed and installed in July, 2019 by Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program staff and interns. The Borough’s Public Works staff assisted with preparation, grading, and mulching the site. The project was funded by a Sustainable Jersey grant and was reviewed and overseen by the Environmental Commission. The rain garden was designed to manage stormwater from two downspouts that drain 2700 square feet from the front roof. See the attached Rutgers Design and Installation Plan and Rain Garden Photos. Project 2: A Permeable Pavement walkway was installed as a part of a renovated ADA-accessible Lake Lily Park. The product chosen, Porous Pave (https://www.porouspaveinc.com/), was reviewed by the Borough Engineer and recommended by the Environmental Commission after a public hearing to be used instead of concrete. This was the first use of this product in Cape May County. Documentation includes an aerial view after installation and contract details (attached). Education: A Rain Garden workshop was held Sept. 7, 2019 and was attended by 16 participants. The Borough website https://www.capemaypoint.org/community/our-environment.html has links to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program Rain Gardens page and to Porous Pave. A custom sign was installed, and can be seen in the previously referenced photo library and in a flier describing the Municipal Building Rain Garden on the Borough website. A Rutgers Rain Gardens brochure was printed and distributed at tabling events and in the Municipal Building lobby. See the attached education documentation. Maintenance: Public Works staff are responsible for maintaining both projects using guidelines provided by Rutgers and Porous Pave. The attached maintenance instructions were provided to the Public Works Director who ensures that maintenance is done properly by his staff.

  • Natural Resources

    Natural Resource Inventory

    20 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: Cape May Point’s 1999 Environmental Resource Inventory (aka Natural Resource Inventory) was reviewed and revised over the past six months by Environmental Commission members. A consultant reviewed the draft document, the same consultant who conducted an extensive survey and inventory of plant and animal species in the Borough in 2014. The new ERI includes Vegetation and Wildlife chapters based on the consultant’s report, much of the original text of the 1999 ERI, updated information from Cape May Point’s Master Plan (2007), the Master Plan Reexamination Report and Master Plan Amendment (2017), and from online sources including the Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist at Rutgers University, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Maps were developed from online GIS applications as well as taken from other Borough publications. An Open Space Inventory was developed for the first time. New to this edition is the chapter on Critical Environmental Areas. This is of particular importance for assisting in the protection of undeveloped parcels for the benefit of endangered and threatened species of plants and wildlife. As a largely built-out residential community that values its natural vegetation, wildlife, recreation, and seaside setting, those elements that are most relevant to the community have been addressed in this edition. The draft Environmental Resource Inventory Re-Examination and Update, 2017 was approved by the Environmental Commission at the September 13, 2017 public meeting. A resolution to incorporate it into the Master Plan was passed by the Planning Board at the October 18, 2017 public meeting. As the ERI is too large to upload, it can be found on the Borough website on the Downloads and Links page. http://www.capemaypoint.org/downloads-links.html

    Environmental Commission

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Cape May Point Environmental Commission (EC) was established in 1988, view the ordinance here: https://ecode360.com/35930108, and has been an active component of local government ever since. The EC meets monthly throughout the year and works closely with Borough Commissioners (one of whom serves as a liaison member) and community groups to restore and preserve natural resources in the Borough of Cape May Point. Please see the 2022 EC Annual Report for the past year's accomplishments.

    Habitat Conservation Ordinance

    10 Points

    Program Summary: Cape May Point was the first municipality in New Jersey to enact a Landscape Ordinance specifically to preserve natural habitat as the town continued development. Following the adoption of the ordinance in 1990, the New Jersey Audubon Society gave its Conservation Award to the Environmental Commission "for leadership in protecting New Jersey habitat for migratory birds.” As a result, the majority of developed properties in Cape May Point have a minimum of 60% overall area of each lot covered by vegetation to include the retention or replacement of trees and shrubs which benefit migrant and resident wildlife. When a property is developed, significantly altered, or more than 25% of the vegetation is removed, trees must be retained or replaced per the ordinance. See the 150-21 Landscaping and Vegetation Plan on page 7 of the Zoning Ordinance.

  • Operations & Maintenance

    Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy by Resolution *Retired 12/31/23*

    5 Points

    Program Summary: On September 22, 2020 the Cape May Point Commissioners passed a resolution supporting a Green Purchasing Policy. The policy was distributed to all Department and Division heads as documented by the attached memo and affidavit from the Borough Clerk. The policy can be found at the following link on the Borough’s website https://www.capemaypoint.org/government/document-center/green-team/1405-green-purchasing-policy-1/file.html

  • Public Information & Engagement

    Improve Public Engagement in Municipal Government

    10 Points

    Program Summary: The Borough of Cape May Point has been working on improving Public Engagement for the past few years by establishing regular communication with residents and property owners rather than relying on the private taxpayer's association to "get the word out. In addition to the details in the supporting documentation, the governing body decided to continue all public meetings via Zoom post-pandemic to allow better participation by seasonal residents and property owners. As a shore community, many interested parties are not able to physically attend meetings year-round. By continuing meetings via Zoom, we have more people attending meetings regularly.

  • Waste Management

    Prescription Drug Safety & Disposal

    10 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: In 2017, the Borough of Cape May Point and the Cape May City Police Department (CMPD) initiated a partnership to promote the Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal Program for the benefit of Cape May Point residents and visitors. This partnership was an outgrowth of our shared services agreement whereby we contract with CMPD to provide police enforcement. The program is known as Project Medicine Drop and information is posted on the Cape May Police website here https://crimewatch.net/us/nj/cape-may/cape-may-pd/88056/content/project-medicine-drop. An updated program poster advertising Project Medicine Drop (attached) is in the lobby of the Municipal Building and outside the U.S. Post Office (see attached photos) where it is seen by all property owners who receive mail here (no home delivery). The poster is also on the Borough website - https://www.capemaypoint.org/community/our-environment.html - where it is titled "How to Properly Dispose of Your Unused Medicines." Reports of the prescriptions collected and disposed of by the Cape May Police Department over the past year is attached. Separate amounts for Cape May Point are not kept by the Cape May Police.