Times Talk
The new SIC community center is expected to open in 2025. Photo on right: From left, Mayor Leonard Desiderio, Council President J.B. Feeley and Councilman Jack Gibson toss the first shovels full of dirt at the groundbreaking on May 4.
City Breaks Ground on Community Center
After a process that spanned more than seven years, Sea Isle City wasn’t about to let a little inclement weather rain on its historic day. Literally. The groundbreaking for its community center took place as planned on May 4.
More than 100 spectators braved the elements and lined up on the space that was previously occupied by Sea Isle City’s Elementary School for the official groundbreaking. The proposed 44,000-square-foot center is expected to quickly become the social and recreation heart of the city.
Designed by Toms River-based architect Henry Hengchua, the center will feature an NBA-sized gymnasium, an exercise room, a community room, two multipurpose rooms, an exterior patio, and an elevated walking and running track, along with office space for various municipal entities including the board of education and public safety. The facility will also feature plenty of on-site parking with both a garage under the facility and an exterior lot with a total of 88 parking spaces.
The city is planning for a 2025 grand opening.
The Community Lodge was packed with guests during Community Day on May 3.
Community Day a Huge Success
Despite less than favorable weather conditions throughout the day, there was a healthy turnout for Sea Isle City’s Community Day on May 3, at the Community Lodge. Residents had the opportunity to meet and interact with more than 25 local and county organizations and agencies. The event concluded with the presentation of the mayor’s special awards.
Mayor Desiderio unveils the “Haffert’s Folly” plaque.
Salute to a Sea Isle Visionary
Mayor Len Desiderio unveiled a plaque dedicated to former Mayor William Haffert Sr. on May 3. It acknowledges Haffert’s foresight in preserving open space and the view that every visitor to Sea Isle City enjoys as they cross the Sea Isle Boulevard bridge leading to JFK Boulevard. The permanent plaque memorializing Haffert’s steadfast vision despite numerous vocal critics is located on the corner of Park Boulevard and JFK Boulevard.
The new dog park opened on May 3. From left: Andrew Bulakowski, Melanie Collette, Bruno, and Mayor Desiderio.
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Cape May County Commissioners Andrew Bulakowski and Melanie Collette present Mayor Leonard Desiderio and the mayor’s well-dressed dog Bruno with a special proclamation following the ribbon-cutting at Sea Isle City’s new dog park on May 3. The proclamation congratulated the mayor and the city on the completion of what has been called the finest facility of its kind in South Jersey.