As a courtesy to our SHPOA Members, we’re bringing you a summary of each Stone Harbor Work Session and Council Meeting. Intended as summaries, these intentionally don’t have a lot of details and are not a substitute for the official Borough minutes.
Work Session
BEACH Replenishment
Avalon Borough Business Administrator Scott Wahl presented on the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act, also known as the BEACH Act. The Act was recently signed into law and allows Avalon and Stone Harbor to mine Hereford Inlet sand for federally authorized beach replenishments.

The legislation addressed an issue with the recent beach replenishments in Stone Harbor and Avalon. Sand had to be pumped from Townsends Inlet, increasing costs and limiting the amount of sand available to the communities. 
Officials expect replenishment for the next beach fill in 2026 could also improve navigation in Hereford Inlet.

Retiring Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour Presented with Flowers
The Administration and Finance Committee presented the mayor with flowers and a plaque to recognize her for her years of public service including as mayor of Stone Harbor. The public is set to be invited to recognize the mayor at the December 17, 2024, borough meeting.

The Drought
The Governor declared a drought warning advisory. This is the highest level of voluntary restrictions before they become mandatory. Right now, Stone Harbor is not affected but has reduced water use and has asked residents to do the same.
97th Street Playground Update
Work continues at the playground on 97th Street. Construction is underway for the concrete work and installation of a block wall. All the playground equipment has been delivered. The original timing was to have the equipment installed before Christmas cold temperatures which may delay the completion.

Green Acres Grant for the 82nd Street Playground? 
Stone Harbor is seeking a state Green Acres grant for the playground at 82nd Street. Green Acres grants are now available to municipalities to pay 75% of the costs for all-inclusive playgrounds for children and adults with special needs. This program evolved from Jake’s Place, a nationally ranked, award-winning all-inclusive playground located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. 
A significant part of the process is community outreach, and as Stone Harbor continues through the process of obtaining the grant, it will be important for members of the Stone Harbor community to get involved and help this effort succeed.

Public works
The town has been decorated for the holidays.

There are some ongoing road closures in town for hot patching. Water main repairs are being done on 3rd Avenue between 96th and 99th Streets and should be finished mid-December. Repaving of that road is scheduled for the spring, and at the latest by Memorial Day. The Point access road remains closed and the borough continues to monitor it closely.
Public Comment
A member of the public requested that Stone Harbor pass an ordinance requiring dumpster companies to put in place covers when full dumpsters are taken off the island.

Regular Meeting
The council approved ordinances raising construction fees and designating metered parking places in the regular meeting.

To read legislation discussed at the meeting, please click: https://stoneharbornj.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12.03.2024-Regular-Meeting-Agenda-and-Documents.pdf
To view a video of the meeting, please click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XbBco_h7a8

NOTE: The Cape May County Herald recently had  articles related to topics covered at this Council Meeting. These articles can be found along with others as part of their coverage of Stone Harbor.

As you may know, our friends at the Cape May County Herald are offering SHPOA members only an exclusive discount for Herald subscriptions — 25% OFF with code “SHPOA” — and they are also providing your association advertising space in print and online for us to promote the association and the initiatives important to our members.

To subscribe and use the discount, please click on https://capemaycountyherald.com/subscribe/ and use promo code “SHPOA” at checkout to claim your 25% discount. Only valid for new subscribers.
To read past Stone Harbor Council Meeting summaries, please click here: https://www.stoneharborpoa.org/category/borough-meeting-summaries/

To watch recordings of past meetings, please click here: https://stoneharbornj.org/agendameetings/watch-mayor-and-council-meetings-online/