April 20, 2009 Atlantic County Freeholder At Large candidate Angelo DeMaio and District 5 candidate Sam Mento III are calling upon Atlantic County government to roll up its sleeves and save the summer season for thousands of swimmers who annually flock to Lake Lenape in Hamilton Township.
The call is in reference to Hamilton Township's decision to close off The Cove swimming area on Lake Lenape due to budgetary constraints as well as Atlantic County's decision to prohibit swimming on its newly acquired 17.5 acre stretch of Lake Lenape.This section was formally called Lenape Park when it was owned by a private entity, which ran the popular beach and recreation area for decades.
Lakes, like beaches, are a natural resource that belong to the public, said DeMaio, who firmly believes that every possible scenario should be considered before simply closing a beach altogether.I can understand restricting the hours of operation or charging a small fee, but to completely restrict an area that has been a traditional swimming spot for so many throughout the county seems like another slap in the face to residents who are already going through tough times, said DeMaio referring to swimming areas at both The Cove and the Atlantic County Lenape Park.
Many people in the western end of the county prefer to go swimming in Lake Lenape because of its tranquility and convenience to their house, said Mento, referring to the fact that many county residents like local swimming spots, rather than battling traffic and crowds on the ocean beaches.But, the county should also consider that more people are apt to use these facilities during these difficult economic times when families may not be able to afford vacations.
DeMaio and Mento believe the Atlantic County government should sit down with Hamilton Township officials to explore any and all alternatives which might allow either The Cove or the now county-owned Lenape Park section to remain open for swimming.Because Lake Lenape is used by residents throughout Atlantic County and millions of county taxpayer dollars were spent to acquire the Lenape Park section, the county government is as much a stakeholder in protecting this resource, as the local Hamilton Township governing body.
A serious exploration might determine that with prudent management, The Cove could be run at no cost or even turn a small profit.A modest increase in fees, refreshment stand revenues and modified hours could allow this valuable community resource to remain open.As a viable alternative, the candidates believe the county should further consider allowing swimming in the Lenape Park section of the lake.
At the very least, these options should be explored by the county on a feasibility basis, stated DeMaio, who felt this plea to county government was important, given his opponent, Freeholder Frank Giordano's recent comments to the Press of Atlantic City on April 8th.Its disappointing to hear a sitting county freeholder simply give up and say The county can't really help,' without trying to pursue any and all options.
More time and effort should be put into finding a workable solution, said Mento, noting that Freeholder Chairman Jim Curcio stated in the same April 8th article that the issue should be discussed, but has yet to put it on the Board of Freeholders' agenda.Freeholder Curcio seems to be letting another valued community resource come to an end on his watch with little more than a half-hearted attempt to save it.
I am still upset with Demaio (the Atlantic City cop) who when faced with a 6 to 5 vote on the Atlantic City school budget he chose to ABSTAIN allowing a 25% tax increase to pass onto his local property taxpayers.
What is up his sleeve with this move? Is he looking for the county to pay for lifeguards in Atlantic City, Margate and Ventnor too? Let the local beach communities pay for there own life guards. I really do not want to hear about the county paying for lifeguards for the shore communities.
I think Demaio is looking to make up for the cowardly vote he had when he ABSTAINED allowing a 25% tax increase on the beach communities. Paying for the lifeguards for the beach communities will cost us a small fortune. I do not trust Atlantic City politicans and would never transfer county money to pay for there lifeguards on the beach!!!!
So let me get this straight, the two Democrats are complaining that the County purchased this private park, is spending millions renovating it, and opening up to the public free of charge, using the land as open space (so the taxpaying public can use it), and they are complaining about the beaches?
Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth. Nothing is good enough for Democrats I guess.......
MAYS LANDING - The days are getting longer and warmer. And a favorite community gathering place will be accessible to the public once again.
Lake Lenape Park, a 17.5 acre parcel located off Park Road, will re-open today as a passive recreation park for people to hold picnics, play softball or volleyball, or take a stroll. The park will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to dusk throughout the year.
The park was built in 1910. It used to be a privately owned amusement park with two Ferris wheels, a children's boat and other rides. Lake Lenape Park was also a popular place to hold picnics, fireworks displays and other events for decades.
In a press statement, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson invited residents and visitors to take advantage of the park's scenic landscape. It is adjacent to another county-owned park with the same name that covers about 2,000 acres, including the area known as The Cove. "The park is free and offers a great escape from the daily grind," he said.
The county government purchased Lake Lenape Park in November 2007 from Larry Boylan for $3.8 million, using funds from the county open-space trust fund and the state Green Acres program. After the purchase, the park was closed for several months while a committee drew up plans for the park's long-term use.
The park's beachfront will be open to sunbathing and walking, but the waters are off-limits to swimming, diving and wading due to liability issues, according to Linda Gilmore, the county spokeswoman. Non-motorized boats, such as canoes and kayaks, will be permitted to land on the beach. Pets on leashes will be allowed in the parking lot and open field, but not inside the gated area.
The park will undergo more renovations during the year. The entryway will be upgraded, the tennis courts will be resurfaced and a new bocce ball court will be installed, according to Eric Husta, the assistant county park superintendent. The catering hall is being updated to be disability-accessible. Gilmore said about $1 million to 1.5 million was set aside last year for the renovations. The park's iconic lighthouse and carousel, however, are still considered unsafe and will not be open to the public, Husta said.
I liked Rich Jacobus' letter to the editor. I think both mayoral and all six Dem and Rep candidates for council should go to the council meeting and stand up and speak. They can talk about the "financial signs" they see for the future of Hammonton. That would be good if they do this at the next council meeting. I wonder if they have the courage to speak out?
I hope the new hospital comes with extra handicapped parking spaces because Van Drew tends to park in the handicapped spaces if it can save him a few steps. Someone should tell Van Drew to leave the handicapped parking spaces for the senior citizens or people who need them.
Why did Van Drew waste the courts time fighting the ticket he was issued for parking in a handicapped spot? Is he above the law? Someone should tell Van Drew it is not an emergency when he and his election lawyer are downing some brewski's in Millville to warrant taking a disabled person's parking spot.
Walk a few extra steps .....the extra exercise will not hurt you!!!!
