Township of Lower

07/19/2024

Registration is now open for the Coombs Douglass Memorial Bay Run. This is the 22nd year of the consolidation of the Robert Coombs Memorial Bay Run and the David C. Douglass, Sr. Memorial Race. This year’s featured event is a certified 5-mile race as well as a 2-mile health run/walk on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Both courses are scenic and are located primarily along the beautiful Delaware Bay.
Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of South Jersey. Sign up TODAY!

The Coombs/Douglass Memorial Bay Run (5 Mile & 2 Mile) is on Saturday August 3, 2024. It includes the following events: 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Run.

07/19/2024

07/18/2024

Lifeguards Are Still Wanted for the Lower Township Community Pool! Send your resumes or letters of interest (and any questions) to [email protected]

07/17/2024

The Big House Band at Cape May - Lewes Ferry. Lower Township Summer Concert Series!!

07/16/2024

Lower Township and local officials welcomed Sea and Leaf Dispensary, located at 3860 Bayshore Road, during their grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.

07/16/2024

Lower Township held a ribbon cutting at Diamond Beach Park to formally open the space for public enjoyment. Renovation to the park included: new playground equipment, pickleball courts shade structures, adult fitness area, picnic tables, trash cans, park benches, bike racks with an air pump, water station and bathroom upgrades.

07/15/2024

The Lower Township FREE summer concert series kicked off last week with a great crowd on the Ferry Terminal Green. Be sure to come out to the Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminal Green this Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 5:30pm to experience one of the East Coast’s top rated party bands - The Big House Band.

With a powerhouse vocal line up featuring Jimi Milligan from NBC's hit show, 'The Voice', along with Stephanie Chiofalo, and a group of some of the best musicians in the region, The Big House Band has been rocking the Philadelphia area and beyond for over 25 years! They feature incredible lead vocals that have caught the ears of the producers of American Idol, The Voice and America's Got Talent, a phenomenal touch of sax, a slammin' rhythm section… and a list of tunes that covers everything from Sinatra, soul, funk, Motown, rock, pop, country and current hits.

07/12/2024

Weather Update:
Lower Township youth flag football has been moved inside the LCMR Fieldhouse tomorrow (7/13/24). Times for all levels will remain the same.

07/12/2024

Weather Cancellation -
Due to today’s inclement weather, the Lower Township pool closed at 12:00pm today, Friday, July 12, and will reopen tomorrow morning.

07/11/2024

Lower Township Council Meeting Reminder:
On Monday, July 15, 2024 at the Lower Township Council Meeting scheduled for 5:00 pm at the Town Hall, 2600 Bayshore Road; Lower Township Mayor and Council will host Peter Lomax from the Lomax Consulting Group, who will be giving a brief presentation on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) draft rule. The REAL rule proposal relies on sea level rise projections from the Rutgers University 2019 Science and Technical Advisory Panel. Mr. Lomax will be explaining what the new rules will mean to property owners and their flood hazard expectations. This rule change will affect a majority of property owners in Lower Township.

07/11/2024

On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 the Lower Township Summer Concert Series kicked off with a great crowd for Split Decison!

Concerts run weekly every Wednesday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. and wraps up at about 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring beach chairs, snacks, blankets, family and friends and enjoy an evening of live music and the best sunsets. No tickets are needed.

Parking is free and food and beverages are available to purchase. Food and beverages are able to be brought into the concert area. Please remember, carry-in alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Well - behaved leashed pets are welcome. There are no rain dates.

The summer lineup continues with:

• Wednesday, July 17 – The Big House Band

• Wednesday, July 24 – Legacy

• Wednesday, July 31 – Jimmy and the Parrots

• Wednesday, August 7 – Fat Mezz

• Tuesday, August 20 – Amish Outlaws, Children’s Fund Benefit Concert

Funding for the concert series has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage.

07/10/2024

Split Decision Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminal. First concert of the summer!😎

07/10/2024

First concert of the summer-Cape May - Lewes Ferry. Split Decision

07/09/2024

Lower Township’s Free Concert Series is Back!

Grab your friends and a beach chair and head to the first concert of the season, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal Green/Coastline Realty Stage.

The concert series kicks off with Philadelphia’s own cover band of the year-Split Decision!

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council of the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage.

07/09/2024

Registration is now open for the Coombs Douglass Memorial Bay Run. This is the 22nd year of the consolidation of the Robert Coombs Memorial Bay Run and the David C. Douglass, Sr. Memorial Race. This year’s featured event is a certified 5-mile race as well as a 2-mile health run/walk on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Both courses are scenic and are located primarily along the beautiful Delaware Bay.
Proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of South Jersey. Sign up TODAY!

The Coombs/Douglass Memorial Bay Run (5 Mile & 2 Mile) is on Saturday August 3, 2024. It includes the following events: 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Run.

07/05/2024

Reminder: Whale of a Day Festival is Saturday July 6, 2024. Clubhouse Road closure will be from 6am to 5pm.

ROAD CLOSURE on Clubhouse Dr. - Saturday, 7-6-24 from 6am to 5pm for Whale of a Day Festival

The Lower Township Police Department would like to inform motorists and residents in the Town Bank section of North Cape May, that Clubhouse Drive will be closed from Town Bank Road to Elwood Avenue, for the annual Whale of a Day Festival on Saturday, July 6, 2024. All traffic will be diverted to Shore Drive, which runs parallel to Clubhouse Drive, from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., on the day of the event. The Lower Township Police Department would like to thank residents and motorists in advance for their anticipated cooperation.

07/04/2024

Happy Fourth of July from Lower Township! Wishing our residents and visitors a fun filled day with family and friends. Remember to celebrate safely. 🇺🇸
Check out these 📸 from the annual Independence Day Festival held along the bayfront in North Cape May on July 3. Feel free to add your own in the comments.

07/03/2024

Looks like a beautiful summer evening for the Lower Township Independence Day Festival and Fireworks!

Lower Township’s annual Independence Day Festival and fireworks display will be on the bayfront on Wednesday July 3, 2024 beginning at 5 p.m. The event, held along the township’s bay front in North Cape May, is an evening full of live music, family entertainment, food vendors, free children's amusement rides and one of the largest fireworks displays in the area.

The festival begins at 5:00 p.m. on Beach Drive, along the bay front in North Cape May between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue.

Festivalgoers can dance to live music up and down Beach Drive, shop from vendors, enjoy delicious food and children can enjoy free carnival rides on Washington Boulevard and Franklin Avenue.

This year the bands include The Zone, Karate Garage, High Five Swan Dive and social media teen sensation Burn the Jukebox.

As the festival winds down around 8:45 p.m., grab your beach blankets and chairs and head down to the bay to watch the fireworks illuminate the Delaware Bay. The fireworks will start shortly after 9:00p.m. and will be launched from a barge close to Emerson Avenue to enable more of the township to see the
display.

07/02/2024

REMINDER: Lower Township's yoga flow class on July 4 is cancelled due to the holiday. Classes will resume as regularly scheduled (Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Millman Center for $5 per class) on Thursday, July 11 at 6 p.m.

07/02/2024

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

In accordance with Resolution #2024-228, the Township of Lower has determined that it is appropriate to offer for sale certain real property not need for a public use. The Township Council of the Township of Lower has authorized the following properties not needed for a public use to be sold at an open public auction:

40 E Pacific Avenue ​​Block 88 ​Lot 23
101 Georgia Avenue ​​Block 233.01 ​Lot 1
38 A W Virginia Avenue​​Block 163 ​Lot 7
W Rio Grande Avenue ​​Block 816 ​Lot 12

Pursuant to the New Jersey Local Lands and Buildings Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12-1 et seq., the Township of Lower may sell any real property not needed for public use to the highest bidder by open public bidding at auction or by submission of sealed bids provided that said method of bidding is advertised in a newspaper circulating within the municipality by two insertions at least once a week during two consecutive weeks, said notices to be published in the Cape May Star and Wave on July 10 and July 17, 2024.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:12-13(a), the Township of Lower intends to conduct a LIVE OPEN PUBLIC AUCTION on JULY 19, 2024 at 9:00am at the Lower Township Municipal Building located at 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas, NJ, 08251.

The Township is hereby setting a minimum bid requirement of:

40 E. Pacific Avenue ​Block 88 Lot 23​ $ 121,000.00 ​
101 Georgia Avenue ​Block 233.01 Lot 1 $ 152,000.00
38A W. Virginia Avenue​Block 163 Lot 7​ $ 19,000.00
W. Rio Grande Avenue ​Block 816 Lot 12 $ 72,000.00

The Township reserves the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. The terms and conditions of the sale are outlined within Resolution #2024- 228 and the form Agreement of Sale attached thereto and on file in the Township Clerk’s Office. The terms and conditions associated with the sale of these properties are non-negotiable.
The successful bidder will be required to tender a deposit in the amount of Ten (10%) Percent of the winning bid amount in cash, certified check, or bank check on the date of said public auction. Winning bidders shall be required to execute an Agreement of Sale to purchase the property in question, a copy of which is on file in the Lower Township Clerk’s Office located at 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas, New Jersey 08251. All bids shall be referred to the Township Council for its review, and are subject to its final approval.
In addition to the 10% deposit, all successful bidders shall be responsible for paying the sum of $150.00 for the preparation and recording of a deed conveying title from the Township to the successful bidder. Said Deed will be prepared by the Township Solicitor. The successful bidder must also sign a contract to purchase the subject property, a copy of which is on file in the Township Clerk’s office, at the time of the auction.
For additional information regarding the auction, please contact the Township Clerk’s Office at 609-886-2005 X113.

07/02/2024

Lower Township Mayor Frank Sippel Provides Monthly Updates on the Diamond Beach Park Refurbishment, Lower Township’s Independence Celebration, the Return of the Summer Concert Series, the Coombs Douglass Memorial Run and Emergency Medical Services

In a pre-recorded message, Lower Township Mayor Frank Sippel gave a monthly update to residents via an automated telephone call where he discussed the Diamond Beach Park refurbishment, Lower Township’s annual independence celebration, the return of the summer concert series, the provider for emergency medical services in the township.

Diamond Beach Park in Lower Township has reopened as of June 28, 2024 for public enjoyment after a renovation project.

The renovation included: new playground equipment, pickleball courts, shade structures, adult fitness area, picnic tables and trash cans, park benches, bike racks and an air pump, water station and bathroom upgrades.

Please note, the restrooms are still undergoing finishing touches and will be reopened in the near future.

Lower Township’s annual Independence Day Festival and fireworks display will return to the bayfront on Wednesday July 3, 2024 beginning at 5 p.m. The event, held along the township’s bay front in North Cape May, is an evening full of live music, family entertainment, food vendors, free children's amusement rides and one of the largest fireworks displays in the area.

The festival begins at 5:00 p.m. on Beach Drive, along the bay front in North Cape May between Lincoln Boulevard and Emerson Avenue.

Festivalgoers can dance to live music up and down Beach Drive, shop from vendors, enjoy delicious food and children can enjoy free carnival rides on Washington Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. This year the bands include The Zone, Karate Garage, High Five Swan Dive and social media teen sensation Burn the Jukebox.

As the festival winds down around 8:45 p.m., grab your beach blankets and chairs and head down to the bay to watch the fireworks illuminate the Delaware Bay. The fireworks will start shortly after 9:00p.m. and will be launched from a barge close to Emerson Avenue to enable more of the township to see the display.

This summer also brings the return of the Free Family Concert Series at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminal Green!

Concerts run weekly every Wednesday evening starting Wednesday July 10 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and wraps up at about 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring beach chairs, snacks, blankets, family and friends and enjoy an evening of live music and the best sunsets. No tickets are needed.

Parking is free and food and beverages are available to purchase. Food and beverages are able to be brought into the concert area. Please remember, carry-in alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Well - behaved leashed pets are welcome. There are no rain dates.

The summer lineup includes:

• Wednesday, July 10 – Split Decision

• Wednesday, July 17 – The Big House Band

• Wednesday, July 24 – Legacy

• Wednesday, July 31 – Jimmy and the Parrots

• Wednesday, August 7 – Fat Mezz

• Tuesday, August 20 – Amish Outlaws, Children’s Fund Benefit Concert

Funding for the concert series has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Cape May County Division of Culture & Heritage.

On August 3, 2024, Lower Township will hold the annual Robert Coombs Memorial Bay Run and the David C. Douglass, Sr. Memorial Race. For more information on this year’s race, please contact the Lower Township Department of Parks and Recreation at 609-886-7880.

Lower Township Council remains committed in providing first class quality emergency medical services for all residents and visitors. Lower Township has entered into a contract with AtlantiCare to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) and also Advance Life Support (Paramedics). Atlantic Care will start providing this service in early September.

06/30/2024

Weather Update:
Due to today’s inclement weather the Lower Township pool closed at 1:00pm today and will reopen tomorrow morning.

06/30/2024

ROAD CLOSURES on July 2-3, 2024 for Annual Fireworks Festival in North Cape May

The Lower Township Police Department will close Beach Drive and Shore Road to all street parking from Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the fireworks event at approximately 11:00 p.m. that evening. There will be “No Parking” signs posted along Beach and Shore Drive. Additionally, due to the large volume of pedestrians on the bay front attending the event, this area will also be closed to all vehicular and bicycle traffic from Town Bank Road to Lincoln Boulevard in North Cape May from 3:00 p.m. on July 3rd until the conclusion of the event. David C. Douglass Park will also be closed July 3nd at 12:00 a.m. and re-open on July 4th.

The last block of Washington Boulevard, from Atlantic Avenue to Beach Drive, will be posted “No Parking” from July 2nd at 10:00 a.m. until July 4th to allow for the setup and breakdown of several amusement rides that will be raised in that area. Vendors and amusement rides will stay open until approximately 10:00 p.m.

Motorists are warned not to block driveways, fire hydrants or intersections. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed and towed. There will be ample parking throughout North Cape May. Handicap parking will be available on Holmes Avenue, between Atlantic Avenue and Beach Drive and also Town Bank Road, between Fairview Road and Beach Drive.

In the event there are lost children, parents or guardians are directed to report the lost child to the nearest police officer, who will advise the Police Command Center, which will be located at Lincoln and Beach Drive.

In the event of rain, this event will be rescheduled for July 5, 2024, with the same time schedule.

06/29/2024

Diamond Beach Park in Lower Township is now reopened as of June 28, 2024 for public enjoyment after a renovation project.

The renovation included: new playground equipment, pickleball courts, shade structures, adult fitness area, picnic tables and trash cans, park benches, bike racks and an air pump, water station and bathroom upgrades.

Please note, the restrooms are still undergoing finishing touches and will be reopened in the near future.

06/24/2024

Congratulations to Patrolman Matthew Reilly for receiving the 2023 Top Cop Award for DWI Arrests in Cape May County. Ptlm. Reilly was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on June 24th in New Brunswick.

06/23/2024

The Cape May - Lewes Ferry Terminal Green is the place to be for live music in Lower Township this summer.

06/18/2024

Notice of Public Auction: Live public auction of properties to be held on June 21, 2024 at the Lower Township Municipal Building located at 2600 Bayshore Road.