Times Talk
Team Avalon, from left: Jamie McDermott, Mari Coskey, Mayor John McCorristin, and Chet Johnson.
THE RESULTS ARE IN … TEAM AVALON RE-ELECTED
Avalon’s three incumbent Borough Council members – Mari Coskey, Jamie McDermott, and Chet Johnson – were all re-elected in the May 13 municipal election. Running unopposed, the trio secured another term and are eager to continue their work. Coskey, currently serving as Council President, and McDermott were first elected in 2021. Johnson had filled the unexpired term of Mayor John McCorristin.
Avalon continues to be a model for efficient governance. This Council helped shape the Borough’s proposed 2025 budget, which includes no tax-rate increase – marking the second consecutive year without a hike, and the 11th time in 12 years.
Christopher Palmer is sworn in as Chief of Police in Stone Harbor.
STONE HARBOR HAS A NEW POLICE CHIEF
Christopher Palmer has been named Chief of Police in Stone Harbor, effective March 3. A 21-year veteran of the force, Palmer began his career as a special officer in Avalon and rose steadily through the ranks. He succeeds Chief Thomas Schutta, who retired after 30 years of service. Palmer is a graduate of Elizabethtown College and holds a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He resides in Dennis Township with his wife and children.
Avalon’s Bay Park Marina under construction in mid-April.
AVALON BAY PARK MARINA NEARS COMPLETION
After months of upgrades, the Avalon Bay Park Marina is expected to be ready by Memorial Day weekend. Originally built 50 years ago, the facility now boasts a new boat ramp, parking lot, dockmaster building, sidewalks, and curbing. Piers at 53rd and 57th Streets, along with a gazebo, will be completed shortly thereafter. Residents with confirmed kayak storage spots can expect their berths and new launch facilities to be ready for use.
96th street playground will be open before the summer season begins.
LET’S PLAY … IN STONE HARBOR!
Stone Harbor’s two public playgrounds are undergoing major renovations thanks to a $1.2 million county grant and $750,000 in state funding. The 96th Street playground will reopen before summer, featuring new slides, benches, a regulation-sized basketball court, and enhanced bocce courts. Renovations for Jake’s Place at 82nd Street, named in honor of a young child with a rare medical condition, will begin post-summer. It will feature all-inclusive equipment for users of all ages and abilities. Mayor Tim Carney shared that these projects will enhance recreational opportunities for the entire community.
Avalon Lions Club president Dan Donohoe presented John Tracy with the Melvin Jones Award.
JOHN TRACY RECEIVES MELVIN JONES AWARD
The Avalon Lions Club has honored John Tracy, longtime manager of The Whitebrier Restaurant, with the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. Tracy is the first nonmember of the club to receive the honor, which recognizes exemplary service aligned with the Lions’ mission. A native of Avalon and the son of Liz Tracy and John Tracy, he is expected to assume a leadership role at the Union League’s new Avalon facility.
WETLANDS INSTITUTE WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS
The Wetlands Institute has added Liz Thomas and Raymond Burke III to its Board of Trustees. Thomas, cofounder of Thomas/Boyd Communications and a longtime Seven Mile Beach resident, joins the board for the first time. Burke, of Burke Motors, returns after a brief hiatus. The board supports the institute’s mission to promote appreciation and stewardship of wetlands and coastal ecosystems through research, education, and public outreach.
WAHL JOINS NATIONAL COASTAL COALITION BOARD
Scott Wahl, Avalon’s longtime Borough Administrator, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the American Coastal Coalition. With this appointment, Avalon gains a voice in a national organization that advocates for beach and bayfront communities. The coalition collaborates with Congress, FEMA, and the Army Corps of Engineers to protect funding and support for coastal projects. Wahl has served the Borough for 16 years.
AVALON ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION INITIATIVES
The Avalon Environmental Commission is launching two exciting initiatives for 2025 that aim to inspire sustainable landscaping and environmental awareness across the community. These efforts not only encourage property owners to create beautiful green spaces but also engage local youth in hands-on environmental learning.
New this year is the Avalon 2025 Beautification Awards. Property owners can nominate their own homes – or those of neighbors – for recognition in two categories: Best Overall and Best Use of Native Species. Judging will take place in late July and early August by a panel of commission and Avalon Garden Club members. Winners will receive commemorative plaques and public recognition. Submissions can be made on the commission’s page at avalonboro.net.
Also debuting in 2025 is the “Green Thumb Team,” a joint effort by the Environmental Commission, Tree Committee, and Garden Club to promote environmental stewardship among children. Kids can pick up native tree seedlings from the commission, along with planting instructions and a free Green Thumb T-shirt. Participants will be eligible for prizes at six and 12 months. A helpful sustainable landscaping guide featuring native plants is also available online to help residents beautify their properties while supporting the local ecosystem.
The county’s need to limit the weight of trucks on Avalon Blvd. affected the backfill schedule.
NORTH END BEACHES: RELIEF IS ON THE WAY
Beach replenishment is coming to Avalon’s north end via the long-anticipated sand back-passing project. Delayed to avoid spring storms, the project also faced setbacks due to Cape May County’s emergency bridge inspections and temporary weight restrictions. Work is now slated to begin after Memorial Day weekend, with all equipment removed by 8am daily to ensure beachgoers enjoy unobstructed access. Two of the four previously closed beach paths are expected to reopen by the holiday weekend.