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84-737: West Cape May is a Walsh Act borough in Cape May County , in the U.S. state of New Jersey . The borough, and all of Cape May County, is part of the South Jersey region of the state and of the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area , which is part of the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Camden , PA -NJ- DE - MD combined statistical area , also known as the Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area . As of

168-410: A 60.3% turnout. The West Cape May School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at West Cape May Elementary School. As of the 2021–22 school year, the district, comprised of one school, had an enrollment of 88 students and 10.3 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.6:1. In the 2016–17 school year, the district had 98 students, making it

252-825: A Department Director and holds all the executive, administrative, judicial and legislative powers, with no single chief executive. An ordinance adopted by the Board of Commissioners in December 2012 shifted the borough's municipal elections from May to November. As of 2024, the borough's commissioners are Mayor Carol E. Sabo (Commissioner of Revenue and Finance), Deputy Mayor George Dick (Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Public Property; elected to serve an unexpired term) and Giacomo "Jack" Antonicello (Commissioner of Public Affairs and Public Safety; elected to serve an unexpired term), who are all serving concurrent terms of office that end December 31, 2025. In October 2022, Alan Crawford

336-601: A five-day-long fire destroyed 30 blocks of the town center. Replacement homes were almost uniformly of Victorian style, and more recent protectionist efforts have left Cape May with many famously well-maintained Victorian houses—the second largest collection of such homes in the nation after San Francisco . Because of the World War II submarine threat off the East Coast of the United States , especially off

420-670: A granite monument listing the names of 75 local fishermen who died at sea. The names begin with Andrew Jeffers, who died in 1893, and include the six people who died in March 2009 with the sinking of the scalloping boat Lady Mary . The granite statue was designed by Heather Baird with Jerry Lynch. The memorial is maintained by the City of Cape May and administered by the Friends of the Cape May Fisherman's Memorial. Visitors often leave

504-575: A peak of 60 early in the 20th century and with most remaining municipalities using the form being shore communities. The Board of Commissioners is comprised of three members, who are elected at-large in non-partisan elections held as part of the November general election and serve four-year, concurrent terms of office. Once the Commissioners take office, they divide up responsibility for the municipal departments, with each Commissioner serving as

588-556: A popular resort for French Canadian tourists for several decades. Cape May County established a tourism office in Montreal , Quebec , but around 1995 it closed due to budget cuts. By 2010, the tourism office of Cape May County established a French language coupon booklet. Cape May has become known both for its Victorian gingerbread homes and its cultural offerings. The town hosts the Cape May Jazz Festival,

672-611: A stone or seashell on the statue's base in tribute to the fishermen. Effective July 1, 2004, Cape May switched to a Council-Manager form of government under the Faulkner Act , after having used Plan A of the Faulkner Act Small Municipality form since 1995. The city is one of 42 municipalities (of the 564) statewide that use this form of government. The governing body is comprised of the Mayor and

756-646: A summer farmers' market, and strawberry, tomato and lima bean festivals. It has been known as the "Lima Bean Capital of the World." The Lima Bean Festival is an annual event held in West Cape May, New Jersey, the " Lima Bean Capital of the World", and is the world's only such celebration. It is held annually on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend in Wilbraham Park. West Cape May, once known as Eldredge,

840-543: A total of 1,932 registered voters in Cape May City, of which 452 (23.4%) were registered as Democrats , 838 (43.4%) were registered as Republicans and 640 (33.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 2 voters registered as either Libertarians or Greens . In the 2012 presidential election , Republican Mitt Romney received 52.2% of the vote (745 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 46.9% (669 votes), and other candidates with 0.9% (13 votes), among

924-477: A total of 776 registered voters in West Cape May, of which 249 (32.1%) were registered as Democrats , 284 (36.6%) were registered as Republicans and 241 (31.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated . There were 2 voters registered as either Libertarians or Greens . In the 2012 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 61.0% of the vote (385 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 37.2% (235 votes), and other candidates with 1.7% (11 votes), among

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1008-618: Is a city and seaside resort located at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County in the U.S. state of New Jersey . Located on the Atlantic Ocean near the mouth of the Delaware Bay , it is one of the country's oldest vacation resort destinations. The city, and all of Cape May County, is part of the Ocean City metropolitan statistical area , and is part of the Philadelphia - Wilmington - Camden , PA -NJ- DE - MD combined statistical area , also known as

1092-551: Is a West Cape May African-American Historical Society. Julie Lasky of The New York Times wrote that "until recently" the African-American community was "vibrant" but that by 2020 the percentage declined to 5%. The Borough of West Cape May has operated under the Walsh Act form of government since 1948. The borough is one of 30 municipalities (of the 564) statewide to use the commission form of government , down from

1176-581: Is also a destination for marine mammal watching. Several species of whales and dolphins can be seen in the waters of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, many within 10 mi (16 km) of land, due to the confluence of fresh and saltwater that make for a nutrient rich area for marine life. Whale and dolphin watching cruises are a year-round attraction in Cape May, part of an ecotourism / agritourism industry that generated $ 450 million in revenue in

1260-424: Is also world-famous for the observation of migrating birds , especially in the fall. With over 400 bird species having been recorded in this area by hundreds of local birders, Cape May is arguably the top bird-watching area in the entire Northeastern United States. The Cape May Warbler , a small songbird, takes it name from this location. The Cape May Bird Observatory is based nearby at Cape May Point . Cape May

1344-457: Is around 15 in (380 mm), and the average snowiest month is February which corresponds with the annual peak in nor'easter activity. According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Cape May would have a dominant vegetation type of Northern Cordgrass ( 73 ) with a dominant vegetation form of Coastal Prairie ( 20 ). The 2010 United States census counted 3,607 people, 1,457 households, and 782 families in

1428-765: Is designated the Cape May Historic District , a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian architecture . In 2008, Cape May was recognized as one of the top 10 beaches in the United States by the Travel Channel . It is part of the South Jersey region of the state. The area was originally settled by the Kechemeche Native American tribe , who were part of the Lenape tribe. The Kechemeche first encountered European colonialists around 1600. The city

1512-901: Is governed by a five-person Board of County Commissioners whose members are elected at-large on a partisan basis to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year; At an annual reorganization held each January, the commissioners select one member to serve as director and another to serve as vice-director. As of 2024, Cape May County's Commissioners are Director Leonard C. Desiderio ( R , Sea Isle City , 2024), Robert Barr (R, Ocean City ; 2025), Will Morey (R, Wildwood Crest ; 2026), Melanie Collette (R. Middle Township ; 2026), and Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski (R, Lower Township ; 2025). The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Rita Marie Rothberg (R, 2025, Ocean City), Sheriff Robert Nolan (R, 2026, Lower Township) and Surrogate E. Marie Hayes (R, 2028, Ocean City). As of March 2011, there were

1596-650: Is one of the four jurisdictions that comprise Cape Island in Cape May County. West Cape May was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 17, 1884, from portions of Lower Township , based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier. The borough was reincorporated on April 11, 1890, and again on May 4, 1897. The Borough has reported ties to the Underground Railroad . From 1881 to 1931,

1680-775: Is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa ( R , Vineland ) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City ) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township ). Cape May County

1764-487: Is represented in the State Senate by Mike Testa ( R , Vineland ) and in the General Assembly by Antwan McClellan (R, Ocean City ) and Erik K. Simonsen (R, Lower Township ). Cape May County is governed by a five-person Board of County Commissioners whose members are elected at-large on a partisan basis to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats coming up for election each year; At an annual reorganization held each January,

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1848-403: The 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). For the 2024-2025 session , the 1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature

1932-491: The 2000 United States census there were 1,095 people, 507 households, and 302 families residing in the borough. The population density was 923.5 inhabitants per square mile (356.6/km). There were 1,004 housing units at an average density of 846.8 per square mile (327.0/km). The racial makeup of the borough was 84.11% White , 14.52% African American , 0.37% Native American , 0.55% from other races , and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.83% of

2016-537: The 2000 United States census , there were 4,034 people, 1,821 households, and 1,034 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,623.7 inhabitants per square mile (626.9/km ). There were 4,064 housing units at an average density of 1,635.7 per square mile (631.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 91.32% White , 5.26% African American , 0.20% Native American , 0.40% Asian , 0.05% Pacific Islander , 1.26% from other races , and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.79% of

2100-439: The 2020 United States census , the borough's population was 1,010, a decrease of 14 (−1.4%) from the 2010 census count of 1,024, which in turn reflected a decline of 71 (−6.5%) from the 1,095 counted in the 2000 census . West Cape May was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on April 17, 1884, from portions of Lower Township , based on the results of a referendum held two days earlier. The borough

2184-571: The 552 route. Wilbraham Park is in West Cape May. Every October the lima bean festival is held in that park. There is also a strawberry festival in West Cape May, sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association. Walsh Act The Walsh Act was modeled on the commission system that was set up in Galveston, Texas in the wake of the devastating Hurricane of 1900 . As part of its reconstruction efforts,

2268-538: The Delaware Valley or Philadelphia metropolitan area . It is the southernmost municipality in New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census , the city's resident population was 2,768, a decrease of 839 (−23.3%) from the 2010 census count of 3,607, which in turn reflected a decline of 427 (−10.6%) from the 4,034 counted in the 2000 census . In the summer, Cape May's population is expanded by as many as 40,000 to 50,000 visitors. The entire city of Cape May

2352-594: The Delmarva Peninsula . During the summer months in Cape May, a cooling afternoon sea breeze is present on most days, but episodes of extreme heat and humidity can occur with heat index values at or above 95.0 °F (35.0 °C). During the winter months, episodes of extreme cold and wind can occur with wind chill values 0.0 °F (−17.8 °C). The hardiness zone of Cape May is 8a with an average annual extreme minimum air temperature of 10.8 °F (−11.8 °C). The average seasonal snowfall total

2436-491: The National Center for Education Statistics ) are Richard M. Teitelman Middle School with 433 students in grades 7-8 and Lower Cape May Regional High School (LCMRHS) with 757 students in grades 9-12. The high school district's board of education is comprised of nine members, who are elected directly by voters to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats up for election each year. Seats on

2520-413: The 1,036 ballots cast by the city's 1,902 registered voters (25 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 54.5%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 52.1% of the vote (608 ballots cast), ahead of both Democrat Jon Corzine with 39.1% (457 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 6.8% (80 votes), with 1,168 ballots cast among the city's 2,069 registered voters, yielding

2604-456: The 1,442 ballots cast by the city's 1,925 registered voters (15 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 74.9%. In the 2008 presidential election , Republican John McCain received 50.9% of the vote (817 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama , who received 46.4% (745 votes), with 1,605 ballots cast among the city's 1,940 registered voters, for a turnout of 82.7%. In the 2004 presidential election , Republican George W. Bush received 53.8% of

West Cape May, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue

2688-521: The 100th anniversary of the harbor's creation. Cape May is the southernmost point in New Jersey. It is at approximately the same latitude as Washington, D.C. , and Arlington County, Virginia , and equidistant to Manhattan and Virginia . According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cape May has a humid subtropical climate ( Cfa ) with hot, humid summers, cool winters and year-round precipitation. Its climate resembles that of its neighbor,

2772-448: The 2004 elections, the first under the new form of government, lots were drawn to determine which of the newly elected members would serve a four-year term, with the other three serving two-year terms. A city manager is responsible for the city's executive functions, managing Cape May's activities and operation. Voters approved a November 2010 referendum to shift the city's elections from May to November, with city officials estimating that

2856-411: The 582 ballots cast by the borough's 816 registered voters (32 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 71.3%. In the 2009 gubernatorial election , Democrat Jon Corzine received 52.2% of the vote (245 ballots cast), ahead of both Republican Chris Christie with 39.0% (183 votes) and Independent Chris Daggett with 6.0% (28 votes), with 469 ballots cast among the borough's 778 registered voters, yielding

2940-442: The 640 ballots cast by the borough's 830 registered voters (9 ballots were spoiled ), for a turnout of 77.1%. In the 2008 presidential election , Democrat Barack Obama received 62.9% of the vote (387 cast), ahead of Republican John McCain , who received 35.0% (215 votes), with 615 ballots cast among the borough's 752 registered voters, for a turnout of 81.8%. In the 2004 presidential election , Democrat John Kerry received 60.5% of

3024-657: The Borough's incorporation in 1884. The historic core of the Borough was placed on the National Register of Historic Places along with sections of the City of Cape May in 1976. Whilldin-Miller House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 12, 2003. The original timber frame two-story house remaining in the rear was built by Joseph Whilldin about 1715, while the front portion of

3108-473: The Cape May Court House area. Previously a West Cape May High School existed. In an era of de jure educational segregation in the United States normally only white students were permitted to attend though the state made exceptions. Ordinarily black students attended a different industrial high school. The district maintained separate white and black elementary schools. As of May 2010,

3192-633: The Cape May Music Festival and the Cape May, New Jersey Film Festival. Cape May Stage , an Equity theater founded in 1988, performs at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse on the corner of Bank and Lafayette Streets. East Lynne Theater Company, an Equity professional company specializing in American classics and world premieres, has its mainstage season from June–December and March, with school residencies throughout

3276-479: The Delaware Bay between North Cape May, New Jersey , and Lewes, Delaware . Cape May Harbor, which borders Lower Township and nearby Wildwood Crest allows fishing vessels to enter from the Atlantic Ocean, was created as of 1911, after years of dredging completed the harbor which covers 500 acres (200 ha). Cape May Harbor Fest celebrates life in and around the harbor, with the 2011 event commemorating

3360-491: The Hastings Goldbeating Company was located in the Borough employing women to pound one-inch strips of gold into gossamer-thin sheets used for decorative arts. Women continued to do the "booking" of gold leaf sheets until 1961. A plaque indicating the location of the factory can be found on Goldbeaten Alley. It was this business, along with real estate speculation and subdivision of the land, that led to

3444-500: The Mayor of Cape May City is Zachary Mullock, whose term of office ends December 31, 2024. Other members of the Cape May City Council are Deputy Mayor Lorraine M. Baldwin (2026), Maureen K. McDade (2026), Shaine P. Meier (2026) and Michael Yeager (2024; elected to fill an unexpired term). Cape May City is located in the 2nd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district. For

West Cape May, New Jersey - Misplaced Pages Continue

3528-592: The Walsh Act form of government declined from a peak of about 60 in the early years after it was created to a total of approximately 30 statewide in 2018, of which six in North Jersey and the remainder are largely in Jersey Shore communities. These communities have five commissioners: These communities have three commissioners: Cape May, New Jersey Cape May (sometimes Cape May City )

3612-500: The Washington Street Mall and includes shops, restaurants, lodgings, and tourist attractions including the Cape May boardwalk. Many historic hotels and B&Bs are located in Cape May, and commercial and sport fishing is a significant component of its economy. Cove Beach, located at Cape May southernmost tip, hosts hundreds of swimmers, sunbathers, surfers, and hikers daily during summer months. Cape May has been

3696-563: The World War II Lookout Tower. The Center for Community Arts (CCA) offers African American history tours of Cape May, arts programs for young people and is transforming the historic Franklin Street School, constructed in 1928 to house African-American students in a segregated school, into a Community Cultural Center. Cape May is the home of Cape May diamonds , which show up at Sunset Beach and other beaches in

3780-584: The area. These are in fact clear quartz pebbles that wash down from the Delaware River . They begin as prismatic quartz (including the color sub-varieties such as smoky quartz and amethyst) in the quartz veins alongside the Delaware River that get eroded out of the host rock and wash down 200 miles to the shore. Collecting Cape May diamonds is a popular pastime and many tourist shops sell them polished or even as faceted stones. The Cape May area

3864-399: The average family size was 2.69. In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.3% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males. The median income for a household in

3948-408: The average family size was 2.80. In the borough the population was spread out, with 19.6% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.4 males. The median income for a household in the borough

4032-542: The board are allocated based on population, with West Cape May assigned one seat. In 2013, the Lower Cape May Regional School District received a feasibility study that looked at alternatives to reconfigure the district, which had been established in 1956. The study considered Cape May City withdrawing from the regional district or the dissolution of the district, converting Lower Township's existing Pre-K–6 district to serve Pre-K–12, as

4116-435: The borough had a total of 11.87 miles (19.10 km) of roadways, of which 8.82 miles (14.19 km) were maintained by the municipality and 3.05 miles (4.91 km) by Cape May County. No Interstate, U.S., state or major county highways serve West Cape May. The most significant roads in the borough are minor county routes, such as County Route 607 . NJ Transit offers bus service between Cape May and Atlantic City on

4200-449: The borough. The population density was 878.8 per square mile (339.3/km). There were 1,043 housing units at an average density of 895.1 per square mile (345.6/km). The racial makeup was 85.84% (879) White , 8.69% (89) Black or African American , 0.78% (8) Native American , 0.20% (2) Asian , 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander , 3.13% (32) from other races , and 1.37% (14) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.98% (51) of

4284-410: The change would save $ 30,000 in costs that had been associated with each May election. In March 2015, Councilman Jerry Inderwies Jr. resigned to protest what he called a "witch hunt" against the police chief. In the November 2015 general election, Roger Furlin was elected to fill the balance of the council seat vacated by Inderwies. In January 2021, the city council selected Lorraine Baldwin to fill

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4368-491: The city reorganized itself to a government system in which each elected official had a specific area of responsibility, combining executive and legislative responsibilities. The Walsh Act was enacted in 1911, and specified that commissioners would be elected at large in nonpartisan elections, and would serve four-year, concurrent terms of office. The Walsh Act was the first charter law in New Jersey to include options for ballot initiatives, referendums and recall. The popularity of

4452-401: The city was $ 33,462, and the median income for a family was $ 46,250. Males had a median income of $ 29,194 versus $ 25,842 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 29,902. About 7.7% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over. Tourism is Cape May's largest industry. The economy runs on

4536-458: The city. The population density was 1,500.6 per square mile (579.4/km ). There were 4,155 housing units at an average density of 1,728.5 per square mile (667.4/km ). The racial makeup was 89.05% (3,212) White , 4.85% (175) Black or African American , 0.30% (11) Native American , 0.67% (24) Asian , 0.11% (4) Pacific Islander , 2.30% (83) from other races , and 2.72% (98) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.62% (311) of

4620-638: The commissioners select one member to serve as director and another to serve as vice-director. As of 2024 , Cape May County's Commissioners are Director Leonard C. Desiderio ( R , Sea Isle City , 2024), Robert Barr (R, Ocean City ; 2025), Will Morey (R, Wildwood Crest ; 2026), Melanie Collette (R. Middle Township ; 2026), and Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski (R, Lower Township ; 2025). The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Rita Marie Rothberg (R, 2025, Ocean City), Sheriff Robert Nolan (R, 2026, Lower Township) and Surrogate E. Marie Hayes (R, 2028, Ocean City). As of March 2011, there were

4704-454: The construction of Congress Hall in 1816, Cape May became increasingly popular in the 19th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 20th century. What is now Cape May was formed as the borough of Cape Island by the New Jersey Legislature on March 8, 1848, from portions of Lower Township . It was reincorporated as Cape Island City on March 10, 1851, and

4788-705: The council seat expiring in 2022 that had been held by Zachary Mullock until he resigned to take office as mayor. Baldwin served on an interim basis until the November 2021 general election, when voters chose her to serve the balance of the term of office. Also in January 2021, Michael Voll was appointed to City Manager. In November 2021, the city council appointed Michael Yeager to fill the seat expiring in December 2021 that had bene held by Christopher Bezaire until he resigned after pleading guilty earlier that month to charges that he had engaged in stalking an ex-girlfriend and that he had been in contempt of court. As of 2023 ,

4872-423: The county, the most of any in the state. The Harriet Tubman Museum in downtown Cape May features the life and work of Harriet Tubman , an abolitionist and social activist . Cape May Fisherman's Memorial, located at Baltimore and Missouri Avenues, was built in 1988. It features a circular plaza reminiscent of a giant compass, a granite statue of a mother and two small children looking out to Harbor Cove, and

4956-506: The eighth-smallest district in the state. For seventh through twelfth grades , public school students attend the schools of the Lower Cape May Regional School District , which serves students from Cape May , Lower Township and West Cape May, along with students from Cape May Point who attend as part of a sending/receiving relationship . Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from

5040-456: The four-member City Council, with all positions elected at-large to four-year terms of office on a non-partisan basis as part of the November general election in even-numbered years. The Mayor is elected directly by the voters. The Borough Council is elected to serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election together and then the mayor and the fourth council seat up for vote together two years later. Following

5124-581: The house was built in 1860, making it one of the oldest remaining houses on Cape Island. According to the United States Census Bureau , the borough had a total area of 1.19 square miles (3.07 km), including 1.17 square miles (3.04 km) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km) of water (1.09%). The borough borders the Cape May County municipalities of Cape May City and Lower Township . The 2010 United States census counted 1,024 people, 493 households, and 294 families in

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5208-418: The intersection of Washington and Jackson Streets, is 14 ft (4.3 m) above sea level. Unincorporated communities , localities and place names located partially or completely within the city include Poverty Beach. Cape May borders the Cape May County municipalities of Lower Township and West Cape May Borough and the Atlantic Ocean . The Cape May–Lewes Ferry provides transportation across

5292-459: The most of any place in the state. West Cape May had been a dry town until May 2012, when a new store opened after the Board of Commissioners approved the sale of a liquor license for more than $ 600,000. In 2008, voters approved a referendum that allowed the issuance of a single license for retail liquor sales and another for sale of alcoholic beverages at a restaurant. The borough had been dry for 128 years, where alcohol cannot be sold, affirmed by

5376-444: The only city in the U.S. to be wholly designated as a national historic district. That designation is intended to ensure the architectural preservation of these buildings. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , Cape May had a total area of 2.90 square miles (7.50 km ), including 2.47 square miles (6.41 km ) of land and 0.42 square miles (1.10 km ) of water (14.59%). Cape May is generally low-lying; its highest point, at

5460-435: The population were under the age of 18, 20.6% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 104.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 107.4 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

5544-431: The population were under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 13.5% from 25 to 44, 39.2% from 45 to 64, and 28.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 93.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 88.0 males. The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income

5628-408: The population. There were 1,821 households, out of which 18.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.02 and

5712-418: The population. Of the 1,457 households, 16.3% had children under the age of 18; 44.6% were married couples living together; 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 46.3% were non-families. Of all households, 42.0% were made up of individuals and 27.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.95 and the average family size was 2.64. 12.8% of

5796-415: The population. Of the 493 households, 14.0% had children under the age of 18; 46.0% were married couples living together; 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 40.4% were non-families. Of all households, 36.3% were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.66. 12.8% of

5880-407: The population. There were 507 households, out of which 21.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and

5964-550: The regional district's school facilities are located in the township. Cape May City and West Cape May could see annual savings approaching a combined $ 6 million from the dissolution. Students are also eligible to attend Cape May County Technical High School in Cape May Court House, which serves students from the entire county in its comprehensive and vocational programs, which are offered without charge to students who are county residents. Special needs students may be referred to Cape May County Special Services School District in

6048-531: The results of a referendum held in 1940, joining Cape May Point , Ocean City and Wildwood Crest among municipalities in Cape May restricting the sale of alcohol. The borough's history goes back to the time of the Lenape Native Americans . Several buildings in the borough date to the Colonial period. The area has a rich agricultural history which continues to be celebrated each year with

6132-417: The shore of Cape May and at the mouth of the Delaware Bay , numerous United States Navy facilities were located here in order to protect American coastal shipping. Cape May Naval facilities, listed below, provided significant help in reducing the number of ships and crew members lost at sea. In 1976, Cape May was designated a National Historic Landmark as the Cape May Historic District , making Cape May

6216-441: The terms of office expiring in December 2025. Carol Sabo was appointed in early 2013 to fill the vacant seat of Ramsay Geyer, who had resigned to move out of the borough. Kaithern, Burke and Sabo were all re-elected in November 2013. West Cape May is located in the 2nd Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district. For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district

6300-420: The vote (377 ballots cast), outpolling Republican George W. Bush , who received around 38.5% (240 votes), with 623 ballots cast among the borough's 818 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 76.2. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 59.8% of the vote (329 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 37.6% (207 votes), and other candidates with 2.5% (14 votes), among

6384-416: The vote (942 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry , who received around 44.0% (771 votes), with 1,752 ballots cast among the city's 2,276 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 77.0. In the 2013 gubernatorial election , Republican Chris Christie received 72.9% of the vote (737 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 25.8% (261 votes), and other candidates with 1.3% (13 votes), among

6468-604: The year. Cape May is home to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), established in 1970 by volunteers who succeeded in saving the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate from demolition. MAC offers a wide variety of tours, activities and events throughout the year for residents and visitors and operates three Cape May area historic sites—the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, the Cape May Lighthouse and

6552-423: Was $ 35,660 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 4,248) and the median family income was $ 50,846 (+/− $ 16,315). Males had a median income of $ 43,015 (+/− $ 20,953) versus $ 31,630 (+/− $ 22,691) for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 30,046 (+/− $ 4,010). About 2.2% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 7.1% of those age 65 or over. As of

6636-406: Was $ 37,500, and the median income for a family was $ 47,031. Males had a median income of $ 36,375 versus $ 29,583 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 25,663. About 4.7% of families and 7.4% of the population were below the poverty line , including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over. African-Americans have been in West Cape May since the early 1800s. There

6720-423: Was $ 48,281 (with a margin of error of +/− $ 6,924) and the median family income was $ 51,394 (+/− $ 3,176). Males had a median income of $ 42,361 (+/− $ 10,529) versus $ 43,860 (+/− $ 3,583) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $ 34,328 (+/− $ 4,010). About 8.4% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over. As of

6804-399: Was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Peter C. Burke the previous month. In January 2023, George Dick was appointed to fill the vacant seat as commissioner that had been held by Daniel M. Kurkowski until he resigned from office the previous month. Dick served on an interim basis until November 2023 general election, when he and Giacomo "Jack" Antonicello were elected to serve the remainder of

6888-590: Was named for the Dutch captain Cornelius Jacobsen Mey , who explored and charted the area between 1611–1614 and established a claim for the province of New Netherland . It was later settled by New Englanders from the New Haven Colony . Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid-18th century and is recognized as the country's oldest seaside resort . Following

6972-457: Was reincorporated on April 11, 1890, and again on May 4, 1897. The borough's name derives from Cape May , which was named for 1620 Dutch captain named Cornelius Jacobsen May who explored and charted the area between 1611 and 1614, and established a claim for the province of New Netherland . During Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, West Cape May was hit by 9.53 inches (242 mm) of rain,

7056-554: Was renamed Cape May City on March 9, 1869. Tourism to the city was boosted in 1863 with the opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad . The city suffered devastating fires in 1869 and 1878. In the early hours of August 31, 1869, a fire broke out in the Japanese store on Washington Street. The fire destroyed the post office and at least thirty-five other buildings. Press reports at the time did not mention any deaths. In 1878,

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