County Cornerstones

Brett Ewald

Director – NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory

Despite the loss of almost 3 billion birds in North America since the 1970s, the local, near-term outlook is hopefully optimistic with an increased awareness of nature that COVID engendered. Organizationally, our embrace of virtual space gave us a much greater ability to deliver our mission. We had almost 400 people virtually for our online festivals last spring and fall. By continuing to use this technology, we will have the ability to expand in-person events and reach an even bigger audience. We are excited about the possibilities. We will come out of COVID stronger than we were going into it.

County Cornerstones:

1 County Commons

Purchased by the county in 2018, County Commons, a mixed-use facility suitable for public and private use, is a major revitalization effort happening in Rio Grande and slated to attract businesses and employment opportunities while also providing the county room to expand offices and operations. County Commons features tenants such as Tractor Supply, Rent-A-Center and a state-of-the-art VA Clinic for area veterans. Its family-friendly entertainment offerings include a movie theater, bowling alley, arcade and more.

“We are excited to work with the Cape May County government to not only bring back to life the former theater at the new County Commons Center but to improve its quality by adding bowling, a restaurant and bar, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, retro arcade, party rooms and an outside beer garden,” said Clint Bunting, principal partner at Stone Harbor Theater, LLC and Cape Square Entertainment, LLC.

2 Revolving Fishing Loan Program

As its second-largest industry, fishing is a key economic sector in the county. As such, the Cape May County Revolving Fishing Loan Program provides Low-interest loans to the commercial fishing industry. As the only program of its kind in the Garden State, the purpose of the loan is to support the Cape May County fishing industry and stimulate economic growth. Over the years more than $5 million in loans have been approved to support the commercial and recreational fishing industry. “With the help of the Revolving Fishing Loan, we were able to repower several of our vessels over the years. It has been very helpful to have access to this support for our industry,” said Tracie Cicchitti, owner of The Starlight Fleet.

According to the county, the Revolving Fishing Loan Program will lend from $10,000 to $300,000 to owners who have a project slated to create or retain jobs in the fishing industry.

3 Cape May Zoo

From African lions to snow leopards, the Cape May County Park & Zoo is a favorite among locals and visitors and has earned accreditation by the American Zoological Association (AZA) and participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for conservation of endangered animals worldwide. Featuring free yearround admission, the zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing 250 species spanning 85 acres of exhibits. “The Cape May County Zoo is one of the state’s top attractions and one of those hidden gems found in so many of our towns throughout New Jersey. It’s difficult to compete with our pristine beaches but the Cape May County Zoo is a perfect complement to add to the visitor experience,” said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism.

Altogether, the park and zoo cover about 220 acres. The zoo has consistently been recognized by various publications for its outstanding traveler reviews. Most recently, the zoo made Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2020.