West Cape May, New Jersey

West Cape May, New Jersey
Borough
Whilldin-Miller House
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Location of West Cape May in Cape May County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Cape May County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Census Bureau map of West Cape May, New Jersey
West Cape May Location in Cape May County Show map of Cape May County, New Jersey West Cape May Location in New Jersey Show map of New Jersey West Cape May Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 38°56′32″N74°56′21″W / 38.942226°N 74.939033°W / 38.942226; -74.939033 [1] [2]
Country	United States
State	New Jersey
County	Cape May
Incorporated	April 17, 1884
Named for	Cape May / Cornelius Jacobsen May
Government [3]
• Type	Walsh Act
• Body	Board of Commissioners
•  Mayor	Carol Sabo (term ends December 31, 2025) [4] [5]
•  Municipal clerk	Theresa Enteado [6]
Area [7]
• Total	1.19 sq mi (3.07 km2)
• Land	1.17 sq mi (3.04 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)  1.09%
• Rank	489th of 565 in state 14th of 16 in county [1]
Elevation [8]	10 ft (3 m)
Population  (2020) [9]
• Total	1,010
• Estimate  (2023) [10]	1,003
• Rank	530th of 565 in state 13th of 16 in county [11]
• Density	860.8/sq mi (332.4/km2)
• Rank	400th of 565 in state 9th of 16 in county [11]
Time zone	UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code	08204 [12]
Area code	609 [13]
FIPS code	3400978530 [1] [14] [15]
GNIS feature ID	0885435 [1] [16]
Website	www.westcapemay.us

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. ^[17] As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 1,010, ^[9] a decrease of 14 (−1.4%) from the 2010 census count of 1,024, ^{[18] [19]} which in turn reflected a decline of 71 (−6.5%) from the 1,095 counted in the 2000 census. ^[20]

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. ^[21] 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. ^{[22] [23]}

During Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, West Cape May was hit by 9.53 inches (242 mm) of rain, the most of any place in the state. ^[24]

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. ^[25] 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. ^[26] The borough had been dry for 128 years, where alcohol cannot be sold, affirmed by the results of a referendum held in 1940, ^{[27] [28]} joining Cape May Point, Ocean City and Wildwood Crest among municipalities in Cape May restricting the sale of alcohol. ^[29]

History

West Cape May Volunteer Fire Company

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 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. ^[30]

West Cape May, once known as Eldredge, 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. ^[21]

The Borough has reported ties to the Underground Railroad. ^[31]

From 1881 to 1931, 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 the Borough's incorporation in 1884. ^[32]

Historic sites

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. ^[33]

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 the house was built in 1860, making it one of the oldest remaining houses on Cape Island. ^[34]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 1.19 square miles (3.07 km²), including 1.17 square miles (3.04 km²) of land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) of water (1.09%). ^{[1] [2]}

The borough borders the Cape May County municipalities of Cape May City and Lower Township. ^{[35] [36] [37]}

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	757		—
1900	696		−8.1%
1910	844		21.3%
1920	967		14.6%
1930	1,048		8.4%
1940	934		−10.9%
1950	897		−4.0%
1960	1,030		14.8%
1970	1,005		−2.4%
1980	1,091		8.6%
1990	1,026		−6.0%
2000	1,095		6.7%
2010	1,024		−6.5%
2020	1,010		−1.4%
2023 (est.)	1,003	[10]	−0.7%
Population sources: 1890–2000 [38] 1890–1920 [39] 1890 [40] 1890–1910 [41] 1910–1930 [42] 1940–2000 [43] 2000 [44] [45] 2010 [18] [19] 2020 [9]

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 1,024 people, 493 households, and 294 families in the borough. The population density was 878.8 per square mile (339.3/km²). There were 1,043 housing units at an average density of 895.1 per square mile (345.6/km²). 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 the population. ^[18]

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. ^[18]

12.8% of 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. ^[18]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income 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. ^[46]

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census ^[14] 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/km²). There were 1,004 housing units at an average density of 846.8 per square mile (327.0/km²). 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 the population. ^{[44] [45]}

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 the average family size was 2.80. ^{[44] [45]}

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. ^{[44] [45]}

The median income for a household in the borough 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. ^{[44] [45]}

African-Americans

African-Americans have been in West Cape May since the early 1800s. There is a West Cape May African-American Historical Society. ^[47] 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%. ^[48]

Government

Local government

The Borough of West Cape May has operated under the Walsh Act form of government since 1948. ^{[49] [50]} The borough is one of 30 municipalities (of the 564) statewide to use the commission form of government, ^[51] down from a peak of 60 early in the 20th century and with most remaining municipalities using the form being shore communities. ^[52] 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. ^[3] Once the Commissioners take office, they divide up responsibility for the municipal departments, with each Commissioner serving as 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. ^[53]

As of 2024 ^[update] , 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. ^{[4] [54] [55] [56] [57] [58]}

In October 2022, Alan Crawford was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Peter C. Burke the previous month. ^[59] 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. ^[60] Dick served on an interim basis until November 2023 general election, when he and Giacomo "Jack" Antonicello were elected to serve the remainder of the terms of office expiring in December 2025. ^[57]

Carol Sabo was appointed in early 2013 to fill the vacant seat of Ramsay Geyer, who had resigned to move out of the borough. ^[61] Kaithern, Burke and Sabo were all re-elected in November 2013. ^[62]

Federal, state and county representation

West Cape May is located in the 2nd Congressional District ^[63] and is part of New Jersey's 1st state legislative district. ^{[64] [65] [66]}

For the 118th United States Congress , New Jersey's 2nd congressional district is represented by Jeff Van Drew ( R , Dennis Township ). ^[67] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker ( Newark , term ends 2027) ^[68] and George Helmy ( Mountain Lakes , term ends 2024). ^{[69] [70]}

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 ). ^[71]

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, the commissioners select one member to serve as director and another to serve as vice-director. ^[72] As of 2024 ^[update] , Cape May County's Commissioners are Director Leonard C. Desiderio (R, Sea Isle City, 2024), ^[73] Robert Barr (R, Ocean City; 2025), ^[74] Will Morey (R, Wildwood Crest; 2026), ^[75] Melanie Collette (R. Middle Township; 2026), ^[76] and Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski (R, Lower Township; 2025). ^{[77] [72] [78]}

The county's constitutional officers are Clerk Rita Marie Rothberg (R, 2025, Ocean City), ^{[79] [80]} Sheriff Robert Nolan (R, 2026, Lower Township) ^{[81] [82]} and Surrogate E. Marie Hayes (R, 2028, Ocean City). ^{[83] [84] [85] [78]}

Politics

As of March 2011, there were 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. ^[86]

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 the 640 ballots cast by the borough's 830 registered voters (9 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 77.1%. ^{[87] [88]} 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%. ^[89] In the 2004 presidential election, Democrat John Kerry received 60.5% of 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. ^[90]

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 the 582 ballots cast by the borough's 816 registered voters (32 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 71.3%. ^{[91] [92]} 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 a 60.3% turnout. ^[93]

Education

West Cape May Elementary School

The West Cape May School District serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at West Cape May Elementary School. ^{[94] [95]} 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. ^[96] In the 2016–17 school year, the district had 98 students, making it the eighth-smallest district in the state. ^{[97] [98]}

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. ^{[99] [100]} Schools in the district (with 2022–23 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics ^[101] ) are Richard M. Teitelman Middle School ^[102] with 433 students in grades 7-8 and Lower Cape May Regional High School (LCMRHS) ^[103] with 757 students in grades 9-12. ^{[104] [105]} 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. ^{[106] [107]} Seats on the board are allocated based on population, with West Cape May assigned one seat. ^[108]

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 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. ^[100]

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. ^{[109] [110]} Special needs students may be referred to Cape May County Special Services School District in the Cape May Court House area.

History

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. ^[111] Ordinarily black students attended a different industrial high school. The district maintained separate white and black elementary schools. ^[112]

Transportation

County Route 607 in West Cape May

Roads and highways

As of May 2010 ^[update] , 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. ^[113]

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.

Public transportation

NJ Transit offers bus service between Cape May and Atlantic City on the 552 route. ^{[114] [115]}

Parks and recreation

Wilbraham Park

Wilbraham Park is in West Cape May. Every October the lima bean festival is held in that park. ^[116] There is also a strawberry festival in West Cape May, sponsored by the West Cape May Business Association. ^[117]

Wineries

• Willow Creek Winery

References

1. 2019 Census Gazetteer Files: New Jersey Places, United States Census Bureau. Accessed July 1, 2020.
2. US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
3. 2012 New Jersey Legislative District Data Book, Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, March 2013, p. 8.
4. Administration, Borough of West Cape May. Accessed August 29, 2024.
5. 2023 New Jersey Mayors Directory, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, updated February 8, 2023. Accessed February 10, 2023.
6. Clerk / Registrar, Borough of West Cape May. Accessed August 29, 2024.
7. "ArcGIS REST Services Directory". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
8. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Borough of West Cape May, Geographic Names Information System. Accessed March 14, 2013.
9. Total Population: Census 2010 - Census 2020 New Jersey Municipalities, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed December 1, 2022.
10. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Minor Civil Divisions in New Jersey: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023, United States Census Bureau, released May 2024. Accessed May 16, 2024.
11. Population Density by County and Municipality: New Jersey, 2020 and 2021, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed March 1, 2023.
12. Look Up a ZIP Code for West Cape May, NJ, United States Postal Service. Accessed December 7, 2011.
13. Area Code Lookup - NPA NXX for West Cape May, NJ, Area-Codes.com. Accessed November 11, 2013.
14. U.S. Census website, United States Census Bureau. Accessed September 4, 2014.
15. Geographic Codes Lookup for New Jersey, Missouri Census Data Center. Accessed April 1, 2022.
16. US Board on Geographic Names, United States Geological Survey. Accessed September 4, 2014.
17. New Jersey: 2020 Core Based Statistical Areas and Counties, United States Census Bureau. Accessed December 22, 2022.
18. DP-1 - Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 for West Cape May borough, Cape May County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 17, 2012.
19. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2010 for West Cape May borough Archived May 6, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Accessed October 17, 2012.
20. Table 7. Population for the Counties and Municipalities in New Jersey: 1990, 2000 and 2010, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, February 2011. Accessed May 1, 2023.
21. Snyder, John P. The Story of New Jersey's Civil Boundaries: 1606-1968, Bureau of Geology and Topography; Trenton, New Jersey; 1969. p. 116. Accessed May 30, 2024.
22. Hutchinson, Viola L. The Origin of New Jersey Place Names, New Jersey Public Library Commission, May 1945. Accessed August 28, 2015.
23. Gannett, Henry. The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States, p. 68. United States Government Printing Office, 1905. Accessed August 28, 2015.
24. Sandy NJ Weather Dashboard, Rutgers University. Accessed October 31, 2012.
25. Degener, Richard. "Liquor store set to end West Cape May's 128-year run as a dry town in May", The Press of Atlantic City , March 15, 2012. Accessed November 23, 2015. "This May, West Cape May's status as a dry borough will end after 128 years, when the first liquor store will open on Sunset Boulevard."
26. Staff. "West Cape May looks at approving first liquor license", Cape May Gazette, February 8, 2012. Accessed November 23, 2015. "In December, commissioners accepted a $615,000 bid from Sunset Liquors. It was the only bid received for a license to permit sales from a package store.... In 2008, borough residents voted through a question that permits a single retail license and a single consumption license."
27. New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. New Jersey ABC list of dry towns (May 1, 2013)
28. Giordano, Rita. "More towns catching liquor-license buzz; Moorestown considers ending its dry spell", The Philadelphia Inquirer , June 24, 2007. Accessed February 16, 2014.
29. Schaad, Jacob Jr. "Bizarre History of Cape May - Wet or dry?", The Cape May Gazette, October 30, 2013. Accessed February 16, 2014. "Wildwood Crest, Ocean City, West Cape May and Cape May Point have opted to stay dry while the 12 other communities in the county still permit their people to lift a few."
30. America's Best (and only) Lima Bean Festival, accessed March 7, 2007
31. Degener, Richard. "Photo Exhibit Brings West Cape May's Past to Light", The Press of Atlantic City , December 28, 2003. Accessed October 17, 2012. "It has Mayflower descendants, a link to the Underground Railroad, buildings that go back to the 17th century and a factory where women once beat gold into sheets with hammers.Who says West Cape May has to live in the shadow of Cape May's rich historical past?"
32. Montet, Margaret. "Trolleying West of Cape May City", NJ.com, July 15, 2011. Accessed October 17, 2012. "So back to Goldbeaten Alley: from 1881 to 1931 workers at the Hastings Goldbeating Company cut gold bars into thin slices and then beat them paper-thin."
33. Cape May County: New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Historic Preservation Office, December 30, 2019. Accessed March 13, 2020.
34. Tischler, Susan. "Which house is the oldest house on Cape Island?", CapeMay.com, October 1, 2004. Accessed October 25, 2015. "Let's move on to our other property in question – The Whilldin-Miller House, AKA Daniels on Broadway Restaurant, at 416 South Broadway.The property is actually located in West Cape May and was built by Joseph Whilldin somewhere around 1711-1718 with an expanded addition built by Jonas Miller in 1860."
35. Areas touching West Cape May, MapIt. Accessed March 13, 2020.
36. Cape May County, Coalition for a Healthy NJ. Accessed March 13, 2020.
37. New Jersey Municipal Boundaries, New Jersey Department of Transportation. Accessed November 15, 2019.
38. Barnett, Bob. Population Data for Cape May County Municipalities, 1810 - 2000, WestJersey.org, January 6, 2011. Accessed October 17, 2012.
39. Compendium of censuses 1726-1905: together with the tabulated returns of 1905, New Jersey Department of State, 1906. Accessed November 11, 2013.
40. Porter, Robert Percival. Preliminary Results as Contained in the Eleventh Census Bulletins: Volume III - 51 to 75, p. 97. United States Census Bureau, 1890. Accessed November 11, 2013.
41. Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910: Population by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions, 1910, 1900, 1890, United States Census Bureau, p. 336. Accessed October 17, 2012.
42. Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930 - Population Volume I, United States Census Bureau, p. 715. Accessed October 17, 2012.
43. Table 6: New Jersey Resident Population by Municipality: 1940 - 2000, Workforce New Jersey Public Information Network, August 2001. Accessed May 1, 2023.
44. Census 2000 Profiles of Demographic / Social / Economic / Housing Characteristics for West Cape May borough, New Jersey ^{[ permanent dead link ]}, United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 17, 2012.
45. DP-1: Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000 - Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data for West Cape May borough, Cape May County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 17, 2012.
46. DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for West Cape May borough, Cape May County, New Jersey Archived February 12, 2020, at archive.today , United States Census Bureau. Accessed October 17, 2012.
47. "West Cape May African American Historical Society Plans Recognition Ceremony". Cape May County Herald . September 27, 2018. - Press release.
48. Lasky, Julie (June 16, 2021). "Cape May, N.J.: Salt Air and Cultural Riches". The New York Times . Retrieved June 16, 2021.
49. "The Commission Form of Municipal Government" Archived June 5, 2015, at the Wayback Machine , p. 53. Accessed June 3, 2015.
50. "Forms of Municipal Government in New Jersey", p. 8. Rutgers University Center for Government Studies. Accessed June 1, 2023.
51. Inventory of Municipal Forms of Government in New Jersey, Rutgers University Center for Government Studies, July 1, 2011. Accessed June 1, 2023.
52. Proctor, Owen; and Sobko, Katie. "Town commissions have become a New Jersey rarity", The Record , April 30, 2018, updated May 6, 2018. Accessed October 27, 2019. "Commissions rose in popularity, up to 60 statewide in the early part of the last century, from large cities and older suburbs to seaside resorts.... Today, only about 30 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are commissions, including six in North Jersey. There are North Bergen, Union City and West New York in Hudson County, Lyndhurst and Ridgefield Park in Bergen County, and Nutley in Essex County."
53. Ordinance No. 476-12, Borough of West Cape May. Accessed October 31, 2014.
54. Resolution 06-24: Designation of Departments for Borough Commissioners, Borough of West Cape May, January 3, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024.
55. 2024 Municipal User Friendly Budget, Borough of West Cape May. Accessed August 29, 2024.
56. 2024 County & Municipal Elected Officials Cape May County, NJ -- July 2024, Cape May County, New Jersey, July 9, 2024. Accessed August 29, 2024.
57. Summary Results Report 2023 General Election November 7, 2023 Official Results, Cape May County, New Jersey, November 20, 2023. Accessed January 1, 2024.
58. Cape May County 2021 General Election Successful Candidates, Cape May County, New Jersey, November 16, 2021. Accessed January 1, 2022.
59. Fichter, Jack. "Crawford joins West Cape May commission", Cape May Star and Wave, October 5, 2022. Accessed March 26, 2023. "Borough Commission appointed Alan Crawford to fill the unexpired term of commissioner Peter Burke, who resigned last month. At a Sept. 28 meeting, Mayor Carol Sabo thanked Crawford for accepting the position. Crawford will serve until January 2024 and may run for the seat in the general election in November 2023."
60. Board of Commissioners Special Meeting Agenda for January 12, 2023, Borough of West Cape May. Accessed March 26, 2023. "WHEREAS, Borough Commissioner Daniel M. Kurkowski resigned his seat on the West Cape May Borough Commission on December 20, 2023, resulting in a vacancy as of that date... and WHEREAS, the next general election at which a successor commissioner may be elected to fill the unexpired portion of Mr. Kurkowski's term will occur on November 7, 2023, so that the temporary appointment will extend until January 1, 2024; and WHEREAS, having considered the matter, the remaining members of the Borough Commission have determined that George Dick is qualified to serve as a Borough Commissioner and should serve as the temporary appointee to Mr. Kurkowski's vacated seat NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May as follows: 1. The averments of the preamble are incorporated into this Resolution. 2. George Dick is hereby appointed to temporarily fill this vacancy on the West Cape May Borough Commission, pursuant to the provisions of the Municipal Vacancy Law. 3. The term of this temporary appointment shall extend until December 31, 2023, or to the Borough's 2024 reorganization. 4. A successor to fill Mr. Kurkowski's unexpired term shall be elected at the West Cape May general election, to be held on November 7, 2023."
61. Degener, Richard. "Sabo picked to fill unexpired term on West Cape May Borough Commission", The Press of Atlantic City , February 1, 2013. Accessed April 29, 2013. "Broadway resident Carol Sabo has been picked to fill the unexpired Borough Commission seat left open when Ramsey Geyer moved to Florida."
62. Staff. "Update: 2013 General Election Results", Cape May County Herald , November 4, 2013. Accessed November 11, 2013. "Commissioner West Cape May: Pamela M. Kaithern won West Cape May votes with 21 percent, Peter C. Burke and Carole E. Sabo tied for second with 20 percent of the votes."
63. Plan Components Report, New Jersey Redistricting Commission, December 23, 2011. Accessed February 1, 2020.
64. Municipalities Sorted by 2011-2020 Legislative District, New Jersey Department of State. Accessed February 1, 2020.
65. 2019 New Jersey Citizen's Guide to Government, New Jersey League of Women Voters. Accessed October 30, 2019.
66. Districts by Number for 2011-2020, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2013.
67. Directory of Representatives: New Jersey, United States House of Representatives. Accessed January 3, 2019.
68. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker cruises past Republican challenger Rik Mehta in New Jersey, PhillyVoice. Accessed April 30, 2021. "He now owns a home and lives in Newark's Central Ward community."
69. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/nyregion/george-helmy-bob-menendez-murphy.html
70. Tully, Tracey (August 23, 2024). "Menendez's Senate Replacement Has Been a Democrat for Just 5 Months". The New York Times . Retrieved August 23, 2024.
71. Legislative Roster for District 1, New Jersey Legislature. Accessed January 12, 2024.
72. Board of County Commissioners, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022. "Cape May County Government is governed by a Board of County Commissioners. These individuals are elected at large by the citizens of Cape May County and hold spaced 3-year terms." Note that as of date accessed, Desiderio is listed with an incorrect term-end year of 2020.
73. Leonard C. Desiderio, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
74. E. Marie Hayes, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
75. Will Morey, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
76. Jeffrey L. Pierson, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
77. Andrew Bulakowski, Cape May County New Jersey. Accessed January 30, 2023.
78. 2021 County & Municipal Elected Officials Cape May County, NJ -- July 2021, Cape May County, New Jersey, September 13, 2021. Accessed April 28, 2022.
79. County Clerk, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
80. Members List: Clerks, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
81. Sheriff's Page Page, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
82. Members List: Sheriffs, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
83. Surrogate, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
84. Members List: Surrogates, Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
85. Constitutional Officers, Cape May County, New Jersey. Accessed April 28, 2022.
86. Voter Registration Summary - Cape May, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, March 23, 2011. Accessed October 16, 2012.
87. "Presidential General Election Results - November 6, 2012 - Cape May County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
88. "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 6, 2012 - General Election Results - Cape May County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
89. 2008 Presidential General Election Results: Cape May County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 23, 2008. Accessed October 16, 2012.
90. 2004 Presidential Election: Cape May County, New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 13, 2004. Accessed October 16, 2012.
91. "Governor - Cape May County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
92. "Number of Registered Voters and Ballots Cast - November 5, 2013 - General Election Results - Cape May County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Elections. January 29, 2014. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
93. 2009 Governor: Cape May County Archived October 17, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , New Jersey Department of State Division of Elections, December 31, 2009. Accessed October 16, 2012.
94. School Performance Reports for the West Cape May School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 1, 2024.
95. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the West Camp May School District, New Jersey Department of Education, for year ending June 30, 2019. Accessed August 14, 2020. "The Borough of West Cape May School District ('School District') is a Type II district located in the County of Cape May, State of New Jersey. As a Type II district, the School District functions independently through a Board of Education. The Board of Education is comprised of five members elected to three-year terms. These terms are staggered so that one or two member’s terms expire each year. The purpose of the School District is to provide educational services for resident students in grades K through 6."
96. District information for West Cape May School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed December 1, 2022.
97. Procida, Lee. "Sea Isle, Long Beach Island are examples of how closing small, high-cost schools can be difficult, unpopular", The Press of Atlantic City , September 20, 2011. Accessed March 12, 2015. "The 10 smallest school districts in the state each have fewer than 100 students. Seven of them, all in South Jersey, are grappling with shrinking enrollment, aging buildings and rising property taxes.... West Cape May disregarded a recommendation to send students to Cape May, and instead started welcoming students from outside its borders through the state Public School Choice program. The first 16 choice students increased the prekindergarten-through-sixth-grade school's enrollment to 58 students this year."
98. Guion, Payton. "These 43 N.J. school districts have fewer than 200 students", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, September 2017. Accessed January 30, 2020. "Based on data from the state Department of Education from the last school year and the Census Bureau, NJ Advance Media made a list of the smallest of the small school districts in the state, excluding charter schools and specialty institutions.... 8. West Cape May Borough - Enrollment: 98; Grades: Pre-K-6"
99. Lower Cape May Board of Education District Policy 0110 - Identification, Lower Cape May Regional School District. Accessed August 29, 2024. "Purpose: The Board of Education exists for the purpose of providing a thorough and efficient system of free public education in grades seven through twelve. Composition: The Lower Cape May Regional School District is comprised of all the area within the municipal boundaries of Cape May, Lower Township, and West Cape May."
100. Johnson, Virgil; and Kirtland, James L. "A Feasibility Study to Reconfigure the Lower Cape May Regional School District", Statistical Forecasting LLC, June 2013. Accessed August 29, 2024. "Cape May City is one of three constituent communities served by the Lower Cape May Regional School District ('Lower Cape May Regional'), a limited purpose school district providing education for the middle and high school students from Cape May City, Lower Township, and West Cape May.... Students from Cape May Point attend on a sending-receiving basis."
101. School Data for the Lower Cape May Regional High School District, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed February 1, 2024.
102. General Information, Richard M. Teitelman Middle School. Accessed August 29, 2024.
103. General Information, Lower Cape May Regional High School. Accessed August 29, 2024.
104. School Performance Reports for the Lower Cape May Regional School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed April 3, 2024.
105. New Jersey School Directory for the Lower Cape May Regional School District, New Jersey Department of Education. Accessed February 1, 2024.
106. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report of the Lower Cape May Regional School District, New Jersey Department of Education, for year ending June 30, 2019. Accessed August 14, 2020. "The Lower Cape May Regional School District (District) is a Type II school district located in Cape May County, New Jersey and covers an area of approximately 34 square miles. As a Type II school district, it functions independently through a Board of Education. The Board is comprised of nine members elected to three-year terms. These terms are staggered so that three member’s terms expire each year. The purpose of the School District is to provide educational services for all of Lower Cape May Regional’s students in grades 7 through 12. "
107. Board of Education, Lower Cape May Regional School District. Accessed March 13, 2020.
108. Crowley, Terence J. A Response to the Cape May Study to Reconfigure the Lower Cape May Regional School District, Lower Cape May Regional School District, January 6, 2014. Accessed March 13, 2020. "The Lower Cape May Regional District (Regional) is classified as a Limited Purpose District.... It is a Type II district and apportions the Board of Education seats based upon the most recent United States Census. It has nine seats on the Board and that are apportioned as follows: Cape May City 1; West Cape May 1; Lower Township 7."
109. Frequently Asked Questions, Cape May County Technical High School. Accessed October 27, 2019. "All residents of Cape May County are eligible to attend Cape May County Technical High School.... The Cape May County Technical High School is a public school so there is no cost to residents of Cape May County."
110. Technical High School Admissions, Cape May County Technical High School. Accessed October 27, 2019. "All students who are residents of Cape May County may apply to the Technical High School."
111. Stump, Brice (January 13, 1998). "Who was Charles Chipman?". The Daily Times . Salisbury, Maryland. pp. 11, 12. - Clipping of first page and of second page at Newspapers.com
112. "Dr. Charles H. Chipman Is Outstanding Man". The Daily Times . Salisbury, Maryland. February 23, 1981. p. 6. - Clipping at Newspapers.com
113. Cape May County Mileage by Municipality and Jurisdiction, New Jersey Department of Transportation, May 2010. Accessed July 18, 2014.
114. Cape May County Bus / Rail Connections, NJ Transit, backed up by the Internet Archive as of January 28, 2010. Accessed October 31, 2014.
115. South Jersey Transit Guide Archived May 17, 2017, at the Wayback Machine , Cross County Connection, as of January 2007. Accessed March 13, 2020.
116. "West Cape May". Cape May County Government. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
117. Degener, Richard (June 6, 2015). "Strawberry festival hits spot in West Cape May". Press of Atlantic City . Retrieved May 22, 2021.

External links

• New Jersey portal

• West Cape May Borough website
• West Cape May Commissioners for All the People website
• West Cape May Business Association website
• The Cape May Gazette – Weekly newspaper covering West Cape May