| Cape May, New Jersey | |
|---|---|
| — City — | |
| Welcome sign | |
| Motto: The Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort | |
| Cape May City highlighted in Cape May County. Inset map: Cape May County highlighted in the State of New Jersey. | |
| Census Bureau map of Cape May, New Jersey | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| County | Cape May |
| Incorporated | March 8, 1848 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Faulkner Act (Council-Manager) |
| • Mayor | Edward J. Mahaney, Jr. (term ends 2012)[1] |
| • Manager | Bruce A. MacLeod[2] |
| Area[3] | |
| • Total | 2.80 sq mi (7.3 km2) |
| • Land | 2.48 sq mi (6.4 km2) |
| • Water | 0.32 sq mi (0.8 km2) 11.43% |
| Elevation[4] | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population (2010 Census)[5] | |
| • Total | 3,607 |
| • Density | 1,288.2/sq mi (494.1/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST) (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 08204[6] |
| Area code(s) | 609 Exchange: 884 |
| FIPS code | 34-10270[7][8] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885178[9] |
| Website | http://www.capemaycity.com |
Cape May is a city at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County, New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the country's oldest vacation resort destinations.[10] It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, it had a year-round population of 3,607.[5] In the summer, Cape May's population swells to as many as 40,000 to 50,000 with visitors.[11][12] The entire city of Cape May is designated the Cape May Historic District, a National Historic Landmark due to its concentration of Victorian buildings.
With a rich history, award-winning beaches, designation as a top birdwatching location, and many Victorian structures, Cape May is a seaside resort drawing visitors from around the world. Cape May was recognized as one of America's top 10 beaches by the Travel Channel and its beach was ranked fifth in New Jersey in the 2008 Top 10 Beaches Contest sponsored by the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium.[13]
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The town is named for 1620 Dutch captain named 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. What is now Cape May was originally formed as the borough of Cape Island by an Act of 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 finally became Cape May city as of March 9, 1869.[14]
Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid 18th century and is recognized by the United States government as the country's oldest seaside resort.[12] It became increasingly popular in the 18th century and was considered one of the finest resorts in America by the 19th century. In 1878 a five-day-long fire destroyed square blocks of the town center and as part of the reconstruction efforts replacement homes were almost uniformly of Victorian style.[15] As a result of this and of more recent preservation efforts, Cape May is noted for its large number of well-maintained Victorian houses — the second largest collection of such homes in the nation after San Francisco. In 1976, the entire city of Cape May was officially designated a National Historic Landmark as the Cape May Historic District, making Cape May the only city in the United States wholly designated as such.[16] That designation is intended to ensure the architectural preservation of these buildings.
Because of the World War II submarine threat off the East Coast of the United States, especially off shore 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.[17]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.80 square miles (7.3 km2), of which 2.48 square miles (6.4 km2) is land and 0.32 square miles (0.83 km2) of it (11.43%) is water.[3] Cape May is generally low-lying; its highest point, at the intersection of Washington and Jackson Streets, is a mere 14 feet above sea level.
Cape May borders West Cape May Borough, Lower Township, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Delaware Bay. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry provides transportation across the Delaware Bay to 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 1991, after years of dredging completed the harbor which covers 500 acres (200 ha).[18] Cape May Harbor Fest celebrates life in and around the harbor, with the 2011 event commemorating the 100th anniversary of the harbor's creation.[19]
Cape May is the southernmost point in New Jersey.
Cape May is located at (38.936814, −74.911094).[20]
According to the Köppen climate classification system, Cape May has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) typical of New Jersey with warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Being the southernmost point in New Jersey, Cape May has fairly mild wintertime temperatures. Contrary to that, the summertime has lower temperatures than most places in the state, making the town a popular place to escape the heat. It is in zone 7a/7b which is the same as parts of Coastal Virginia, therefore being Humid/Temperate.It is a perfect location to grow traditional Northeastern Plants including English Yew, Boxwoods and Sugar Maples. Because of the warmer wintertime temperatures, Hardy Palms including Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm) and Needle Palms would work quite well in the landscape. Wine grapes also do particularly well, given the long growing season.
| Climate data for Cape May | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °F (°C) | 42 (6) |
43 (6) |
51 (11) |
60 (16) |
69 (21) |
78 (26) |
84 (29) |
83 (28) |
77 (25) |
66 (19) |
56 (13) |
47 (8) |
63.0 (17.2) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 27 (−3) |
28 (−2) |
35 (2) |
43 (6) |
53 (12) |
62 (17) |
67 (19) |
66 (19) |
60 (16) |
49 (9) |
40 (4) |
31 (−1) |
46.8 (8.2) |
| Precipitation inches (mm) | 3.68 (93.5) |
3.03 (77) |
4.18 (106.2) |
3.31 (84.1) |
3.65 (92.7) |
3.01 (76.5) |
3.39 (86.1) |
3.78 (96) |
3.31 (84.1) |
3.41 (86.6) |
3.11 (79) |
3.53 (89.7) |
41.39 (1,051.3) |
| Source: [21] | |||||||||||||
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 2,471 |
|
|
| 1920 | 2,999 | 21.4% | |
| 1930 | 2,637 | −12.1% | |
| 1940 | 2,583 | −2.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,607 | 39.6% | |
| 1960 | 4,477 | 24.1% | |
| 1970 | 4,392 | −1.9% | |
| 1980 | 4,853 | 10.5% | |
| 1990 | 4,668 | −3.8% | |
| 2000 | 4,034 | −13.6% | |
| 2010 | 3,607 | −10.6% | |
| Population sources:1910-1930[22] 1930-1990[23] 2000[24] 2010[25][26] |
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The 2010 United States Census reported that there were 3,607 people, 1,457 households and 783 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of Cape May was 89.0% (3,212) White, 4.9% (175) African American, 0.3% (11) Native American, 0.7% (24) Asian, 0.1% (4) Pacific Islander, 2.3% (83) from other races, and 2.7% (98) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.6% (311).[25][26]
As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 4,034 people, 1,821 households, and 1,034 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,623.7 people per square mile (628.0/km2). There were 4,064 housing units at an average density of 1,635.7 per square mile (632.7/km2). 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 the population.[24]
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 the average family size was 2.69.[24]
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.[24]
The median income for a household in 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.[24]
Effective July 1, 2004, the City of Cape May switched to a Council-Manager form of government under the Faulkner Act. The government consists of a Mayor and a Borough Council comprising four council members, with all positions elected at large in non-partisan elections. A Mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The Borough Council is elected to serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election and then the mayor and the fourth seat two years later. Following 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.[27][28]
As of 2011[update], the Mayor of Cape May City is Dr. Edward J. Mahaney, Jr. (whose term of office expires June 30, 2012).[29] Members of the Cape May City Council are Deputy Mayor Jack Wichterman (2014), Deanna Fiocca (2014), William Murray (2014) and Terri Swain (2012).[30][31]
Cape May is in the 2nd Congressional district and is part of New Jersey's 2nd state legislative district.[32] The legislative district was kept unchanged by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission based on the results of the 2010 Census.[5]
New Jersey's Second Congressional District is represented by Frank LoBiondo (R, Ventnor City). New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Frank Lautenberg (D, Cliffside Park) and Bob Menendez (D, Hoboken).
1st legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature, which is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Jeff Van Drew (D, Dennis Township) and in the Assembly by Nelson Albano (D, Vineland) and Matthew W. Milam (D, Vineland).[33] The Governor of New Jersey is Chris Christie (R, Mendham).[34] The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Kim Guadagno (R, Monmouth Beach).[35]
Cape May County is governed by a Board of Chosen Freeholders consisting of five members, elected at-large to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with one or two seats coming up for election each year. As of 2011, Cape May County's Freeholders are Freeholder Director Daniel Beyel (Upper Township, term expires December 31, 2011)[36], Leonard C. Desiderio (Sea Isle City, 2012)[37], Ralph E. Sheets, Jr. (2011)[38], M. Susan Sheppard (Ocean City, 2013)[39] and Gerald M. Thornton (2013).[40][41]
Tourism is the dominant industry. Cape May's economy runs on shops, restaurants, lodgings and tourist attractions on Washington Street Mall, along the boardwalk and elsewhere throughout town. Commercial and sport fishing are also important to Cape May's economy. Marine mammal watching, bird watching, and other forms of eco-tourism have become equally important in Cape May. A small wine growing area is adjacent to Cape May, and tourists to Cape May visit the four local wineries: Hawk Haven Vineyard and Winery, Turdo Vineyards, Natali Vineyards and Cape May Winery.[42]
Cape May has become known both for its Victorian gingerbread homes and its cultural offerings. The town hosts the Cape May Jazz Festival, 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 the year. Cape May is also home for the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, which offers year-round arts classes, African American history tours are transforming the historic Franklin Street School into a Community Cultural Center.
Cape May is the home of the so-called 'Cape May Diamonds'. They show up at Sunset Beach and other beaches in 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.[43]
The Cape May area 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 and hundreds of local birders, Cape May is arguably the top bird-watching area in the entire Northeastern United States. The Cape May Bird Observatory is based nearby at Cape May Point.[44]
For grades PreK-6, public school students attend Cape May City Elementary School as part of the Cape May City School District, along with those from Cape May Point, a non-operating district, as part of a sending/receiving relationship.[45] The school had an enrollment of 178 students as of the 2009-10 school year.[46] As of 2010, discussions were under way regarding a possible consolidation of the districts of Cape May City, Cape May Point and the West Cape May School District.[47]
For grades 7 – 12, public school students attend the schools of the Lower Cape May Regional School District, which serves students from Cape May City, Cape May Point, Lower Township and West Cape May.[48][49] Schools in the district (with 2009-10 enrollment data from the National Center for Education Statistics[50]) are Richard M. Teitelman School (grades 7 and 8; 545 students) and Lower Cape May Regional High School (9–12; 1,100).
The private Catholic schools serving Cape May are Cape Trinity Regional School (PreK – 8) and Wildwood Catholic High School are located in Wildwood and serve all students from Cape May County under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.[51]
The Cape May Branch of the Cape May County Public Library is located in Cape May City.
Cape May is served by several media outlets including WCFA-LP 101.5 FM, a commercial-free jazz and community station, as well as free weekly newspaper Exit Zero and local website Cape May Times. The name Exit Zero refers to the town's location at the far southern end of the Garden State Parkway near the intersection with Route 109. Informally, the entire town is sometimes called Exit Zero.[52]
The United States Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey is the nation's only Coast Guard Recruit Training Center. In 1924, the U.S. Coast Guard occupied the base and established air facilities for planes used in support of United States Customs Service efforts. During the Prohibition era, several cutters were assigned to Cape May to foil rumrunners operating off the New Jersey coast. After Prohibition, the Coast Guard all but abandoned Cape May leaving a small air/sea rescue contingent. For a short period of time (1929–1934), part of the base was used as a civilian airport. With the advent of World War II, a larger airstrip was constructed and the United States Navy returned to train aircraft carrier pilots. The over the water approach simulated carrier landings at sea. The Coast Guard also increased its Cape May forces for coastal patrol, anti-submarine warfare, air/sea rescue and buoy service. In 1946, the Navy relinquished the base to the Coast Guard.
In 1948, all entry level training on the East Coast was moved to the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Receiving Station in Cape May. The Coast Guard consolidated all recruit training functions in Cape May in 1982. Currently over 350 military and civilian personnel and their dependents are attached to Training Center Cape May.[53]
Cape May is home to a memorial to fishermen who died at sea. Known as the Cape May Fisherman's Memorial, it was erected over the harbor in 1988 and dedicated to fishermen lost at sea. It is maintained by the City of Cape May but administered by the Friends of the Cape May Fisherman’s Memorial. There is a statue and memorial stones holding the names of local fishermen who died at sea. The memorial has 75 names, starting with Andrew Jeffers, who died in 1893, and includes the six people who died in March 2009 with the sinking of the scalloping boat, the Lady Mary.[54]
The statue is of a fisherman's wife and her two children looking out onto the sheltering waters of Cape May harbor. The statue is located inside a giant compass. An inscription on the base of the statue states: "He hushed the storm to a gentle breeze and the billows of the sea were stalled."
The design is the creation, in granite, of Heather Baird, with Jerry Lynch; Gary Sassi, Celestial Memorial Sculpting Studio, Barre, VT led the project sculptors; and, Douglass Monuments, Cape May Courthouse, NJ, coordinated the project. The monument occupies a dedicated site at the juncture of Baltimore and Missouri Avenues at Harbor Cove, Cape May, NJ.
Notable current and former residents of Cape May include:
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