Dune Project Delayed
Margate’s dune project has been temporarily suspended by Atlantic County Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez, who described drainage problems related to the project as the cause of “irreparable harm” to the city, according to an article published by the Press of Atlantic City.
The lack of proper drainage has resulted in 15 inches of stagnant water locked behind the newly constructed dune. Mayor Michael Becker has stated tests have shown the pooled water to be loaded with bacteria, and two lifeguards have been treated for infection and fever due to extended contact with the water.
New Online Portal Aims to Combat Opioid Epidemic
New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs announced the launch of its Suspicious Activity Report portal on Thursday in a press release. The Division described the portal as the latest feature of the NJ Prescription Monitoring Program. As the state continues to be overwhelmed by a painkiller epidemic, the SAR portal may be used to report doctors and pharmacists suspected of illegally peddling opioids.
My Mall is Better Than Your Mall
NJ.com ranked the Garden State’s 29 shopping malls from worst to best, and many of the lowest-scoring locations reside in South Jersey. The website takes no prisoners, delivering particularly scathing reviews of the Harbor Square and Ocean County malls. Check the link to see where your local shopping center falls on the list.
Brigantine Ramps up for Annual Surf Jam
The island’s long-running competition will take place sometime next week, as event coordinators wait for optimal weather conditions before deciding upon a date. The Beachcomber ran an excellent piece on the volunteer-led contest, which has been held in its current incarnation for the past 12 years. Revenue generated by the Surf Jam is placed in scholarships or donated to local causes.
In the rest of the day’s news, Atlantic City’s firefighters and the state’s takeover attorney’s are back in court (follow Lynda Cohen at BreakingAC for all the details), a recently-acquitted Atlantic City principal has been brought up on new charges, a local author has published a book on Cape May’s culinary history, an unidentified body has been been found near the former Revel Casino and arrests have been made in connection to the June 25 killing of a Winslow Township woman. All that and more below:
Flood Waters Trap Drivers, Damage Homes in South Jersey–Thursday’s rain caused extensive flooding in parts of South Jersey. NBC 10 Philadelphia
NY REIT Acquires First South Jersey Property–West Hempstead, New York-based real estate investment trust GTJ recently announced it has acquired a 109,700-square-foot property in Cherry Hill currently serving as Avalon Flooring’s training and distribution facility for New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. NJBIZ
Males, 17 and 20, Killed Woman at Blueberry Farm, Officials Said–Detectives followed multiple leads and tips to catch the two young men they believe are responsible for gunning down Deanna "DD" Scordo, 45, in her family's farmhouse near the Atlantic County line. The Camden County prosecutor's office said in a statement Thursday that Tyler Dralle, 20, of Vineland, and a 17-year-old from New Castle, Delaware are being charged with murder in the June 25 shooting. NJ.com
NJ Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Pay Increases for Atlantic County–In a case involving Atlantic County, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday local governments have to maintain step pay increases during lapses in contracts. Press of Atlantic City
Fans Pack Atlantic City for Ruff Ryders Beach Concert–The Atlantic City Beach Fest concert series featuring Ruff Ryders was a mix of new school and old school rap and hip hop Thursday. Opening acts Drag On, the LOX and Fat Joe performed their top hits with tribute moments to rap legends Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur. Press of Atlantic City
Tenure Charges Filed Against Atlantic City Principal Cleared in Criminal Trial–An Atlantic City principal acquitted of stealing money mean for the school has now been brought up on tenure charges by the superintendent. LaKecia Hyman was found not guilty May 22, after she had been suspended without pay for 18 months in the matter. BreakingAC