Pinelands Pipeline II
Yesterday the Pinelands Commission heard public comments on (a second) proposal to build a gas pipeline through the northern section of the protected pines. As Joe Hernandez reports for Newsworks, the Commission had previous rubber-stamped the pipeline with no public comment, so this was the first time residents were getting an opportunity to have their say. The majority of speakers were opposed to the project, but there was also some support for the project, according to Hernandez. In a separate piece, Politico PRO concluded that the pipeline, proposed by New Jersey Natural Gas, will almost certainly go ahead (behind a paywall here, but you can read a summary of the piece here). The general feeling seems to be that by largely ignoring opposition to the first pipeline, the Pinelands Commission has already set a precedent for itself.
Beaches
A dozen beaches in Atlantic County (seven in Atlantic City, four in Ventnor and the Somers Point bay beach) are closed due to high bacteria levels (check the New Jersey DEP for updates.) Testing is being done daily and some of the beaches could reopen today or Friday, A DEP spokesman told The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Earlier this week a business news site wrote that Atlantic City was a ghost town. We called the author out on Twitter, as did many others. But you should read Lynda Cohen’s longer-form take on why that piece on AC shows that the only thing around here that’s dying is journalism.
In the rest of the day’s news, EHT’s Board of Education lowered the school tax rate after receiving more aid from the state, read this feature about a Cape May distillery making craft vodka from New Jersey sweet potatoes, and NJ Spotlight has a deep dive into how President Trump’s rollback of the Clean Water Rule could affect half of the water miles in the Delaware basin. All that and more below:
Margate Wins Ocean City Women’s Invitational–The Margate Beach Patrol got a win by the doubles crew of sisters Amanda and Kristine Auble and good scoring in other events to win the 14th annual Ocean City Beach Patrol Women’s Invitational on Wednesday at 34th Street beach. Amber Glenn, of Margate, finished second to Ocean City rookie Maggie Wallace in the swim. Glenn returned to take third in the paddleboard behind winner Grace Emig, of Brigantine, and second-place finisher Lexi Santer, of Ocean City. Press of Atlantic City
AC Ballet Opens 35th Season With a Fundraiser–The Atlantic City Ballet will kick off its 35th season with a special fundraiser celebration Thursday, July 27, at Golden Nugget Atlantic City’s H2O pool. Called “Celebrate the Swan,” the event is named after the Ballet’s performance of “Swan Lake,” and includes door prizes, food, drinks, a silent auction and ballet and music performances. Press of Atlantic City
Atlantic City Housing Authority Director Resigns–Atlantic City’s Housing Authority executive director has resigned, leaving his position after less than a year, officials said. The authority’s Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at the end of May that authorized the resignation of Clifford Scott, 45, who became executive director in September. Press of Atlantic City
Fidget Spinners are Big Business on South Jersey Boardwalks–Fidget spinners seem to be whirring in the hands of nearly every preteen in the country of late. By the by, the sale of fidget spinners has made the leap from malls and department stores to a somewhat unlikely venue — the boardwalks of South Jersey. Press of Atlantic City
Bacharach’s Ability Fair Mixes Technology, Services and Therapy Animals–Advanced, robotic technology and pure animal companionship mixed Wednesday at Stockton University. More than 60 organizations, health providers, agencies and companies showed off their products and services aimed at improving the lives of those with physical or learning disabilities at Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation’s third annual Ability Fair. Press of Atlantic City
Egg Harbor Township School Board Reduces Tax Rate–The Egg Harbor Township Board of Education voted to allocate half the additional $1.482 million in state funding it received earlier this month to reduce the tax rate and to bank the other half to help with future budget deficits during its meeting Tuesday, July 25. Shore News Today
Absecon Welcomes New Furry Officer–The Absecon Police Department swore in its newest member Wednesday. And he seemed to be fitting in very well, though shedding may have been a concern. Press of Atlantic City
Here’s How Much NJ Jail Population Fell Since Bail Reform–New data shows the state's county jail populations are down by more than a third from this time last year. NJ.com