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Friday 05/17/2013

Cape officials hope simplified process will increase visitors' recycling

Like everything else in Cape May County, the amount of materials recycled every day increases dramatically during the summer, from 50 tons in the off-season to 200 tons of paper, plastic, glass and metal daily.

Residents displaced by Sandy seek new homes at rental fair

Stuart Griffin moved his family to Atlantic City from Cincinnati two weeks before October's Hurricane Sandy.

Affordable senior housing plan draws objections in Egg Harbor City

EGG HARBOR CITY - Councilman Clifford Mays Jr. and some residents are opposing an ordinance to drop the sales price of city-owned land so a developer can better qualify for tax credits to build affordable senior rental housing there.

Revel plans fireworks shows

Revel casino plans to light up the sky with three separate fireworks shows in coming months, casino officials announced Thursday.

South Jersey Road Report for Saturday, May 18

Cologne Avenue, Galloway Township: Beginning Tuesday a road project will cause a detour on the avenue between Route 30 and Almond Street from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through the month of June.

Vineland man indicted in machete attack on woman

BRIDGETON — A Vineland man is under indictment for allegedly brutally hacking a woman with a machete in 2012.

8-year-old girl suffers life-threatening injuries when struck by vehicle in Vineland

An 8-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Vineland Thursday night.

New Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall 3-D light show to debut May 25

Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City is preparing to launch a free 3-D light and sound show for the public every half hour beginning next weekend.

SJTA accepting input on policies, procedures for Atlantic City Expressway

The South Jersey Transportation Authority will hold meetings for the public to give input on the general rules and procedures for the Atlantic City Expressway.

Judge says Atlantic Club can reject PokerStars offer

Atlantic Club Casino Hotel can walk away from a sales deal with PokerStars and keep the $11 million in advances it has received, a Superior Court judge ruled Friday.

Class of 2013 graduates at Rowan University

New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney was the featured speaker at the 89th undergraduate commencement at Rowan University in Glassboro Friday.

Millville police investigate shooting that sent man to hospital

MILLVILLE — Authorities are investigating a Thursday night incident at a local apartment complex that left a man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Video security cameras added to Wildwood, Ocean City's boardwalks

A video security system has been installed along the Boardwalks in Wildwood and Ocean City to "get more electronic eyes on the street," according to Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor.

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Friday 05/17/2013

Dennis Filler, head of FAA's William J. Hughes Tech Center, to be keynote speak at NextGen Conference

By JENNIFER BOGDAN, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 12:03 pm

Dennis Filler, the newly named head of the FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center, will be the keynote speaker at the Avionics for NextGen Conference in Atlantic City on Sept. 17.

Man indicted on murder and weapons offense after turning himself in for 23-year-old Galloway murder

By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 3:08 pm

The Ventnor man who turned himself in for a 23-year-old killing April 1 was indicted on murder and weapons offenses Thursday.

Woman indicted in 2011 vehicular homicide of 81-year-old in Buena Vista Township

Press staff reports

Posted: May 17, 2013

An 26-year-old Richland woman has been indicted for a 2011 vehicular homicide in Buena Vista Township, according to acting County Prosecutor Jim McClain.

Public comment period starts June 3 on Internet gambling

By ANJALEE KHEMLANI Staff Writer

Posted: May 17, 2013

The public can comment on proposed regulations for Internet gambling, which will be published on the state's Division of Gaming Enforcement website for two months beginning June 3.

First portions of Margaritaville expansion open in Atlantic City

By WALLACE MCKELVEY, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 9:35 am

A line of rolling chairs waited Thursday outside the slot parlor at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which has opened for customers ahead of its soft opening this weekend.

Ocean County freeholder says New Jersey needs consumer advocate

By DONNA WEAVER Staff Writer

Posted: May 17, 2013

Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari says New Jersey doesn’t need a state Board of Public Utilities, but instead could benefit from a consumer advocate.

Ocean City warns that Sandy debris could still be hidden

By LEE PROCIDA Staff Writer

Posted: May 17, 2013

OCEAN CITY — Beachgoers should be wary of debris left over from Hurricane Sandy that will steadily appear from underneath sand and wash up in the surf this summer, city officials say.

Ocean City adopts municipal budget for 2013

By LEE PROCIDA Staff Writer

Posted: May 17, 2013

OCEAN CITY — City Council adopted its 2013 municipal budget at Thursday night’s regular meeting, increasing the tax rate and raising the average residential tax bill for local purposes by about $12.

Group plans cleanup on Route 30 in Absecon and Atlantic City

By STEVEN LEMONGELLO, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 12:56 am

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority is partnering with several agencies to help clean up one of the gateways to the shore before Memorial Day.

Atlantic City giving senior citizens $500 property-tax cedit

By LYNDA COHEN, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 1:30 am

Atlantic City property owners who are 65 or older are eligible for a $500 credit on their municipal property taxes, the mayor announced Thursday.

Thursday 05/16/2013

Buena Vista accident sends 17-year-old girl to hospital

By JOEL LANDAU, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 12:56 am

A 17-year-old girl was hospitalized following a car accident in Buena Vista Township Thursday night.

Vineland accident closes roads at South Delsea Drive, West Sherman Avenue

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 7:59 am

Vineland police say the area of South Delsea Drive and West Sherman Avenue was closed for several hours due to a motor vehicle accident involving several vehicles Thursday night.

Governor to visit Habitat for Humanity workers today in Ventnor

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 12:35 am

Gov. Chris Christie will visit the site of Habitat for Humanity’s Hurricane Sandy home rebuilding projects in Ventnor at 2 p.m. today.

Rental Housing Fair for Sandy victims today at Atlantic City Convention Center

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 12:36 am

People still displaced from Hurricane Sandy can attend a Rental Housing Fair at the Atlantic City Convention Center this afternoon to learn about a more permanent solution.

One in hospital, one in custody after head-on crash in Pleasantville

By ANJALEE KHEMLANI, Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 7:01 pm

PLEASANTVILLE — One driver fled the scene while another driver was trapped in his vehicle after a head-on crash in front of a medical building Thursday morning on North Franklin Boulevard, police said.

Middle Township crash injures North Wildwood woman

Posted: May 16, 2013

A North Wildwood woman was injured in a motor vehicle accident in Middle Township Wednesday morning.

Ventnor woman indicted on murder charges in stabbing death of Millville man

By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 7:47 pm

A Ventnor woman accused of fatally stabbing a Millville man outside her home in December has been indicted on a murder charge.

Christie announces buy-out program for storm-damaged houses

By SARAH WATSON, Staff Writer

Updated: May 17, 2013 - 3:06 pm

New Jersey will use $300 million in federal aid to buy out about 1,300 Hurricane Sandy-damaged and flood-prone homes in the state.

Gov. Chris Christie said in a news release that the state initially will target houses that have flooded repeatedly, focusing first on about 350 homes along the Delaware Bay in Lawrence Township, Cumberland County and in two Middlesex County towns. The program will target another 300 homes in the frequently flooded Passaic River basin.

“There comes a moment when you just know when Mother Nature is getting the best of you,” Christie said during a town hall meeting Thursday in Sayreville. “We’re putting a pretty quick timeline on this, a very quick timeline for government.”

None of the buyouts will be forced. Homeowners must agree to sell. The program could expand later if there is the demand, Christie said.

The state will operate the buyout program, which would vastly expand the existing Blue Acres program, with offers first coming in July and the first closings expected by Labor Day. The rest of the closings should be complete within one year.

The buyout program will focus on clusters of houses or entire neighborhoods that suffered storm damaged, with the buildings purchased by the state to eventually be demolished and the land turned into open space to absorb future flooding, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said in a news release.

“It is up to these communities to make the tough decisions on whether to sell or rebuild,” Martin said in the release. “We understand this is a very personal and difficult decision to make for people who were decimated by Sandy and may have also suffered damage in previous storms, but who still love where they live.”

DEP has created a buyout team to process applications and finalize paperwork quickly, with staff reassigned from other areas of the department to work as case managers and work on the street, said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. Martin and Christie pledged to make the process as easy and as quick as possible for homeowners.

Previous buyouts in the Blue Acres program have taken “anywhere from a year to two years,” Hajna said. “But we’re definitely working to make this a much quicker process.”

By the end of May, case managers will begin contacting homeowners who have expressed interest in buyouts. Some towns have given lists of interested homeowners to the state, and some homeowners have contacted the Blue Acres Program during the past few months, Hajna said.

In addition to heavy interest in places such as Sayreville and South River, Hajna said the department has received calls from homeowners in Toms River, Brick Township, Little Egg Harbor Township and the Gandy’s Beach section of Downe Township.

Established in 1995, the Blue Acres Program has purchased more than 198 properties for a total cost of $28.7 million, with most of those properties in the Raritan and Passaic River basins, according to DEP statistics. Those areas are home to more than $200 million in repeated flood losses, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency statistics.

New Jersey now ranks third in the amount of National Flood Insurance Program payouts and is fourth in the nation for flood insurance payments for repeatedly flooded properties, according to FEMA statistics.

New York has pledged to use $171 million from its first round of Community Development Block Grant disaster aid to pay for buyouts in that state. New Jersey’s money will come through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and also could come from the CDBG program, Hajna said.

Properties that have suffered storm damage, have been repeatedly flooded or that could act as a land buffer from future flooding are eligible. Property appraisals will begin in June. Homeowners interested in selling homes may contact the Blue Acres Program at 609-984-0500.

Contact Sarah Watson:

609-272-7216

SWatson@pressofac.com

Follow her on Twitter @acpresssarah

Tax credit available for seniors in Atlantic City

By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer

Posted: May 16, 2013

Atlantic City property owners who are 65 or older are now eligible for a $500 credit on their municipal property taxes, the mayor announced today.

Somers Point woman found with marijuana and 150 bags of heroin

By ANJALEE KHEMLANI

Posted: May 16, 2013

SOMERS POINT - A 31-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday night in her apartment in the 500 block of Shore Road when police executed a search warrant and discovered 150 bags of heroin and less than 50 grams of marijuana.

Forsythe refuge event to mark reopening

By DONNA WEAVER Staff Writer

Posted: May 16, 2013

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — After reopening last month, the Wildlife Drive section of the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge will host a grand reopening event Saturday to unveil the completed repairs to the refuge’s eight-mile drive after Hurricane Sandy.

Pinky's Corner: Miss America Pageant will showcase Atlantic City

Posted: May 16, 2013

Earlier this week, I had an interview with Sam Haskell, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of the Miss America Organization. His wife was a former contestant in the pageant and, through her, he learned a great deal about this event.

Wednesday 05/15/2013

Christie slows property tax increases, but rebate, credit cuts offset the gains for many

By GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press

Posted: May 15, 2013

New Jersey's property tax bills have been rising more slowly since Chris Christie became governor, but that does not mean slow growth for what many homeowners actually have to pay, according to new data released by the state.

Ten students, teacher win scholarships for Atlantic City marketing ideas

By HOA NGUYEN, Staff Writer

Posted: May 15, 2013

Tasked with creating marketing ads for Atlantic City, local teenagers vying for a scholarship came up with ideas such as "Stop Dreaming and Do AC," "Staycation, VACation" and "Atlantic City: Your Convention Destination."

"We have so many different things to offer here," said one of the students, Fathama Rahman, 17, of Atlantic City. "You'd be foolish not to come here and look around."

Rahman, nine other students and a high school teacher were awarded scholarships during the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association annual luncheon at Tropicana Casino and Resort Wednesday. The annual scholarship program is marking its 13th year with a record amount of money - $18,500 - being distributed this year, said Gary Hill, spokesman for the association.

The ad project was a way for the association to encourage students to cast Atlantic City in a positive and innovative way, Hill said.

"That's what we're trying to do here," he said. "So it spreads out from Atlantic City."

Rahman, who won the Claremont Hotel Scholarship with the "Stop Dreaming and Do AC" slogan, has lived in Atlantic City all of her life. She said it was difficult for her to understand why people wouldn't want to come to the resort.

"I'm a bit biased," said the teen, who is planning to attend the College of New Jersey and major in criminology.

Jeffrey Weinert, 18, of Galloway Township, a recipient of the Atlantic City Jitney Association Scholarship who is headed to the University of Richmond in Virginia, said he decided to highlight Atlantic City's ability to host conventions in his ad because he believes the resort's future depends on being more than a gambling city.

"I think it can improve in other areas of business," said Weinert, whose father is a senior vice president of Spectrum Gaming Group, a Linwood-based casino industry market research firm.

Kayla Scannell, a Linwood student from Mainland Regional High School who won the MBCA Student Scholarship, also believes nongambling attractions are an important part of what Atlantic City offers, crafting the "Staycation, VACation" slogan to emphasize the amenities available outside of the casinos.

"I definitely think Atlantic City has a lot more than gambling," said the teen who will attend Towson University in Maryland and aspires to become a teacher.

Other recipients of awards worth $1,500:

•Kimberly Richardson, Epicurean Society of New Jersey Student Scholarship

•Sutton Pakenham-Laltrello, AC Weekly Scholarship

•Colleen Callahan, South Jersey Industries Women's Leadership Scholarship

•Sameena Shinwari, Penny from Jenny Scholarship

•Caroline Tesone, Seashore Gardens Living Center Scholarship

•Laura Butrus, an Egg Harbor Township High School teacher, Epicurean Society of Southern New Jersey

Recipients of the Pierre and Soundra Hollingsworth Scholarships worth $2,500:

•Alexis Price

•Robert Lowe

Contact Hoa Nguyen:

609-272-7203

HNguyen@pressofac.com ]]>

Brigantine council approves budget with 7 percent tax increase

By JOEL LANDAU Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 9:02 pm

BRIGANTINE — City Council approved its 2013 budget Wednesday, which includes a nearly 7 percent tax increase, but members have an eye toward no tax increases for the future.

Atlantic City-based Atlantic Human Resources may owe federal government $1.4 million.

By ANJALEE KHEMLANI, Staff Writer

Posted: May 15, 2013

An Atlantic City-based nonprofit received more than $1.4 million in excess federal funding for two senior volunteer programs, a recent investigation found.

Millville man found not guilty in 2010 killing

By THOMAS BARLAS Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 10:12 pm

BRIDGETON — A jury has cleared a local man of charges that he shot a Millville resident to death in April 2010.

South Jersey Road Report for Thursday, May 16

Posted: May 15, 2013

Egg Harbor City, Lower Bank Road: Repairs to the Lower Bank Bridge mean the road will be closed indefinitely. Motorists are advised to use Green Bank Bridge in Mullica Township as an alternate route.

Toms River father whose son fatally shot playmate waives right to initial court aappearance

By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 5:19 pm

A Toms River man charged for allowing his 4-year-old son access to the gun that the boy used to kill a 6-year-old playmate has waived his right to an initial court appearance, his attorney said Wednesday.

Four hurt, including two children, in Absecon crash

By JOEL LANDAU Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 6:08 pm

ABSECON — A two-vehicle accident sent four people to the hospital including two children Wednesday afternoon.

'Click it or Ticket' seatbelt campaign begins May 20

Posted: May 15, 2013

Police departments across South Jersey are preparing for the nationwide “Click it or Ticket” campaign next week, which aims to ensure all divers and passengers are wearing seatbelts.

New Jersey chiefs group reaccredits Brigantine Police Department

By WALLACE McKELVEY Staff Writer

Posted: May 15, 2013

Brigantine’s Police Department has been reaccredited after a review earlier this year by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Vineland company fined $500,000 over wage violations

By THOMAS BARLAS, Staff Writer

Posted: May 15, 2013

VINELAND – A local company that provides services for produce growers and businesses nationwide must pay almost $500,000 in back wages and damages to more than 1,700 workers, according to federal officials.

Atlantic City SWAT members 'know the players and the dangers' when called to duty

By LYNDA COHEN, Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 2:37 pm

Bang!

Exotic car show and parade roll onto Atlantic City's Boardwalk

Press staff reports

Posted: May 15, 2013

ATLANTIC CITY - An exotic car parade will cruise down the Boardwalk today, and remain parked near Bally's Casino for the remainder of the day.

Late night shooting under investigation in Pleasantville

By ANJALEE KHEMLANI Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 3:52 pm

PLEASANTVILLE — Police are investigating a shooting of a 20-year-old man who was injured in both his arms Tuesday night.

Gov. Christie discusses his weight

Associated Press

Posted: May 15, 2013

PRINCETON — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he hasn't been feeling better three months after undergoing secret weight-loss surgery.

Movies at the shore: Ocean City theaters get latest technology

By LEE PROCIDA, Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 12:14 am

OCEAN CITY — Projection rooms at the new Moorlyn Family Theatre looked empty except for the few remaining — and almost obsolete — film projectors. Soon, they too would be scrapped and exchanged for digital projectors as part of the theater’s revival.

Court blocks state from seizing housing funds

By JOEL LANDAU, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 9:38 pm

Money earmarked for local affordable housing programs will stay where it is for now, following a ruling by the Appellate Division of Superior Court.

Vineland officials hope bike lanes help drivers, cyclists share the road

By THOMAS BARLAS, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 9:38 pm

VINELAND — Local officials are trying to make sure the municipality’s first designated downtown bicycle lanes are safe for two groups that often do not coexist well together.

Operation Blok Buster cripples Atlantic City street gang 800 Blok

By LYNDA COHEN Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 12:13 am

Atlantic City’s Violent Crime Task Force foiled a murder plot and took down a major drug-trafficking gang that — along with its alleged rival Dirty Blok — was responsible for a majority of gun violence in the city, officials said Tuesday.

Atlantic County builds wetlands so it can develop others

By DEREK HARPER, Staff Writer

Updated: May 16, 2013 - 12:14 am

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - When Atlantic County replaces a long-closed bridge this summer, the project will be helped along by a decision several years ago to buy and set aside property that would be turned into wetlands.

Avalon, Sea Isle City each elect 2 incumbents, 1 newcomer in unopposed elections

By LEE PROCIDA, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:08 am

Both Avalon and Sea Isle City held nonpartisan, unopposed municipal elections Tuesday, and voters in each community returned two incumbents to office along with a newcomer.

Brigantine expected to adopt budget Wednesday

By WALLACE McKELVEY, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:06 am

Brigantine City Council will consider, and is expected to adopt, its 2013 budget at its meeting today.

Tuesday 05/14/2013

Northfield to probe Tilton Road sewer project

By STEVEN LEMONGELLO, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:11 am

Northfield City Council agreed to create an ad hoc committee Tuesday to investigate how and when a sewer removal project on Tilton Road was approved.

Vineland moves to forever prevent hazardous waste processing at site

By THOMAS BARLAS, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 12:48 am

VINELAND — City officials are moving to permanently prevent another hazardous waste-processing facility from operating at the contaminated Pure Earth Inc. site.

Northfield approves municipal budget

By STEVEN LEMONGELLO Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:12 am

NORTHFIELD — City Council approved its 2013 municipal budget at its meeting Tuesday night. The vote was 6-0, with Council President Lisa Brown absent.

Bass River State Park remains ID'd in Gacy case; they're just not Gacy's victim

By HOA NGUYEN, Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:17 am

A search for the victims of serial killer John Wayne Gacy has been credited with identifying the remains of a 16-year-old boy who went missing 41 years ago in Bass River State Park in Burlington County, police said Tuesday.

Galloway man to be honored for heroism while serving in Afghanistan with 177th Fighter Wing

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 1:45 am

A Galloway man will be honored for the Bronze Star and Purple Heart he received while serving in Afghanistan at a special ceremony Saturday.

Vineland plans law changes to speed code violation response

By THOMAS BARLAS Staff Writer

Updated: May 15, 2013 - 12:47 am

VINELAND — The city administration is preparing new legislation that local officials said will allow them to force improvements to be made more quickly at abandoned properties.

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Report says national casino markets recovering from recession, but Atlantic City struggled in 2012

Most of the nation’s casino markets have finally recovered from the recession, propelling revenue from slot machines and table games to near-record levels in 2012, according to a new report on the economic health of the gambling industry. More »