We hope you all have had a great summer so far!

Highlights

• Fall Membership BBQ
• Trustee Election
• Membership Record Smashed
• Bond’s Park Recreation Survey Update
• New Recycling Rules In Effect
• Fall Refuge Clean-up and Dune Planting Dates Set
• Public Hearings Scheduled On Federal Back Bay Study
• Offshore Wind Development and Virtual Open House Updates

August Updates

Fall Membership BBQ: We really missed this event in 2020. Bring your family and come join us for great food and conversation at Bond’s Park on Saturday, September 11 from 5-8pm. The HTA will supply all the food and drinks. Spend quality time with your neighbors and meet our newest members. Bring a chair and some sunscreen. Please RSVP so we can estimate food quantities needed. LINK HERE

Free Safety Wristbands for HTA Members: In partnership with the LBI Chamber of Commerce, the LBT Police Department and other local taxpayer associations, the HTA has obtained illuminated wristbands for safer biking and walking when it gets dark. These will be offered free of charge to our members at the Fall BBQ. A limited quantity is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trustee Election: Six trustees are running unopposed for re-election for two-year terms 2021 – 2023: Trustees Frank Benintendo, Denise Brand, Bill Hutson and Ted Stiles; Officers Bill Cannon (Treasurer) and Yanni Kaloudis (Communications Director). You will receive a separate link to an online ballot to approve this slate. Three additional trustee positions are open and should be filled in the 2022 election.

Membership at All-Time High: Just a few short years ago, we had less than 300 members. Today we are at 458 and counting. Ask your neighbors who are not already members to join you: LINK HERE

Bond’s Park Recreation Area: Be on the lookout for a separate email with a link to a survey about recreational activities in Holgate. This should be out in the next 7-10 days and was requested by the Township before they begin any planning at this site.

New Recycling Rules: Nothing like a mid-summer change in direction. Ocean County has expanded the list of what can be recycled. Please see: LINK HERE

Beaches: As share concerns about the damage being caused in the Gulf by Hurricane Ida, we are thankful most of our beaches fared better than expected this summer. Keeping our fingers crossed that we get through the hurricane season unscathed.

Fall Refuge Clean-up: The HTA is partnering with the US Department of Fish & Wildlife and Alliance for a Living Ocean to clean the Holgate Refuge on September 18 beginning at 8:30am. We will provide water and Bowker’s coffee and crumb cake for volunteers. Please join us. NOTE: We need 4×4 vehicles to take people farther out and help transport the trash back to the dumpster. Respond directly to this email if you can provide one.

Fall Dune Planting: With the uncertainty about home water charges due to the new meters, this Fall may be our last big effort to plant. Please come out and join us on September 25 at 8:30am as we try to put in a record number of plants.

Marine Field Station: This new educational facility in Holgate has received many positive reviews. Please follow this link for schedule updates: LINK HERE

Offshore Wind Farms: The initial field to be developed is due east of Atlantic City and will not be off the coast of LBI. However, LBI is expected to be in the next phase of development. You can see updated information, including some visualizations, from their July virtual open house here: LINK HERE

Federal Back Bay Study: The Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”), announced the New Jersey Back Bays (NJBB) Draft Integrated Feasibility Report (“Study” or “Report”) and Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (DIFR-EIS). The Report outlines a tentative plan framework, which includes three storm surge barriers, two cross-bay barriers, and the elevation of more than 18,000 structures to reduce the risk of flood damages associated with storm surge. Analyses indicate the study area could experience $1.8 billion in average annual flood damages if no action is taken. USACE will host two virtual public meetings to answer questions on September 20 from 6 – 7 pm and on September 21 from 1 – 2 pm. LINK HERE

SAVE THE DATES

• Fall Membership Meeting and BBQ: September 11, 5:00-8:00pm
• Fall Refuge Cleanup: September 18, 8:30am – 12:30pm
• Fall Dune Planting: September 25, 8:30am – 12:30pm

REMINDERS
Trash: The Township is strictly enforcing garbage regulations and giving out tickets – no warnings; be sure all garbage cans are sealed shut. If you rent, advise your tenants.
Coyotes: Please continue to report any sightings.
Compassion Café: Please support this new service which is staffed by people with intellectual and developmental challenges at Barry’s Do Me a Flavor in Beach Haven. Hours are Mondays-Thursdays from 7:00am -11:00am. LINK HERE
Water Meters: A few LBT residents have still not activated their new water meters. Please be sure to do this to avoid a fine