Memorial Bench Owners in Cape May Face Steep New Costs to Keep Benches in Place

Cape May’s Jersey Shore seaside promenade draws thousands of visitors each year. Many sit on memorial benches to remember loved ones. Unfortunately, the city has indicated that several benches will need to be replaced due to age. Bench owners who want to save their bench and plaque must contribute pay for replacement.

A crucial factor is warranty expiration. The oldest benches, placed between 2009 and 2014, had 10-year guarantees. Cape May officials claim the benches are degrading rapidly since the warranties expired. Some benches are insecure due to rotting wood, rusting supports, and flaking paint. The city inventoried 370 Promenade benches that needed examination. About 275 benches were scheduled for off-season replacement.

A bench owner must pay a new charge to participate in the city’s replacement program to preserve it. Under the first program, bench dedication cost $1,416. City officials said the new price will reflect what the city paid—bench cost plus installation—so replacements are a cost-recovery program rather than a revenue source.

Options exist for bench owners who refuse replacement. They can remove their bench and plaque for free or let the city recycle or dispose of it. Transferring or moving benches would match their current location. The city will place a new bench in the same spot and move the plaque if owners consent.

The new idea is on hold as municipal officials and residents discuss fairness. Some owners feel the cost burden is too high, thus discussions are about making the program equitable. Some seek clearer communication and longer response times. Others worry that without the new price, their memorials and memories would be deleted. The city says it’s listening to those concerns.

Cape May’s problem parallels coastal municipalities’ larger issues. Salt air, harsh weather, and heavy use destroy outdoor memorials. Residents’ bench and plaque dedication programs must plan for long-term upkeep and replacement. If warranties expire, bench owners pay instead of the city.

Cape May bench owners must pick whether to pay for the replacement and maintain the view and memorial bench or opt out and lose the location. Once cost and implementation details are established, the decision date is expected before the next seaward season.

Sources
Cape May County Herald