CAPE MAY — Broken windows, rotting wood, deteriorating chimneys, crumbling foundations and multiple other signs of neglect can eventually reach a point beyond repair.

For the key and contributing historic properties in Cape May, a new city ordinance aims to prevent things from reaching that point.

On Tuesday, City Council introduced an ordinance banning "demolition by neglect,” as recommended by the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. A public hearing and final vote are planned for 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at City Hall, 643 Washington St.

Cape May already has property maintenance codes and other rules preventing owners from allowing structures to fall into disrepair. The ordinance as introduced seeks to protect the extieriors of historic sites and landmarks from "deliberate or inadvertent neg

See Full Page