County Commissioners Halt Public Discussion on Cape May Airport Lease

Crest Haven, NJ — During the April 22 meeting, the Cape May County Commissioners cut short a discussion about the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) and the Cape May Airport lease, saying it was more appropriate for a closed session. Commissioner Will Morey explained that he had communicated with the DRBA regarding a deadlock between the authority and the county over the airport lease. However, Commissioner Director Leonard Desiderio suggested the matter should be discussed privately due to its nature.
Morey stated that his concerns were related to general policy, not exempt matters. He noted that the county and DRBA had reached an impasse over the airport lease, which could automatically renew unless the county gave notice five years in advance of its intention not to renew. The county had to call a special meeting in June 2024 to issue that notice. The DRBA’s 30-year lease, expiring in 2029, allows the authority to operate the airport for just $1 a year. While the county owns the airport, there have been tensions over control of the property, with the DRBA seeking to maintain its role as operator. The commissioners discussed the financial implications of terminating the lease, which would require the county to reimburse over $30 million in improvements to the airport. Morey emphasized the importance of using taxpayer funds wisely and suggested that both the county and the DRBA should reach a mutual agreement. Despite the discussion, no closed session was held after the meeting.