Avalon mayor: stay out or be fined $1,000

AVALON-As towns become countries on their own during the global coronavirus pandemic, closing beaches, parks and boardwalks to outsiders and telling vacation homeowners to stay at their primary residence.

Now, one shore town mayor, Martin Pagliughi of Avalon, in Cape May County said he’s going to have his police officers start issues fines and charges up to $1,000 to non-residents.

“Those seasonal residents of Avalon who maintain permanent residences elsewhere, are asked not to come to the Borough of Avalon during this pandemic and while the Governor’s EOs remain in effect. We value our seasonal residents and we welcome you to this wonderful community which belongs to all of us and we cherish the time you spend here,” Pagliughi “However, coming to Avalon at this time violates the travel restrictions imposed by our Governor, subjects you to fines of up to $1,000.00 and poses a public health risk by increasing the spread of this Pandemic. Remember: You can infect others even though you have no symptoms and may not even be aware that you are infected.”

Pagliughi also told homeowners to immediately cease renting homes in his town.

“In addition to not visiting Avalon at this time, I appeal to you to withhold your property from the rental market for the duration of the State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency due to the COVID – 19 Pandemic,” he said. “I recognize that this comes as a sacrifice and inconvenience to you. However, such action on your part in withholding your property from the rental market is for the good of all – including you. It will make Avalon a safer place for all of you. I am also requesting that all Realtors comply with this appeal.”

This includes visiting family members, according to the mayor.

“Measures such as I have requested come at a cost. They also require a change in plans for family and friends that may have been planned for a long time,” he added. “No one saw this pandemic coming. Never has our country experienced such widespread closures of business, schools, churches, and other institutions. This is the time for all of us, regardless of our circumstances, to practice civic responsibility, remain at home to the greatest extent possible and traveling only for reasons of urgent necessity and following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and the New Jersey Department of Health as well as the guidance of the health departments in our sister states.”

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