Former Jester’s Dive Bar Property to Become Home of New Chase Bank

Issue #629

March 19, 2026

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In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

 🚌 Former Jester’s Dive Bar Property to Become Home of New Chase Bank

🎭 One Night Only: Tommy Cono Revives Classics at Clemans Theater

 👸 Loud Blast Rattles Cape May Region, Sonic Boom Suspected

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Shop Local

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 March 19

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Former Jester’s Dive Bar Property to Become Home of New Chase Bank

A major redevelopment project is planned for Rio Grande in Cape May County, centered on the former Jester’s Dive Bar property along Route 9. After the bar’s recent closure, newly filed planning documents show the site will be transformed into a mixed-use commercial development anchored by a Chase Bank. What was initially expected to be a minor update has turned into a much larger project. The proposal combines multiple parcels into one coordinated site, signaling a full redesign of the property. The Chase Bank will serve as the primary tenant, bringing a national banking presence to the area. Importantly, the existing Jester’s building will remain. Plans show the structure staying in place, with some adjustments such as relocating signage. The building is expected to reopen as a restaurant in the future, although no new tenant has been announced. Due to the scale of construction, the restaurant space will likely stay closed until the project is completed. One of the key features is a shared parking system with about 60 spaces serving both the bank and the future restaurant. This setup reflects a common planning strategy that accounts for different peak hours between businesses, allowing for more efficient use of space. The developer is also requesting several zoning variances and design waivers, reinforcing that this is a full redevelopment rather than a simple renovation. If approved, the project will significantly reshape the site while keeping part of its original identity intact.

One Night Only: Tommy Cono Revives Classics at Clemans Theater

  East Lynne Theater Company is continuing its Club Clemans music series with a one-night performance by New Jersey singer Tommy Cono on March 28 in Cape May. The show, titled The Voice of Tribute, will take place at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church. The performance highlights Cono’s signature style of bringing classic hits from the 1960s and 1970s to modern audiences. Cono has built a reputation for reviving timeless music while giving it a fresh, contemporary feel. His repertoire includes songs made famous by artists such as Frankie Valli, The Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Bobby Rydell, and Frankie Avalon. Rather than impersonating these legends, he focuses on reinterpreting their work with his own vocal style and emotional delivery. A lifelong performer, Cono has shared the stage with well-known acts including The Duprees, The Skyliners, and Tony Orlando. He has also recorded with Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon, helping reintroduce classic performers to new audiences. In addition to his music career, he serves as a national spokesman for the Bobby Rydell Foundation. Beyond the stage, Cono—whose given name is Thomas Coniglio—recently took on a leadership role in his community as fire chief of the East Freehold Fire Company. The March 28 performance begins at 7 p.m. at the Clemans Theater for the Arts, located at 717 Franklin Street in Cape May. Tickets are priced at $30 for general admission and are available through East Lynne Theater Company’s website. 

Loud Blast Rattles Cape May Region, Sonic Boom Suspected

  Residents across the Jersey Shore reported a sudden, unexplained shaking and loud noise early Tuesday afternoon, sparking widespread speculation about a possible sonic boom. The first reports surfaced around 12:37 p.m., when Cape May residents began describing a sharp, percussive sound strong enough to rattle windows and shake homes. Within minutes, similar accounts emerged from multiple communities, including Avalon and as far north as Manchester Township. Witnesses consistently described the same experience: a brief but powerful jolt accompanied by a loud noise that felt strong enough to move entire houses. As of Tuesday afternoon, no official explanation had been confirmed. However, early indications suggest the event was unlikely to be an earthquake. There were no immediate reports from the U.S. Geological Survey, which typically tracks seismic activity. Meteorologist Nor’easter Nick pointed to a possible atmospheric explanation. He noted that a temperature inversion—a weather condition where warm air sits above cooler air near the ground—was present at the time. This setup can trap and carry sound waves over long distances rather than allowing them to dissipate upward. Under these conditions, sound from high-speed aircraft, including potential sonic booms, can travel farther and appear louder and more widespread at ground level. The effect can also cause vibrations strong enough to be felt indoors. Nick also referenced an offshore testing area where military or high-speed aircraft may occasionally exceed the speed of sound. However, no direct confirmation has linked the incident to aircraft activity. For now, the source of the mysterious boom and shaking remains unconfirmed, leaving residents across the region searching for answers.

What modern convenience, uncommon for its time, was featured in every guest room of Cape May's Mount Vernon Hotel during its brief operation in the 1850s?

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 Answer to the March 18th Trivia Question

Cape May is located on a man-made island separated from the mainland by which body of water?

A) Cape May Creek
B) Cape May Canal
C) Delaware Bay
D) Atlantic Inlet

Answer: B) Cape May Canal

The Cape May Canal is a 2.9-nautical-mile (3.3 mi; 5.4 km)  waterway connecting Cape May Harbor to the Delaware bay, at the southern tip of Cape May County, New Jersey.​

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