Mayor
May 17, 2024
Dear Friends,
Another summer is fast approaching, and the city is wrapping up road projects and getting ready for another season of family fun and special events.
Work crews started milling and paving West Avenue from 18th Street to 26th Street today, and they will return on Monday to finish the job. Milling and paving of West Avenue from 14th Street to 16th Street is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. On Central Avenue from 28th Street to 34th Street, crews are finishing concrete work on curbs and sidewalks, and temporary repaving of the drive lanes is now scheduled for the week after Memorial Day.
Seasonal beach tags are on sale, and everybody can take advantage of a $5 discount through May 31. More information on all the ways to purchase them is available at ocnj.us/beachtags. The Ocean City Beach Patrol is getting ready for another season and will start guarding a limited number of beaches on Memorial Day Weekend after the Unlocking of the Ocean and Business Persons Plunge on Friday, May 24. Tryouts for new lifeguards are scheduled for June 1.
The Night in Venice Planning Committee announced this week that ESPN reporter Marty Smith will be grand marshal for this year’s boat parade on July 20. Marty will be joined by his wife, Lainie, a former Miss Night in Venice, and their three children for the event. It’s great that the Smith family has such close ties with Ocean City, and I’m honored to have them lead our parade.
Our Public Works team sent out a reminder earlier today that oversized trash and recycling containers will no longer be picked up as of June 1. The work crews for our waste management contractor are reporting that many residences are using the wheeled 96-gallon containers that are designed to be picked up mechanically. The workers can’t lift these heavy containers by hand. Trash and recycling cans placed at curbside for pickup must be no greater than 32 gallons in capacity and 50 pounds in weight, as per local ordinance.
I’m incredibly sad to pass along news of the sudden passing of one of our city team members, Ellen Pospiech. Anyone familiar with Ellen knows that she was a dedicated Welcome Center team member who shared her joy for life with everybody she knew. She was a former teacher and former member of our Ocean City Historic Preservation Commission. I hope you’ll join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Ocean City High School will hold its senior prom at the Music Pier on Saturday evening (May 18). In an annual tradition, the students will arrive across a red carpet on their way to the event. Passage down the boardwalk in front of the Pier will be limited from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed to pass but may be asked to stop as prom-goers make their entrance. The municipal parking lot at Moorlyn Terrace will be closed all day on Saturday, and metered street parking on Moorlyn Terrace will be restricted starting in the afternoon.
I hope you all have a great weekend. Everybody is invited to participate in the 2024 Walk to End Lupus Now and the Ocean City Triathlon on Sunday (May 19).
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
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Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!
Ocean City is a town rich in history and a deep sense of community. Families have been vacationing in Ocean City for generations and many have made Ocean City their year-round home.
Our residents enjoy award-winning schools, world-class recreation facilities and outstanding municipal services from all city departments, including Police, Fire and Rescue, and Beach Patrol. Residents participate in activities for every age and interest including the cultural arts, music and theater as well as sports and recreation programs available at our many parks, playgrounds and city facilities. One of our local treasures is the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Avenue, where families and individuals can enjoy the Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City Arts Center, Ocean City Historical Museum, Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center under one roof.
The city also maintains and operates a municipal airport, 12-hole golf course, Aquatic and Fitness Center as well as the famed Ocean City Pops Orchestra.
Ocean City is also host to more than 200 family-friendly special events held year-round. Many of our events are popular family traditions, including the Night in Venice Boat Parade in July, the Baby Parade in August, our mile-long block parties in May and October, and our family-friendly First Night New Year’s Eve Celebration.
If you are vacationing in Ocean City, I know you’ll enjoy our seven miles of beautiful beaches and exciting Boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and amusements. And be sure to visit our unique and charming downtown shops and restaurants located in the heart of town on Asbury Avenue.
I am truly proud to serve as mayor for this great community and hope you and your family enjoy your time in America’s Greatest Family Resort.
Jay Gillian, Mayor
Phone: 609-525-9333
Email: mayor@ocnj.us
