Mayor
October 16, 2026
Dear Friends,
Our reconstruction project for the Boardwalk from 14th Street to 16th Street began this week, and it’s already making great progress. You can see video of this work and other projects in this week’s edition of “Inside City Hall.” Anyone traveling the length of the Boardwalk must exit at 14th Street and return at 17th Street.
Demolition of the police station headquarters on Central Avenue is now tentatively scheduled to begin with mobilization next week and demolition work during the week of October 26. There will be limited access to the alley and no access to the driveways adjacent to the building during work.
The complete rebuilding of the 34th Street Sandcastle Park Recreation Area is also on schedule. We have received a number of inquiries, and I want to remind everyone that the dedicated fence pickets and pavers have been preserved and will be reinstalled as part of the new facility.
Further down 34th Street at the intersection with Bay Avenue, Atlantic City Electric will start work next week to replace and upgrade vital underground cables and infrastructure. They will be doing the same work along Simpson Avenue near the 34th Street ACME. Please be patient while driving in this area. Lane closures will be in effect for the duration of the project, which is expected to be complete by Thanksgiving.
New Jersey American Water is finishing up its sewer main replacement project in the Gardens with work on the alleyways behind W. Surf Road, W. Seabright Road, W. Seaspray Road and W. Inlet Road. Access may be closed or limited during construction, and service will be interrupted only when making final connections. All concrete and grass will be restored once proper trench resettlement times have been met.
I’m sad to report on the passing of a fellow member of the Ocean City Masonic Lodge. Allen Townsend died last weekend at age 97. He was a 1949 graduate of Ocean City High School, an Army veteran, and local electrical contractor, who was faithful to his family, his church and his community. Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to Allen’s family and friends.
The Ocean City Ecumenical Council is extremely grateful to the Ocean City Exchange Club, the Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City’s surfing community, and the entire Ocean City community for their generosity last weekend in donating food and gift cards to help stock the local Food Cupboard for the upcoming holidays. The Exchange Club donated food left over from its grill at the Fall Block Party. The Community Policing Unit sponsored a food drive last Sunday at Ocean City’s ACME supermarkets. The Spooks ‘N’ Kooks costumed surfing contest collected supermarket gift cards as an entry fee.
The Food Cupboard is a wonderful resource for families in need, and I’m always proud to see our community taking care of their neighbors.
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
