November 21, 2025
Dear Friends,
The Ocean City Police Department serves as a model for other agencies in Cape May County and throughout the state, and the department was honored at last night’s City Council meeting with a presentation of a re-accreditation certificate by the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police.
Accreditation is a rigorous process designed to ensure that departments follow the best police practices, policy development, internal compliance, technology and equipment and community engagement. By earning accreditation for the seventh time since 2006, Ocean City remains among the top 1.2 percent of other departments in the state.
I want to congratulate Chief Campbell and his entire team on their achievement. We’re lucky to have one of the best departments in the state. This is a process that started with Chief Blevin and continued with Chief Callahan and Chief Prettyman.
City Council last night approved a number of items that will lead to improvements around town:
- Council passed the first reading of an ordinance that would adopt a redevelopment plan for the property at 34th Street and Bay Avenue currently occupied by the Seaspray Condominiums. The Planning Board will now review the plan and make its recommendation to Council.
- The city will solicit bids for the continuation of our summer jitney service. This has been a great service for our residents and summer guests, and it’s one way to help with parking.
- A contract for construction of a new hangar at the Municipal Airport was approved. This will provide a new revenue stream in hangar rentals and an opportunity to attract more pilots. About 95 percent of the cost will be provided by a grant. Our share will be only five percent.
- This winter’s contract for bayside maintenance dredging was approved. Work will include South Harbor, Venetian Bayou, Carnival Bayou, the 14th Street outfall, and the Bayside Center.
- Council approved contract for redesign of the public parking lots behind City Hall to include all of our newly acquired properties. When it’s done, the downtown will have more than 60 spots that were not there a couple years ago.
We are continuing to work to improve the reliability of trash and recycling pickup. We created a new response team that will travel our trash and recycling routes on pickup days. They will monitor our contractor, notify residents of improperly placed trash and recycling, and try to help with anything that was missed. I will keep you updated on the success of this new program.
Work to clear the former car dealership lot at 16th Street continues to make good progress. An area for expanded library parking has been milled and elevated. Concrete is being poured for sidewalks and for repaved parking next to Palmer Field. The rest of the block will be cleared and landscaped. Work remains on schedule to be complete by the end of the year. Installation of sod will be weather-dependent. The open space for will be used for a variety of programs and activities next summer.
The Senior Center had their Friendsgiving celebration yesterday. I know everyone there is grateful for all the friendships and community spirit that has been created in the past year. All seniors received a wristband labeled with “Ocean City Senior Center: Our Happy Place.”
Seasonal beach tags for next summer have arrived, and they’ll go on sale starting tomorrow. Anybody can pick them up at the City Hall Welcome Center during Earlier Than the Bird on Saturday or online at ocnj.us/beachtags.
You’re all invited to the annual Community Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday. This year it will be at 12 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Church at Second Street and Atlantic Avenue. I hope everyone can make it. It’s a great event.
Christmas in the Downtown – Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue is on schedule for next Friday. As always, we look forward to Santa’s arrival on the roof of City Hall, and the Fire Department will be on hand to help him get down to light the tree and City Hall. But this year, we’re going to add something new. The tree-lighting will be followed by a holiday drone light show that everyone will be able to see looking up from Asbury Avenue toward Sixth Street. It’s great to see so many people from our community at this event, and this will be a cool new feature. I want to thank the Ocean Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants Association for all they do to make this celebration happen.
Our Ocean City Food Cupboard is holding Santa’s Food Drive from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30. During the Miracle on Asbury Avenue celebration on Black Friday, they will challenge the community to fill an Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguard stand (outside City Hall) with donations. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help them meet their goal. Donations will be accepted inside the City Hall Welcome Center on Saturday and Sunday (Nov. 29 and 30).
Santa’s Mailbox is in place outside Mark Soifer Park at Ninth Street and Asbury Avenue. If you’ve been nice this year (… or at least “tried”), you’re welcome to drop your wish list in there.
I’m sad to report that Jean Dattilo passed away this week. Jean was born in a home on 12th Street, lived in Ocean City for her entire 96 years, and died a short distance away at The Shores at Wesley Manor. There is no truer Ocean City native than Jean. I’d like to extend condolences to my friend and retired city team member Mike Dattilo and the entire Dattilo family. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Godfrey Funeral Home in Palermo with visitation at 10 a.m.
My deepest sympathies are also with the families and friends of Charles Friel and Barbara Friend. Chuck was a Vietnam vet and member of our American Legion post, who enjoyed his fishing and crabbing in local waters during his retirement. Barbara had a long career as an educator in area schools and was a faithful member of Our Lady of Good Counsel. Her son Bill is a retired Ocean City police officer.
Our newest episode of the “Inside City Hall” video series is now available here.
Finally, I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Remember, there will be no trash and recycling pickup on Thursday. Thursday and Friday routes will be moved back by one day.
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
