I want to start with an update on Verizon’s planned cell tower at 33rd and Bay. I still can’t make any promises, but I want everyone to know that we are talking with the utility company and we are reviewing every possible option. This issue involves litigation, so I have to be careful what I say. I know there are a lot of questions and people want information. At this time, what I can report is that the FAA has not yet approved the project, and the DEP has not yet approved the wetlands buffer. Those decisions are beyond our control. On our part, we are doing everything we can to look at alternatives. We have been working on this issue for several years now, and we will continue to keep you updated.
Crews are finishing up road projects, and everything is on track to be done before Memorial Day, if not sooner. On Roosevelt Boulevard and 34th Street, final paving is expected to be completed tonight, and traffic lane striping will be next week. On West Avenue at 31st Street, all pipe work is installed. They’ll be finished making connections by Monday. Then it will be another week for paving and cleanup. In the Gardens, final paving of Battersea and Wesley will be complete this week. Temporary paving of the neighborhood streets also will be complete this week, and they’ll return in the fall for final paving.
Paving of the parking lot at the Dog Park is scheduled for next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The park is expected to reopen next Friday.
The shuffleboard courts at Fifth Street will be resurfaced starting on Thursday, May 14.
The bocce courts are open and we have a bocce league on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We have Special Olympics bocce on Monday evenings. That program is already going great. Call the Civic Center at 609-525-9304 for more information.
The Special Olympics track and field meet for the region will take place Saturday (May 9) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Carey Stadium. I want to encourage everyone to come out and cheer for our athletes.
Police officers will be riding bikes through Ocean City on Saturday and Sunday as part of the Police Unity Tour. This is part of a four-day ride from North Jersey to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about officers who have died in the line of duty. The New Jersey chapter will ride through on Saturday, and the New York chapter will come through at 10:30 Sunday morning with a stop at the airport for some refreshments. If you see them riding, give them a shout and a show of support.
Letter carriers in Ocean City, in partnership with the local branch of the U.S. Postal Service, will be collecting food for families in need on Saturday (May 9). Carriers ask that residents collect and bag non-perishable and non-expired food items and toiletries, then place them by their mailboxes for pickup on Saturday. All items will be donated to the Ocean City Ecumenical Council's Community Food Cupboard.
Veterans are invited to participate in the “Wills for Warriors” program from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 4. The program will provide basic estate planning services — including wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives — to veterans free of charge. The program will be held at American Legion Post in Ocean City at 4562 West Avenue. I want to thank County Surrogate Marie Hayes and all the members of the local Bar Association who are helping to provide these services. Our veterans have done so much for our country and community in Ocean City. It's always important to support them in every way we can. More information is available here.
I want to extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joyce Trofa. She passed away this week. Joyce worked for the school district for 41 years, and she was a volunteer for First Night, the After-Prom, and so many other community events. We’re going to miss her.
I also want to extend condolences to the friends and family of Karen DeLaurentis. Karen was a 1967 graduate of Ocean City High School. She spent her life living and working in our community.
Check out this week's "Inside City Hall" below.
Finally, I want to remind everybody that our municipal election is on Tuesday (May 12), and our polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information is available here.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
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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.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!