Dear Friends,

Work on the new police substation at Eighth Street and Boardwalk continues to make good progress, and we expect the structure to be complete before the end of October with officers able to move in by Thanksgiving. The facility will provide an important base for seasonal operations on the Boardwalk and for year-round patrols.

We are currently exploring the possibility of purchasing the former Crown Bank Building at 801 Asbury Avenue to see if it would be more cost-effective than rebuilding the existing police station at 835 Central Avenue. 

At this time, the city is pursuing due diligence to check the structural integrity of the building at 801 Asbury for use as the public safety building. Police are currently housed there in rented space, and they say the building meets their needs. I will continue to provide updates as this process moves forward.

Now that Labor Day has passed, work on city projects will start to pick up again. Clearing of the open space along the 1600 blocks of Haven and Simpson avenues has started. Drainage will go in first, then we will proceed with concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters around the perimeter of the block. This work is necessary no matter what features and amenities we add to the public space.

Work is underway to install the turf tennis courts at Fifth Street, and they should be ready for play by next week.

We will add a new ADA compliant boardwalk ramp at Eighth Street, and we’re putting the finishing touches on a similar ramp at Moorlyn Terrace.

I want to remind Merion Park residents that New Jersey American Water work to replace the sewer main and lateral service lines is scheduled to resume on Monday, Sept. 8. The water company also will start work next week at the north end.

Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of Eric Booth. The many people who attended his memorial service this morning were a testament to how well loved he was as a local Realtor, friend, father and family man. 

I want to remind everybody that the once-a-week schedule for trash and recycling starts on Monday. More information is available here. 

I also want to encourage everybody to attend our annual 9/11 ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday in front of Ocean City Fire Department headquarters. It’s always nice to see so many people come out for this event. The City Council meeting, which had been scheduled for the same time, will move to 10 a.m. Friday.

Have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor