Congressman Jeff Van Drew has asked the governor and governor-elect of New Jersey to declare a state of emergency for our eroded beaches. He believes he has identified a source of emergency assistance funding for beach replenishment if such a declaration is made. I want to thank him for his strong advocacy on behalf of all shore communities in his district. Sustaining the successful beach replenishment partnership we have enjoyed for more than 30 years is vital to protecting lives, property and our economy. The full text of his letter is available here.
Cape May County expects to begin work to elevate Roosevelt Boulevard on Wednesday. The city worked in partnership with the county to design this important project, and it will help raise a vital evacuation route above most flooding levels. This marks the start of the final phase of a multiyear project to mitigate flooding, add pumping stations, upgrade utility lines, and improve streets in Merion Park and adjacent neighborhoods. New traffic patterns will be in effect during construction, and they are available here.
I want to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this work, and I want to thank the county for helping us prepare for the future. I’m proud of the success of our innovative neighborhood drainage projects throughout Ocean City. They have truly changed the quality of life for residents who once had to endure frequent and extended street flooding. We are currently reviewing construction documents for our next pumping station project in an area from 19th Street to 26th Street.
It appears that Ocean City will be spared the worst of a snowstorm predicted for Sunday – with two inches or less in the forecast (see Winter Weather Advisory). Nevertheless, our Public Works crews will be on standby to make sure our roadways are salted and cleared.
I had the opportunity last week to follow our new Public Works response team that travels trash and recycling routes on pickup days. This crew is notifying residents of improperly placed trash and recycling, helping pick up anything that was missed, and returning containers to corrals. We remain committed to monitoring our contractor and improving trash and recycling services.
I also had the opportunity this week to take a call with the transition team for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. It’s always important to work in partnership with leaders at every level of government, and I look forward to a great working relationship with the new state administration. We have always had a great relationship with all administrations in New Jersey.
We learned this week that the McDonald’s at Ninth Street and West Avenue will close after the weekend. We have been in touch with representatives of the corporation, who have assured us that they will work to provide jobs to all employees at other McDonald’s locations in the area. I also have been in touch with David Hughes, the CEO of Shore Medical Center, who said he would work with us to organize a job fair, if necessary. In addition, I’ve coordinated with OCNJ CARE and the Ocean City Ecumenical Council Food Cupboard, who are also prepared to help out if needed. McDonald’s also said they do not yet know what plans the corporation has for the property. The city has received no application for construction or demolition or any other change.
New Jersey American Water’s sewer main replacement project will continue next week on Battersea Road. From W. Atlantic Blvd. to Central Avenue, a single lane in these construction areas will remain open for residents to access their properties. The contractor hopes to reopen a route from West Avenue to W. Atlantic Boulevard by the end of next week. And the entire area will be temporarily paved for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s.
An area for additional parking at the Ocean City Free Public Library and Community Center has now been base-paved and will open next week for parking this winter, along with parking adjacent to Palmer Field. The contractor will return for final paving when the weather warms up in the spring. The contractor is preparing the rest of the block of open space for sodding in the spring.
I want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to everybody who celebrates it. The Festival of Lights begins on Sunday, and we will light a candle on the menorah outside City Hall for each day of the celebration.
Thirteen boys’ and girls’ teams from middle schools across South Jersey will participate in this week’s Dixie Howell Basketball Tournament at the Ocean City Intermediate School. I’d like to welcome all of the players, coaches and family members to Ocean City.
The action starts at 4 p.m. today and continues through Wednesday. Admission is $1 for the entire day. Complete schedules are available here: boys, girls.
I hope you all have a great weekend with family and friends. You can view this week's episode of "Inside City Hall" below.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian Mayor
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