I have a few updates that are all good news for the 34th Street gateway.
The county started its work on Roosevelt Boulevard on Wednesday night. Elevating and improving one of our main evacuation routes is important, and this work will tie in to our flood mitigation efforts for Merion Park. At the end of the project, we plan to complete improvements to the appearance of the entire gateway.
Today’s storm delayed demolition of a concrete median and some temporary paving that are necessary to establish a new traffic pattern before construction begins. That work will now take place tonight and Monday night. Once the new pattern is in place, construction will move to daytime hours. See full detail here.
City Council last night unanimously approved a redevelopment plan for the Seaspray Condominiums property at 34th Street and Bay Avenue. Plans call for a new residential complex to replace the condemned structure, which is one of the first things motorists see when they pull onto 34th Street. I’m looking forward to see this new project take shape.
A complete renovation of our Sandcastle Park Recreation Area on 34th Street is still on track to be constructed in the fall. A $3.5 million county grant is helping us cover the cost of this major project, which will include a state-of-the-art playground, a small outdoor stage for special events, a basketball court for kids with disabilities, resurfaced tennis courts, new restroom facilities, new pickleball courts and more.
When all of these projects are complete, the 34th Street gateway will welcome residents and guests with a new look and an exceptional recreational complex serving people of all ages.
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Congressman Jeff Van Drew has asked the governor to declare a state of emergency for our eroded beaches. He believes he has identified a source of emergency funding for beach replenishment if this declaration is made. City Council last night approved a resolution requesting that Governor Murphy declare the emergency.
Ocean City is one of the towns currently in line for an Army Corps of Engineers hydraulic dredging project, and that remains our best option. But we are currently harvesting sand from stockpiles to shore up our north end beaches, and we will be prepared to step up those efforts once the winter storms pass. We’re also seeking permits that would allow us to truck in new sand, if necessary. I want everyone to know that Ocean City beaches will be ready for the summer no matter what.
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I was proud last night to present a proclamation to Bill and Muriel Elliott honoring the 25th anniversary of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers and the 50th wedding anniversary of the Elliotts. The Elliotts have done so much for our community, and I’m grateful for their friendship and for all their contributions. The full text of the proclamation is available here.
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New Jersey American Water is continuing its work to replace water and sewer mains in the Gardens along Battersea Road. They are replacing old clay pipes from the early 1900s, and the work is necessary to make sure these vital services do not fail.
Installation of the new mains should be complete by the end of January. Then they’ll work on service lines to individual properties. All streets will be fully restored and repaved in the spring.
Trenches on West Inlet Road and Battersea will be temporarily paved on Tuesday (Dec. 23), and starting at about 4 p.m. that day, Bay Avenue and Battersea Road will be reopened to all traffic with no road closures until the sewer crew returns to work on Monday, Dec. 29.
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The Ocean City Fire Department will help Santa Claus greet families throughout town on Saturday. Santa will ride atop a fire engine leaving from the station at Sixth Street and Asbury Avenue at 11 a.m., traveling to neighborhoods across the island, and returning to the station by 1 p.m. From the station, the engine will head south to the Riviera, Bay Landings, Merion Park and Ocean City Homes neighborhoods, before turning north to the Gardens. Listen for the sirens, and come out to greet Santa.
I hope you all have a great weekend, and don’t forget to order your First Night buttons. More information is available here: firstnightocnj.com. This week's episode of "Inside City Hall" is available here, or you can view below.
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.
I was proud last night to present a proclamation to Bill and Muriel Elliott honoring the 25th anniversary of the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers and the 50th wedding anniversary of the Elliotts. The Elliotts have done so much for our community, and I’m grateful for their friendship and for all their contributions. The full text of the proclamation is available 
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!