December 5, 2025
Dear Friends,
Work on a number of important city improvements is ongoing, and I want to share a few updates.
The boardwalk reconstruction from St. Charles Place to Fifth Street continues to make tremendous progress. These projects are always weather dependent, but if the contractor keeps up this pace, work should be done long before the late-March deadline. We have a $4.9 million Boardwalk Preservation Fund grant to help complete this project.
Work crews are finishing prep work and should be ready soon to pave an area for additional parking next to the Ocean City Community Center.
The new ADA-compliant boardwalk ramp on Moorlyn Terrace should be complete by the end of next week. The ramp provides the most direct access to the Music Pier.
Cape May County is ready to start its elevation of Roosevelt Boulevard to improve a vital evacuation route. Construction will begin as soon as next week, and the project from the 34th Street Bridge to Bay Avenue will be complete before Memorial Day. Traffic will remain open in both directions through most of the project, and crews will work at night whenever they can. Work from Bay Avenue to West Avenue and nearby streets will begin in the fall.
I want to thank everyone who came out for our Christmas in the Downtown – Miracle on Asbury Avenue celebration last Friday. It’s great to see so many people from our community enjoying this annual tradition. I also want to thank the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the entire city team for putting the event together.
You’re all invited to the Christmas Parade this evening on Asbury Avenue. It will go off rain or shine at 6 p.m. Due to low cloud cover, the drone light show that had been scheduled to follow the parade has been postponed. Please shop and dine local, and enjoy everything that our local businesses have to offer.
The Train Show at the Ocean City Music Pier is on for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6-7). The Ocean City Free Public Library and Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue) will host their annual Holiday Festival from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Everyone’s invited to enjoy holiday crafts, a balloon sculptor, refreshments, a visit with Santa, and live music, Ocean City Historical Museum tours, and the Ocean City Arts Center’s annual winter pottery sale and gift shop.
The newest episode in our weekly video series "Inside City Hall" is now available here. This week, we look at boardwalk reconstruction, sand harvesting, a new trash and recycling patrol, and the annual Christmas Parade.
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
