Mayor

November 22, 2024

Dear Friends,

City Council yesterday approved the first reading of an ordinance that would implement a small local occupancy tax that would be paid by guests who book hotel rooms or short-term rentals through services like Airbnb and Vrbo. Many other shore towns and municipalities throughout the country have long enjoyed the benefits of similar programs. If it passes on second reading, this would be a way to help offset the burden on local taxpayers.  

The city held pre-construction meetings today for three new projects.

• Final concrete and paving work on West Avenue from Ninth Street to 18th Street is expected to begin before the end of the year and be completed in the spring. Final paving of West Avenue from North Street to Ninth Street will be completed before Thanksgiving. When these projects are finished, West Avenue will be brand new from North Street to 34th Street.
• The city will construct a new section of bulkhead on Clubhouse Lagoon (at the end of Bayland Drive) to tie into new bulkheads completed by private slip owners. Work is expected to begin before the end of the year and be completed by spring.
• To address flooding issues on the beach block of Fifth Street, the city will expand and extend the stormwater outfall pipe at Fifth Street. Work expected to begin before the end of the year and be complete in the spring.

The new pumping stations installed as part of the Merion Park flood mitigation project are expected to be operational by the first week of December. 

Work on a major paving project between 18th Street and 33rd Street continues on schedule. A portion of Central Avenue will be paved by the end of the year with the rest of the streets completed in the spring.

Our contractor has started work on the 2024-25 bayside maintenance dredging program.

The annual Community Thanksgiving Service is moving this year from the evening to the afternoon. All are invited to attend at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at St. Francis Cabrini Church, Second Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Thanksgiving is one of only three holidays each year when trash and recycling is not picked up on the regular schedule. The holiday schedule is available here. 

Seasonal beach tags for summer 2025 go on sale starting tomorrow. This year’s tag design honors the 135th anniversary of the Ocean City Fire Department. If you’re going to the “Earlier Than the Bird” downtown shopping event, you can stop by the City Hall Welcome Center to buy them. They’re also available for purchase online and at other locations. More information is available here.

I want to thank the Title Company of Jersey for making a donation today to the Humane Society of Ocean City. We’re lucky to have such a highly regarded animal shelter in town, and the facility owes a lot of its success to the dedication of volunteers and generosity of donors like the Title Company of Jersey.

I hope you all have a great weekend and get a chance to shop and dine locally at Earlier Than the Bird and throughout the holidays.

Finally, I want to thank Karen Mahar for her service to the Friends of the Ocean City Pops. Karen recently completed two terms as chair, and it’s through the dedication of volunteers like her and all of the Friends that we can enjoy such a great community resource as the Pops. I want to welcome the new chair, Steve Gring, and wish him great success in his new role. We’re all looking forward to another exceptional season at the Music Pier.

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