Mayor
August 21, 2026
Dear Friends,
We had a meeting with the DEP yesterday and they are continuing to monitor elevated bacteria levels in a tributary of Crook Horn Creek south of the 34th Street Bridge.
In April, the DEP approved a plan for the Cape May County MUA to discharge fully treated effluent into a waterway that feeds Crook Horn Creek, while a repair to its normal outfall pipeline to the ocean is completed.
The DEP has been monitoring the area and discovered the elevated levels this month. They are advising against swimming, fishing and wading in the tributary and a portion of Crook Horn Creek. The city will post new notices in the area reflecting this information.
The DEP will test again on Monday. The pipe repair is expected to be complete in September.
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The beach replenishment project is going great. Work is complete on our downtown beaches from 1st Street to 11th Street. The rebuilt beaches are elevated and wide with plenty of room for our guests. We also were able to add stockpiles of extra sand. We’ll be able to use that if we need it before the next cycle. They’ll be removing the pipeline from that stretch of beach, but that work will take place only at night.
They have started the final stage and will work from First Street north toward the Inlet. Daily updates are always available on the city website, and you can sign up to get them by email.
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City Council last night approved a resolution awarding a contract for the construction of our next neighborhood pumping station project. It will cover the area around Haven Avenue from 19th Street to 26th Street. Construction will begin in the fall, and the project is expected to be complete by Easter.
These projects have been a great success. They absolutely change the quality of life for residents in flood-prone areas. The next neighborhood will be Ocean City Homes, and we have already completed preliminary designs.
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Summer is getting short. Our last patriotic drone show of the season is set for 9 p.m. Monday. If you haven’t had a chance to see it, you should check it out. It’s pretty spectacular.
Our new Wednesday night entertainment series at the 34th Street Sandcastle Park has been a great success. The last one of the season is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, and it will include a visit from the Phillies Phanatic.
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Finally, I want to remind everyone that I will hold a mayor’s town hall at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29, in the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at the Ocean City Free Public Library. Members of the city team and I will provide updates on new services and projects and answer questions from the public.
An outdated rendering of the 34th Street playground plans has been circulating on social media. I want to encourage anybody who’s interested in this project to attend the town hall to see the real plans for this and other projects. And video of the meeting will be available for those who can’t make it.
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
