Mayor
November 13, 2026
Dear Friends,
George Savastano, Matt von der Hayden, Michael Allegretto and I attended a Mayors’ Roundtable sponsored by Cape May County Commissioners Director Lenny Desiderio this morning. My fellow mayors were joined by county commissioners, our state representatives, and Christopher Parmelee, aide to Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Senator Michael Testa provided an update on a bill he sponsored that would reduce the Corporation Business Tax from 9 percent to 2.5 percent over the course of several years and eliminate the Corporate Transit Fee, which would further reduce taxes. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward making New Jersey a more attractive place to do business, and encouraging economic growth.
Assemblyman Antwan McClellan and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen are co-sponsoring a bill that would make the distribution of state transportation and highway aid more equitable for shore towns with seasonal population shifts. Simonsen also introduced a new bill that would increase property tax benefits under the ANCHOR program for certain senior citizens starting in 2027.
The meeting also provided updates on efforts to secure emergency funding for beach replenishment, to amend the NJ PACT REAL rules, and to help municipalities earn credits toward affordable housing obligations.
The Ocean City Board of Realtors is sponsoring its annual Warmth for the Winter Drive to collect coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, and other chilly weather items to be donated to the Ocean City Ecumenical Clothes Closet. If you want to clean out your closets at home and help others in the process, you can drop off donations (placed in a clean plastic bag) at the OCBOR office at 405 22nd Street through Nov. 30.
The city is decorated for the holidays, and the Chamber of Commerce will kick off its holiday events this weekend with Winterfest by the Sea from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Center (with free parking at the adjacent municipal lot at 5th and Boardwalk). A great lineup of family events continues through First Night and First Day. See calendar for full schedule.
I had the pleasure of watching the Ocean City High School girls’ volleyball team as they captured a South Jersey Group II title yesterday. I want to wish the Red Raiders luck as they move on to the state championship game against River Dell on Sunday. I also want to wish the girls’ and boys’ cross-country teams good luck in the state Meet of Champions on Saturday. We should all be proud of the exceptional success of all OCHS students and athletes.
The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Business and Beautification Awards Dinner is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18, and I want to congratulate Dave Winslow on being named this year’s Citizen of the Year. I also want to give a shout-out to Nick Marotta, who will receive a special Community Service Award.
I’m sad to report on the loss of two important members of our community, Concetta Masington and Gregory Rodriguez.
Connie was a respected educator and financial advisor who retired to Ocean City with her husband, Joe, a member of our local American Legion post. Greg operated Dot’s Pastry Shop along with his wife, Jane, his children, his in-laws, and extended family.
Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to Joe Masington, Jane Rodriguez, the entire family of Dot’s Pastry employees, and all of the other family and friends of Connie and Greg.
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
