Our Public Works team is still working to clear ice and snow for more parking at our schools and churches. They did an amazing job cleaning up the downtown, and they’re still going strong. I can’t say enough about what a great job they’re doing.
We will be under an Extreme Cold Warning and a High Wind Warning again this weekend. Winds could gust as high as 50 mph on Saturday, and temperatures are expected to fall into the single digits on Saturday night with the wind-chill factor below zero.
Please take precautions to prevent frozen pipes and keep an eye out for your neighbors, whose homes may not be occupied. Make sure thermostats are turned up. Open cabinet doors to let heat reach plumbing. Try to block icy winds from entering crawlspaces, and open faucets to keep a trickle of water flowing. Our Fire Department has already responded to many water leaks throughout town. If you do find an unoccupied home with water flowing from burst pipes, please call our non-emergency dispatch number at 609-399-9111, so we can cut off the water supply from the service line.
The Boardwalk restrooms at 6th Street, the Music Pier, and 12th Street are all now open during the day. The Music Pier restrooms had to be closed temporarily last weekend because of a frozen sewer line.
Our Boardwalk contractor has continued working through the cold weather. All of the stringers are now in place, and wood for the final stretch of decking has been delivered. This project appears to be well ahead of schedule.
We are still working with our partners at the federal and state levels to secure a full beach replenishment project. In the meantime, I want to continue to assure you that Ocean City will be ready for the summer. We are stockpiling sand reserves on the wide beaches at the north end. We will be ready to use that sand to rebuild our downtown beaches once the winter and spring storms pass.
Construction of the new affordable housing at Pecks Beach Village on Fourth Street has started. The lots are cleared and pilings are starting to be installed. The project will add new units for families, and it will help Ocean City meet its state-mandated requirement to provide affordable housing. The new homes are expected to be complete late in 2027 or early in 2028.
We’ve always taken care of everybody in our community, and I’m proud that Ocean City can partner with the federal Housing Authority to create this opportunity for local families.
I visited the library yesterday for a demonstration of a drunk-driving simulator to city, school and law enforcement officials.
The HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers purchased the equipment, and our Community Policing Unit is hoping to work with the Prosecutor’s Office and the school district to educate students about the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
I can tell you that the entire experience left vivid impression – not just of the experience of driving while impaired, but of the consequences afterward. This will be an effective tool, and I want to thank Bill Elliott and the HERO Campaign, our police team, and other law enforcement officials for their efforts to bring it to Ocean City and other towns.
Our annual Public Safety Recognition Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Ocean City Tabernacle. This event recognizes men and women from the Ocean City Police Department, Ocean City Fire Department and Ocean City Beach Patrol who performed heroic actions in the course of duty. I encourage you all to come out to support our first responders.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to Dick Stanislaw, who passed away on Saturday at age 86. Dick was president of the Ocean City Tabernacle for 11 years until he retired in 2013.
The Tabernacle has always been a central part of Ocean City. Dick had a vision for the Tabernacle to play a greater role in the year-round community of Ocean City – beyond just a place of worship. Under his leadership, the Tab opened the Kull Youth Center in 2008. It expanded from an auditorium and a few offices to a much larger facility that plays host to business and community events throughout the year. He liked to call the Tabernacle "the anchor store of the north end of Asbury Avenue."
One of his greatest contributions was in helping to lead an island-wide effort to provide relief to homeless families after Superstorm Sandy. Thousands of pounds of food and hundreds of volunteers came in and out of the Tabernacle in the aftermath of Sandy in 2012.
“It was a community showing what a community could be,” Dick said after the recovery. “I get sentimental thinking about it.”
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
Check out this week’s edition of “Inside City Hall” below to get a look at progress on Boardwalk reconstruction, the new affordable housing complex at Pecks Beach Village on Fourth Street, our Community Policing Unit at the Ocean City Primary School, and our Public Works team continuing to clear ice and snow.
Have a great weekend. I will provide further updates on the weather forecast, if necessary.
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.
Welcome to The City of Ocean City, New Jersey!