Dear Friends,
On Tuesday, my administration presented a proposed five-year capital plan to City Council. The plan dedicates more than $112 million to fixing flooded streets, shallow lagoons and every other part of Ocean City from the beach to the bay.
It’s an aggressive plan, and it’s a direct response to the countless property owners who every day ask the city to get things done. People are tired of waiting, and I want to continue to take responsibility for making this important work happen. These projects will protect the quality of life here and the valuable investments people have made in their Ocean City homes.
The plan budgets $40.4 million to drainage and paving projects in all parts of the city, $22.3 million to public buildings and properties (including a new public safety building), $18.5 million to bay dredging and $9.1 million to public areas and recreational facilities. It accounts for beach replenishment, boardwalk reconstruction, downtown improvements and many other vital infrastructure projects. Full detail on the plan is posted at www.ocnj.us/projects.
It’s a lot of money, and I don’t make the recommendation lightly. But I’m confident that it’s a responsible plan. Recent and ongoing projects have taken advantage of more than $11 million in grants. That does not include more than $6 million in FEMA reimbursements for Sandy damage or the millions we’ve received in beach replenishment funds. Doing the work now allows us to get low interest rates that we may not see again for a long time.
Much of the funding is front-loaded for 2017, and taxpayers may feel the greatest impact this year. Once we get through some of the major projects in the next year, the plan calls for trimming back – without losing a focus on roads and drainage.
I’d like to remind you all that this is a funding plan. While many anticipated projects are listed, each will be planned, discussed, vetted and voted upon individually. As always, I will solicit public feedback in the very early stages of any important project.
The plan dedicates $17 million for a renovation and addition to the public safety building that houses our police department. In the coming months, I will schedule a town hall meeting to get input on the proposal. The city has studied many options over many months, and it’s important to share information on the challenges and objectives of the project. We have met with Police Chief Chad Callahan and his staff and outlined what is necessary to meet the current and future needs of police operations. Public safety has and always will be a priority for Ocean City, so I’d like to see this work completed in a timely fashion.
Just one final reminder: Tickets go on sale Wednesday for the May 13 magic show by Philadelphia Eagles long-snapper Jon Dorenbos (he’ll be on hand for Martin Z. Mollusk Day earlier in the day). Tickets also are on sale for Chris Perondi’s “Stunt Dog Experience” on May 10. Both shows are on the Ocean City Music Pier. Tickets will be available at www.ocnj.us/boxoffice, by calling 609-399-6111, and at the City Hall Welcome Center or the Roy Gillian Welcome Center on the Route 52 causeway.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
