Donald Wittkowski
In a Surprise, City Council Doesn’t Fill Vacancy
City Council named a new vice president Thursday night, but surprisingly chose not to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Councilwoman Karen Bergman.
Bergman, an at-large Council member, had served as the governing body’s vice president before stepping down in January to accept a new job as supervisor of Ocean City’s Howard S. Stainton Senior Center.
Sea Isle City Restaurant Urges Jason Kelce, “Don’t Retire”
Although Sea Isle residents claim Jason Kelce as one of their own, they don’t necessarily want to see the future Hall of Famer leave Philadelphia altogether. They are hoping that he plays for the Eagles at least one more season.
One local business, Mike’s Seafood & Dock Restaurant, has expressed Sea Isle’s admiration for Kelce by placing a sign in the front window that bluntly says, “Don’t Retire.”
New Home Construction Falls in Ocean City in 2023
Ocean City’s housing market slipped in 2023 for the construction of new homes, but appears to be off to a strong start for the new year.
Councilman Crowley Becomes First Candidate to File for Election
First Ward Councilman Terry Crowley Jr. became the first candidate Monday to formally file nominating petitions in what is expected to be an intriguing Ocean City municipal election in May.
Other potential candidates have taken out paperwork, but have not yet submitted their petitions.
Ocean City Councilman Wants Makeover for 34th Street Gateway
By Councilman Dave Winslow’s count, there are 30 different signs lining the busy 34th Street corridor in Ocean City.
“Many of them are faded. Many are a hodgepodge. There’s no ‘Welcome to Ocean City’ sign,” Winslow said.
But Winslow is hopeful that the roadway can be transformed into more of what he called an “Oh, wow” gateway into town following City Council’s vote Thursday night to eliminate some outdated design standards that had been in place for the 34th Street corridor for the last 14 years.
Bergman Steps Down From Council to Take Ocean City Job
Karen Bergman, the longest-serving member on City Council and the only woman on the governing body, announced Thursday she is resigning to take a new job with Ocean City.
Bergman’s resignation may trigger a scramble to replace her. Getting an early jump, former First Ward Councilman Mike DeVlieger immediately announced that he will submit his name to Council for consideration to temporarily fill Bergman’s vacancy and then will run for the at-large seat in the May municipal election.
Artificial Turf Coming to Ocean City Sports Complex
A new type of turf will be taking root at Ocean City's Tennessee Avenue Sports Complex.
But no one will ever have to worry about mowing it or even watering it.
Construction is underway to install new artificial turf to replace the old maintenance-intensive grass field.
Toll Hike Postponed in 2024 for Shore Bridges
The operating agency for five toll bridges in Cape May County will hold off on a fare increase in 2024 as a way to promote more tourism to the shore while also giving cost-conscious motorists a break.
Ocean City Housing Authority Awaits Results of Murder Investigation
The chairman of the Ocean City Housing Authority says he has no doubts that the housing sites managed by the public agency are safe in the aftermath of a murder last month allegedly committed by one of the tenants.
Bob Barr, who heads the housing authority’s board of commissioners, said the agency is awaiting the results of an investigation of the murder by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office before it considers making any changes with its operations.
Free Pizza is Reward for Bike Safety Program in Ocean City
Ocean City Intermediate School students Carter Chorin and Jude Baltozer had one of those “uh-oh” moments when they saw police Officer Kayla Ricci approaching them while they were riding their bikes on the sidewalk.
“I thought I was in trouble,” admitted 9-year-old Carter, who is in fourth grade.
However, Ricci was smiling when she came up to both boys after school let out Friday afternoon and handed each one a gift card with the words “Bicycle Safety Campaign” written on it.
