Donald Wittkowski

It appears that the tiny, shack-like North End Beach Grill perched just steps from the ocean will be losing its gorgeous views of the water. In a legal fight over valuable beach property, Ocean City has used its power of eminent domain to acquire an easement in front of the restaurant to build up its dune line. “The city has taken the easement by eminent domain – though we’re still in court to determine compensation value to the owners,” city spokesman Doug Bergen said in a statement...

The neighborhoods between 28th and 34th streets remain cluttered with heavy construction equipment and “Road Closed” signs, but there may finally be an end in sight for a troubled drainage project that has frustrated city officials. Responding to complaints from local residents, Ocean City officials have been trying to pressure the contractor to wrap up the disruptive drainage and road work this month. Related construction on three new pumping stations will likely extend into July, a city councilman said. Fourth Ward Councilman Bob Barr, who represents the neighborhoods within the construction zone, said Thursday he is encouraged by recent talks between the city and the general contractor, A.E. Stone Inc., of Egg Harbor Township...

Todd Dwyer showed off a cellphone photo of a father and son who arrived in Ocean City on Wednesday morning carrying their golf clubs. What’s so unusual about that, you might ask. They weren’t getting out of their car, or SUV, or truck or even a limo. They had arrived in their Cessna. Yes, their plane. Ocean City has the distinction of having the only airport in New Jersey located next door to a golf course and only a few blocks from the beach. This time of year, it’s common to see pilots and their families get off their planes toting their beach chairs and umbrellas. “You can fly in, get a hamburger, hit the beach or play some golf and be home before it’s dark,” said Dwyer, the airport manager. “If you have a plane, it’s probably more cost effective to fly here than drive...

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew swept to an overwhelming victory in the Democratic primary for the Second Congressional District, while political activist Seth Grossman pulled off a big upset to capture the Republican nomination. In the U.S. Senate primary, incumbent Sen. Bob Menendez won the Democratic nomination, while Republican frontrunner Bob Hugin, a former pharmaceutical executive, emerged with an easy victory...

When Sheena DiStefano peers out from her home at the corner of 33rd Street and Simpson Avenue, she is confronted by a gauntlet of orange construction cones, detour signs and torn-up roads. She said the noise from the tractors, earthmovers and cement trucks is so loud that her 2-year-old daughter, Penelope, has trouble sleeping. DiStefano won’t dare allow Penelope to play on the front lawn for fear she would stray into a street now crawling with construction equipment...

Wasting no time, the Ocean City Housing Authority intends to reject construction bids that were dramatically higher than the estimated $4.2 million price tag for the agency’s proposed senior citizens housing complex. Only two bids were submitted Thursday by companies seeking the construction contract. Gary F. Gardner Inc., of Medford, N.J., submitted a bid of $5,767,000, while Fabbri Builders Inc., of Vineland, N.J., came in at $5,831,473. Jacqueline Jones, the authority’s executive director, said Friday that a letter will be sent to both companies rejecting their bids...

Construction bids for a $4.2 million senior citizens housing complex proposed by the Ocean City Housing Authority came in Thursday at far above the project’s price tag. Clearly disappointed with the bids, grim-faced authority officials said they will consider their options as they move forward with the project. “That’s a good assumption,” Richard Ginnetti, a housing authority consultant for the project, said when asked if the bids were too high. Only two bids were submitted by companies seeking the construction contract. Gary F. Gardner Inc., of Medford, N.J., submitted a bid of $5,767,000, while Fabbri Builders Inc., of Vineland, N.J., came in at $5,831,473...

Ocean City may become the next town at the Jersey Shore to ban smoking on the beaches. Citing health concerns from second-hand smoke and unsightly litter from discarded cigarette butts, City Council introduced an ordinance Thursday night that would make it illegal to smoke on all of the beaches in town starting this summer. Council introduced the measure by a 6-1 vote, with Councilwoman Karen Bergman the lone dissenter. She expressed concerns that the proposed ban would be too restrictive and might discourage smokers from visiting Ocean City. “I don’t think we should be doing this,” she said...

From time to time, buildings, just like people, need some TLC. Such is the case with Ocean City’s historic City Hall, an architectural gem in the Beaux-Arts Classicism style that is getting some touch-up work on the brick, granite and terra cotta exterior to restore its luster. “It’s ornate,” Cape May architect Michael Calafati said while marveling over the three-story building. “It’s not Victorian, but it has all the embellishments you would associate with Classical Revival architecture. This is pretty unique.” Calafati is overseeing Ocean City’s $400,000 restoration of the 104-year-old landmark...

After more than a year of planning and discussion, the Ocean City Housing Authority’s proposed $4.2 million affordable housing project for senior citizens is entering a crucial phase as the agency prepares to accept construction bids. During its monthly board meeting Tuesday, the authority announced it is in the process of soliciting contractors and plans to open construction bids on May 31. Assuming there are no problems with the bids, the authority will likely award the construction contract in June or July. The timetable calls for starting construction on the 20-unit project late this year and finishing it by late 2019...