Dear Friends,
I joined the mayors of all Cape May County towns and the county freeholders in issuing this statement yesterday:
“We join together to urgently request that all residents of and visitors to Cape May County wear face coverings in all public places, other than certain very limited exceptions. Thanks to the good sense, hard work, and sacrifices of members of our community, COVID-19 cases in Cape May County have remained below a critical threshold, however, we must take bold steps to ensure that cases continue to trend downward or, at minimum, remain steady even with the influx of seasonal residents and visitors expected during July and August. For the health of all and as an investment in the economic health of our community, we deeply appreciate and now depend upon the cooperation of business owners, staff members, and the public in this needed next step.”
The mask-wearing request does not apply:
- To those engaged in active outdoor recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running.
- While on the beach, so long as strict social distancing is maintained.
- When socially distanced and eating or drinking in public at a food establishment.
- To those who cannot medically tolerate wearing a face covering.
- To young children.
Please note that the request for the wearing of face coverings includes the Boardwalk.
We’re heading into a holiday weekend and already Ocean City is very crowded. Please help us make sure we all have a safe, healthy and fun summer by taking the precaution of wearing a face covering.
The dredge Ohio arrived today ahead of schedule, and beach replenishment is now underway. About 1,000 feet of beach at a time will be closed as the work proceeds from the beach at Morningside Road toward 13th Street over the next several weeks. When that section is completed, work will move in the other direction – from Morningside northward to the jetty at Seaview Road.
I understand that this will be an inconvenience during the height of the summer, but these beaches desperately need the sand, and we will always be grateful for our partnership with the federal Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Environmental Protection in protecting our coastal properties. Daily updates will be available www.ocnj.us/projectupdate.
We have received many inquiries about equipment working offshore in the vicinity of 34th Street. The wind energy company Ørsted has contracted a vessel to take soil samples to test a potential location for an underground cable in the area. The vessel will be working offshore for about the next two weeks.
I want to thank Tony Wilson for his nine years of service to City Council. Tony was a good public servant, a good friend to me, and a good friend to all Ocean City taxpayers.
City Council held its swearing-in ceremony and reorganization on Wednesday. I want to congratulate Bob Barr and Mike DeVlieger on their election as president and vice president. And I want to welcome Tom Rotondi and Jody Levchuk. I look forward to working with them and continuing a great partnership with all of Council.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
