I’m happy to report that City Council last night gave final approval to a $6 million bond ordinance that includes funding for our share of the beach replenishment projects that will take place before next summer and for improvements to the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center.
The work to rebuild our beaches and dunes is essential in protecting properties on the island and in preserving the main attraction for our local economy. The Civic Center is in need of major HVAC work, and we will take the opportunity to add amenities to better serve the residents and guests who use the facility and to provide revenue opportunities for special events there and at the adjacent Carey Stadium.
The addition of a second crew in Cape May County’s wastewater main replacement project on Bay Avenue is now scheduled for some time between Monday (Nov. 18) and Thursday (Nov. 21). When that happens, Bay Avenue will be closed between 14th Street and 34th Street with traffic being redirected to West Avenue.
Please follow this marked detour unless you live in the project area or are frequenting local businesses, which will remain accessible throughout the project.
New Jersey American Water is completing work at the intersection of Third Street and West Avenue, and all lanes of the roadway are expected to be restored by the end of next week. Their work on Ocean Avenue will continue. Southbound lanes between Ninth Street and 12th Street will be open, but northbound lanes in the same stretch will be detoured.
City contractors now have the go-ahead to proceed with three road and drainage projects. Residents can anticipate work on many roads in the area of 10th Street to 14th Street, 25th Street to 30th Street, and 48th Street to 54th Street. For more detail on exactly which roads will be affected, visit www.ocnj.us/Capital-Projects-Roads-and-Drainage.
Work to restore and renovate the water-damaged front desk at the Aquatic and Fitness Center will begin on Monday. The construction may require members to use a different entrance. If so, signs will direct members to a temporary spot to check in.
I want to make sure you all are aware that the National Weather Service predicts coastal flooding for Sunday morning into Monday. Strong northeast winds will push water into the back bays over the weekend, and water levels are expected to peak in the hours around high tide at 11:09 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 17).
The most recent NWS prediction calls for flooding in the middle of the “moderate” category. Further flooding is anticipated around high tides at 11:55 p.m. Sunday and 12:07 p.m. Monday.
Please be prepared to move vehicles from streets that typically experience flooding well in advance of these high tides. We will provide further notifications and updates throughout the weekend. Read more about this “Coastal Flood Watch” here. If you haven’t already, you can sign up for “emergency alerts and information” by clicking here.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
