Dear Friends,
I want to remind you that I asked Ocean Wind to provide answers to all of the public’s questions about the offshore wind project, and they will hold an Open House at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 6, at the Ocean City Music Pier.
I encourage everybody who has any questions or concerns about the project to attend.
I have listened to an overwhelming number of citizens who have expressed concerns about the project and I have done my own due diligence. There is no way it can be constructed without making a direct impact on Ocean City.
Ocean Wind has reached out to the administration and wants to discuss potential host community benefits. My position moving forward is as follows:
The wind turbines should not be seen. This project can be altered by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to eliminate visual impact from the beach.
The project should not move forward until all concerns of the fishing communities are adequately addressed.
The project should not move forward until any potential threats to the environment and the public are addressed.
Ocean Wind should provide Ocean City with an annual impact fee and fund a flood mitigation project in the area where transmission lines would cross under the island.
I understand that federal and state decision makers have the power to approve this project without Ocean City’s consent, but I intend to do everything in my power to advocate for Ocean City’s best interests.
Let me be clear. I do not intend to be an obstructionist, but it’s my job to look out for Ocean City.
I believe in the objectives of clean energy, but I know these can be advanced while also addressing the points I’ve just listed … and that is the right thing to do.
I’m sad to report on the passing of Don Kerns, a local resident and longtime member of the Fairness in Taxes group in Ocean City. I hope you will join Michele and me in extending thoughts, prayers and condolences to Don’s wife, Gerry, and all of his family and friends.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is Saturday morning on the Ocean City Boardwalk, and the lights on the Ninth Street causeway will be lit purple this weekend in support of this event.
Many families have been affected by Alzheimer’s, and I hope you can come out to support this important event.
Ocean City also will host the first Dog Day and Howl-O-Ween Parade Saturday on the Boardwalk. It should be a great time for both dogs and people, and it all supports a great cause: the Humane Society of Ocean City.
I’m also excited that the Halloween Parade will be back this year and start at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28 on downtown Asbury Avenue. Trick-or-treating will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. Entries for our Halloween House Decorating Contest close today.
I want to thank all of the families who participated and helped give the town a festive look for the holiday. Judging will be next Wednesday and Thursday, and we’ll post a list of winners and participants at www.ocnj.us/halloween, so everybody can check out the decorations. Look for details on these and other Halloween events here.
I hope you have a great weekend and get a chance to check out all these fall events.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
