Dear Friends,
Several residents voiced their displeasure with the Fourth Ward neighborhood drainage project during last night’s City Council meeting. I understand the frustration of living in a construction zone for more than a year, and I want everybody to know that we are near the finish line of this $6.5 million effort to bring flood remediation to one of the lowest areas of town.
Residents can expect the paving of the numbered streets to be completed next. Adjustments to the inactive pumping station equipment at 30th Street and Haven Avenue have already been made. Those in combination with the installation of new check valves will provide relief from the recent tidal flooding near that intersection. With new road surfaces in place, restoration of private property disturbed by the project work will take priority. When these tasks are complete, travels through neighborhood should begin to return to normal.
Work on installing and activating four pumping stations will continue through the summer. The 30th Street station is in place. Two pumping stations on Ocean City Municipal Airport property (one near the end of 28th Street and one near the airport parking lot) will be installed next. The final one will be off Bayland Drive near Clubhouse Lagoon. Alleys in the project area will be paved after Labor Day. I hope that the memories of the project’s disruptions fade quickly when we see the long-term benefits of this work in the fall.
For the fifth straight year, New Jersey residents have picked Ocean City as their “Favorite Beach.” Representatives of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium announced the winners of their annual contest in a ceremony today at the Music Pier. I’d like to thank all of the residents, businesses, organizations and volunteers who help make Ocean City such a great destination.
There will be plenty of people in town for the upcoming holiday weekend, so I’d like to remind you all to honor the laws that keep everybody safe and respectful of each other.
Drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, but, more importantly, I want to remind pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers before walking out into any street. Bicyclists should heed all stop signs and red lights, and follow the same rules as cars. With so many people sharing the streets, these rules are extremely important. Remember that dogs, smoking and drinking alcohol are not permitted on the beach at any time. This year, we’re asking beachgoers, as a matter of courtesy, to set up tents and canopies toward the back of the beach (closer to the dunes), especially if it’s crowded.
Please respect the power of the ocean and swim only at beaches protected by the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The patrol has started its extended evening hours at beaches throughout the island. You can see the locations and hours here.
There are a lot of great events this weekend and throughout next week, and I encourage you to check out the many great restaurants and shops on the boardwalk, downtown and throughout Ocean City. Wednesday’s July 4 celebration will be capped off with a fireworks display that will begin at about 9 p.m. I hope you all have a great week as summer kicks into high gear.
Warm regards,
Jay A. Gillian
Mayor
