Open Space Survey Results Now Posted Online

A plan that will guide future open space acquisition and usage in the city is almost complete.

The Ocean City Environmental Commission expects to present the plan to the Ocean City Planning Board this summer. The research started with an August 2012 grant and included a public input process in which 307 people responded to a survey.

The survey offers a snapshot of public opinion on open space strengths and challenges in Ocean City, and on what people would prefer to see as priorities for the future. The results are broken down among year-round residents, owners of second homes and visitors.

See the open space survey results and presentation at ocnj.us/openspace.

The posted information includes:

• Council Presentation PowerPoint From 5/8/14
• Demographic Analysis of Survey Respondents
• Survey Summary and Open-Ended Questions

Commission Chair Pete Ault said the plan will help as the city applies for grants and it will help the city manage existing open space. He said the plan recognizes the density of development in Ocean City and seeks creative solutions — something as simple as widening sidewalks could create a running path … or the purchase of contiguous partial lots could create a small open space usage.