Plastic bags is one of the top pieces of debris found by environmental groups. (Courtesy Patcong Creek Foundation)
The Spring Block Party in Ocean City, NJ, remains one of the most popular events of the season for the downtown, along with the Fall Block Party, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11.
The following is Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian’s Dear Friends, This week we received great news for our business community and our downtown. We were notified that more than 50 Ocean City businesses received New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) grants totaling over $2.1 million. We also learned that Downtown Ocean City was the overwhelming South Jersey winner in the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJ APA) People's Choice competition. The EDA awarded more than 50 off-boardwalk businesses more than $2.1 million in Stronger New Jersey Business Grants. The individual grants range in denomination from $9,700 to $160,000. This is another positive step in the recovery of our business community following Superstorm Sandy. These grants show the resilience of our businesses, demonstrate the success of organizations like OCNJ CARE, and reflect how our community banded together after the storm. I am grateful for the help of the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Commission, city team members and the faith community for their help since the storm. I am particularly thankful to all of the builders, contractors, trades organizations, and volunteers who donated time and equipment to get stores reopened after the storm. I think Ocean City has a great downtown and now the public has spoken to confirm our success. Not only was Downtown Ocean City the overwhelming South Jersey winner in the NJ APA People's Choice competition, but our downtown received the highest number of votes statewide. Our residents and guests love Ocean City and the Ocean City downtown, and I would like to thank everyone who voted and those who support the downtown and shop locally. This award is a great reflection on the work of the Downtown Merchants Association, city team members and the Chamber of Commerce, but really demonstrates the hard work the business owners have done to rebound after the storm. This bit of news was great to hear following a fantastic summer and an exciting autumn season. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Warm regards, Jay A. Gillian Mayor
