Mayor Jay Gillian: We've Come Far Since Sandy

October 31, 2014 Dear Friends, Earlier this week, we marked the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy.  I can’t help but think of how far we have come and how strong and resilient our community is. Ocean City has returned to the family resort our residents and guests have come to know and love, and Hurricane Sandy is no longer holding us back. In just the past few months, the city has received great news from Standard & Poor’s, favorable bond rates, and we were ranked second in the country in projected median income growth for the years 2013 through 2017, according to a recent report written for the U.S. Conferences of Mayors. All of this positive news came along with an excellent summer. Recently, all segments of the business community came together at a Chamber of Commerce meeting to share highlights of their season. I will admit that the weather certainly helped, but the messages promoted by our Tourism Commission, positive media coverage and our guests’ love of Ocean City combined for one of the best summers in recent memories. City Council and the administration have worked diligently together to develop reasonable and responsible regulations to aid those raising their homes or building new.  We are cooperatively working to improve infrastructure and proactively address property assessments. And, we are working with the neighborhoods to enhance their quality of life with new playgrounds and replenished beaches. I do not want this letter to imply that there are not residents who still need help or families still muddling through the rebuilding process. Because there are, and we still need to work to help them. OCNJ CARE still exists and provides assistance to individuals with issues. And as a city, we will continue to accept feedback and work to improve our processes. But all in all, I am so proud of Ocean City and the great progress we have made in two years. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween and a great weekend. Warm regards, Jay A. Gillian Mayor