Letter From Mayor: Zoning Changes Focused on Helping People, Not Developers

Dear Friends, At last evening’s City Council meeting, a number of changes to our local zoning code were considered by City Council. The changes are a continuation of the effort underway since I became mayor to clean up and simplify our zoning regulations, implement recommendations from our Master Plan Re-examination and respond to changes in federal and state regulations brought about by Hurricane Sandy. This has been a challenging period of time and many of the issues related to our zoning code are rather complicated due to the large number of zones and varied lot sizes in Ocean City. The zoning fixes brought about by Sandy had to be addressed quickly in order to help people recover and get back in their homes.   Several of the changes have made more properties conform to our code, an objective of our Master Plan, and critical to allow people to obtain financing. I commend City Council, the city team, our professionals and the Planning Board for the proactive approach that has been taken.  Our common objective has been to help our residents and property owners. It’s popular with some to allege that any changes to our zoning code are aimed at benefiting those in the development community. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I can assure you my direction to everyone involved is to remain focused on helping people. That’s what I was elected to do. I would like to thank all of the participants, volunteers and team members involved in three major events this weekend: the Walk for the Wounded, the MS City to Shore Ride and the OCNJ Half Marathon, 5K and 10 Mile Walk/Run. Have a great weekend. Warm regards, Jay A. Gillian Mayor