Dear Friends,
I was honored to attend the Gold Star Family Dinner at the American Legion last night. The dinner is part of the annual Run for the Fallen, which honors New Jersey service members who lost their lives in defense of our freedoms. I’m proud that Ocean City is part of the route each year and grateful to all the Gold Star Families who have sacrificed so much.
Our Community Services Department was able to work with the school district to provide a new location for the Homecoming Dance this weekend. The event was planned to be held in a school courtyard, but because of space limitations, not all students could attend. The new location at the Civic Center will accommodate every student who wants to go. This is a great example of the city working in coordination with the schools on behalf of our children.
The dance is part of Red & White Weekend at Ocean City High School. Before the home football game against Seneca at 6 p.m. Friday, veterans and alumni will be honored. The ceremony will include special recognition for Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, a 1993 graduate of OCHS. I want to extend my congratulations to Antwan.
Representatives of Ocean Wind met with the administration and members of City Council on Friday to go over details of the permitting process for the proposed offshore wind project. Ocean Wind is also planning a public town hall meeting on Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Ocean City Music Pier. The meeting will outline the many opportunities the public will have to comment during an extensive review period with federal and state regulators. It also will give the public a chance to ask questions about Ocean Wind’s plans. I will provide further details as they become available.
The MS City to Shore bike ride and the OCNJ Half Marathon will take place this weekend. Please be aware that – while no roads will be closed – there may be some traffic delays in the areas of the Route 52 Causeway, Bay Avenue and Fifth Street on Saturday. On Sunday, the Ocean City-Longport Bridge will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the Half Marathon.
I ask that you all welcome these event participants to town and thank them for their contributions. MS has affected many families in Ocean City, and it’s important to support events like this annual ride.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
