Dear Friends,
We opened bids this week for a jitney service to provide transportation to the Boardwalk and downtown districts this summer. We expect to recommend the award of a contract at the next City Council meeting on May 12.
Providing safe and reliable transportation during the busy summer season is one of our greatest needs, and I’m looking forward to offering this service to our residents and guests.
Riders will be able to pay a small fare through an app and also track the location of the jitneys, so they don’t have to wait at the curb for too long.
Our first season will be a pilot program, and we will use ridership data to refine the service and make improvements as we move forward.
City Council last night approved the purchase of more Acoustiblok to help soundproof the pickleball courts at 18th Street. The material will be added to the western and northern fences and will match the height of the existing panels.
We’re making repairs to the existing shed at the courts, and we will bring in upgraded restroom facilities starting on April 28. We’re also working with the school district to see if it’s possible to resurface and re-equip the five pickleball courts at the Intermediate School and bring the total number of courts up to 16 for this summer.
At the same time, we’re continuing to explore options together with neighbors, a pickleball advisory committee and the school district as we look to further expand pickleball amenities throughout town. We will conduct a traffic safety study at the 18th Street courts this summer as part of our efforts to address concerns from the neighborhood.
We will hold a neighborhood meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 30 in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall to share plans for drainage and paving upgrades on Waterway Road. The project will include raising a portion of the roadway, installing new pipes and inlets, replacing a check valve and creating a new outfall. I encourage you all to attend to learn more about the project and to ask any questions that you might have.
I’m sad to report on the passing of two outstanding citizens, Phil Perri and Bill Stanwood.
Perri was raised in Ocean City and worked as manager and president of the Forum Motor Inn. He has served on the Board of Directors and is a past president of the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce, where his experience drove a lot of projects forward.
Stanwood was a faithful parishioner at St. Damien Parish and former president of the Ocean City Ecumenical Council. Many might recognize him from the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center or from other events around town.
I hope you all will join me and Michele in extending deepest condolences to the families and friends of Phil and Bill.
I want to wish everybody a Happy Earth Day. We’re all very fortunate to live in such a beautiful spot on the ocean and bay, and today’s holiday serves as reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the natural resources that make our home so special.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
