Dear Friends,
A project to replace drainage pipes and to elevate roads in some of the lowest-lying areas of Ocean City is under design. Among other streets, the project area will include 13th Street and 14th Street at Haven Avenue and the stretch of Haven Avenue from 26th Street to 28th Street.
These Haven Avenue locations are all part of comprehensive flood mitigation plans for the flood-prone area from Ninth Street to 26th Street along Haven and Simpson avenues.
You may recall that the city rejected bids for the first phase of this project, because they far exceeded estimates. We remain committed to completing this project in its entirety, including the installation of pumping stations, and we are actively pursuing infrastructure grant money.
The proposed work will provide more immediate relief to the neighborhoods within the project area that are most in need. The interim work will be designed to mesh with the larger pumping station project.
The Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services is once again providing tax preparation assistance at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center in Ocean City. The service is free, but appointments are required. More information is available
here.
The Ocean City Board of Realtors kicked off its 12th annual Winter Food Drive, and it will continue through February. More information on the program and how to donate is available
here.
I’m sad to report on the passing of Joe Schmitt. Joe served on the Ocean City Beach Patrol for 55 summers before retiring in 2011. He was the longest serving member in OCBP history and a United States Lifesaving Association national champion. His legacy includes the annual Ocean City Masters Swim, which he founded in 1980, and the intra-squad Schmitt Relays.
I hope you’ll join Michele and I in extending deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Joe.
We also want to extend our sympathy to the family, friends and fellow firefighters of Eric Jones. Eric grew up in Ocean City and lost his leg to cancer at an early age. He was a 1991 graduate of Ocean City High School. Despite his disability, Eric succeeded in becoming an integral part of the Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company.
Visitation (9 a.m.) and funeral services (11 a.m.) will be Saturday morning at Coastal Christian (Eighth Street and West Avenue). Some traffic detours may be in place to accommodate the equipment of the large number of fellow firefighters expected to pay their respects.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
