I want to provide a couple of updates on our citywide flood mitigation plans. I’m happy to see this work moving forward, and the city remains committed to addressing flooding issues in all areas of Ocean City.
City Council last night approved a $1,467,802 contract for construction of a pumping station and drainage improvements on West 17th Street.
This is an important step toward addressing flooding in this unique bayside neighborhood. Charles Marandino LLC was awarded the contract and work will begin this spring. The project is being coordinated with upgrades to wastewater and other utility systems.
Council also approved our recommendation to go out to bid on a project to replace drainage pipes and elevate roads in flood-prone areas along Haven Avenue – including stretches at 13th Street, 14th Street, 20th Street, 21st Street, and 26th Street to 28th Street.
These locations are all part of a larger plan to address flooding and add pumping stations to serve the area from 9th Street to 26th Street. The proposed work will provide immediate relief to some of the neighborhoods within the project area that are most in need.
The owner of Spadafora’s Restaurant and Clam Bar at the corner of 9th Street and Atlantic Avenue has requested to terminate his lease on the city-owned building.
While I hate to lose a restaurant in town, we now have a chance to honor the owner’s request and bring new benefits to our taxpayers.
The city hopes to demolish the building and extend the adjacent municipal parking lot. This will give the city more safety – with fewer pedestrians and restaurant patrons gathering near the busy intersection.
It will provide more parking for guests. And our estimates indicate that the additional parking revenue will exceed revenue from the lease of the property.
I want to remind you that the N.J. Board of Public Utilities will hold a virtual public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7, regarding Ocean Wind’s plans to bring transmission lines across Ocean City on the way from a proposed offshore wind to tie into the grid at Beesley’s Point.
No matter where you stand on the issue, I think it’s important for Ocean City voices to be heard.
This is the one piece of the proposed project that directly affects Ocean City, and the hearing is part of an attempt to sidestep local review.
Pre-registration to participate or comment is not required or available.
To access the hearing:
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
