Dear Friends,
I spoke with the president of Shore Medical Center today, and he provided an update on COVID cases statewide. The transmission rate has steadily declined and is currently below 1 (indicating the number of new daily cases is decreasing).
The number of health care workers out with COVID is also decreasing dramatically. These are both great signs. Please continue to use caution. Better days are not too far away.
We are starting to prepare for 2022 infrastructure improvements, and here are a few updates.
New Jersey American Water will be working on Central Avenue in advance of paving and drainage projects this year that will complete the area from 34th Street to 40th Street between West Avenue and the beach.
NJAW will then move to Waterway Road, where we are making final revisions to plans for elevation and storm drainage improvements.
The neighborhood pumping station and drainage project for West 17th Street is out to bid, with the bid opening scheduled for Feb. 16. The water company is getting ready to award a separate contract for upgrades to water and sewer lines there.
The city is placing orders for materials to build permanent restrooms on the boardwalk at 10th Street and 11th Street. We are seeking bids for engineering of a road and drainage project on West Avenue from 18th Street to 26th Street.
Public Works crews are working on the beaches to knock down some of the cliffing caused by recent winter storms.
This work helps us keep the beaches safe and prepare for spring. Please be mindful of changes in the landscape and exercise caution on your beach walks.
The coastal storm on Monday caused beach erosion, which is not unusual at this time of year. Waves from the storm washed away the seashell formation that residents have graciously created at North Street.
Many people were misled by a social media post this week that seemed to indicate the city was prepared to remove the shell art. City Hall was inundated by calls and emails.
The post was well-intentioned, and I understand everybody’s passion for all things Ocean City.
But, please, as they saying goes, don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. Be nice, be kind, and whenever you can, get out and enjoy the real Ocean City, not the one on a small screen.
Michele and I would like to extend deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe Pratt, who passed away this week. Joe dedicated his life to the service of country, church and community.
An Army veteran of 20 years, Joe trained paratroopers, did two tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star.
He was the recipient in a double-lung transplant and later was a dedicated volunteer in the Gift of Life Donor Program. He was a faithful member of Macedonia United Methodist Church.
I hope you all have a great weekend. It looks like we won’t have any significant snow, but it will be a cold one.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
