Ocean City to Build New Beach Access Ramp

By MADDY VITALE Memorial Day weekend is just a little over two months away and Ocean City is continuing to make projects to improve accessibility to the beaches a high priority. In the last couple of years, the city has installed ADA-compliant (Americans With Disabilities Act) beach ramps in areas that did not have them. The latest ADA ramp will be constructed at Beach Road in the north end of town. City officials said that the ramp will be completed in time for Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer tourism season. During a City Council meeting on March 10, Council approved a resolution for the project, which will include a ramp, stairs and a parking reconfiguration. The ramps provide easier access to the city beaches. This is part of the city’s broader strategy to create more access to the beaches. Mayor Jay Gillian has stated that accessibility remains a major priority for him and his administration. Gillian noted in his State of the City address at the March 10 meeting, “We provided surf chairs and expanded beach mats to improve accessibility to our beaches.” First Ward Councilman Terry Crowley Jr. praised the administration for doing the new ramp at Beach Road. “Looking at improvements for Beach Road, I just want to commend the city and the officials,” said Crowley, whose ward includes Beach Road. “I think we’re doing a great job with making the beaches more accessible for handicapped people and people with disabilities.” Since 2020, other ADA ramps leading to the beaches were installed at Surf Road, Waverly Boulevard off of E. Atlantic Boulevard and one at St. Charles Place. For more information about beach access visit: www.ocnj.us/Handicapped-Accessibility