Mayor's Message: Nov. 15

Dear Friends,

The repaving of West Avenue from North Street to Ninth Street will begin on Monday. Weather permitting, the work schedule will be:

• Monday, Nov. 18: Milling and grading from North Street to Second Street
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Paving from North Street to Second Street
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Milling and grading from Second Street to Fifth Street
• Thursday, Nov. 21: Paving from Second Street to Fifth Street
• Friday, Nov. 22: Milling and grading from Sixth Street to Ninth Street
• Monday, Nov. 25: Paving from Sixth Street to Ninth Street

Please do not park in these zones from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. during construction and use caution in the area.

We are seeking bids for final paving of West Avenue from Ninth Street to 18th Street, and that work is expected to be completed in the spring. At that time, West Avenue will be brand new from North Street to 34th Street.

The 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony is set for Jan. 20, and we are currently seeking nominations for our annual Community Service Awards. The awards recognize volunteerism and service to the people of Ocean City. Nominations can be made online at ocnj.us/MLKNomination and must be submitted by Dec. 8.

The annual Community Thanksgiving Service is moving this year from the evening to the afternoon. All are invited to attend at 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at St. Francis Cabrini Church, Second Street and Atlantic Avenue.

The Ocean City Historical Museum will celebrate its 60th anniversary at a special luncheon at the Flanders Hotel on Dec. 8. The event will include lunch, a silent auction and a special presentation on the history of the museum. Tickets are on sale now at the museum or by calling 609-399-1901.

Please join Michele and me in extending deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cynthia Donahue. Cindy was a teacher in local schools, a Eucharistic Minister in our St. Damien Parish, and a volunteer in organizations like the Ocean City Youth Athletic Association. She will be greatly missed in our community.

I’m sad to report that we lost another lifelong educator and beloved member of our community this week: Marilyn Merritt. Please also join me and Michele in paying tribute to Marna and extending condolences to all her family and friends.

Our holiday lights and decorations are going up this week, and I hope you all get a chance to enjoy some of the many special events planned for the coming weeks, including Winterfest by the Sea on Nov. 16, the “Earlier Than the Bird” Downtown Shopping Extravaganza on Nov. 23, and our Christmas in the Downtown – “Our Miracle on Asbury Avenue” celebration on Nov. 29. More information on all holiday events is available here.

Warm regards,

Mayor Jay A. Gillian