Among other key issues, the newly formed Ocean City 2050 advocacy group is concerned about the rising cost of the housing market.
A group of long-term Ocean City residents concerned with the direction the city has been taking of late has formed a new advocacy organization to play a watchdog role in the town’s growth and governance.
The group, called Ocean City 2050, said it is “committed to preserving the city’s unique identity, promoting responsible growth, and advocating for transparency and accountability in local government.”
The group was formed in response to growing concerns over governance, planning and development, according to a news release Monday announcing the creation of Ocean City 2050.
“Ocean City 2050 seeks to engage the public, advocate for fact-based policymaking, and ensure the city remains a premier family-friendly destination for generations to come,” the release stated.
Several of Ocean City 2050’s members come from another fellow Ocean City organization, called Friends of OCNJ History & Culture. Ocean City 2050 shares a commitment to community preservation with Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, but will operate as an independent organization with a unique focus on governance and planning, the release said.
Among its goals, Ocean City 2050 “will drive long-term policy advocacy, ensuring the city remains well-governed, family-friendly, and vibrant, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making.”
At the same time, Friends of OCNJ History & Culture will continue its mission of celebrating Ocean City’s historic character through initiatives such as house and garden tours, historical documentaries, an old-home database, and educational seminars, according to the release.
Ocean City 2050 believes there is a need for stronger community involvement in local government policy, said Jim Kelly, a long-time resident and founding member of the group.
“Like many towns along the Jersey Shore, Ocean City has experienced massive change, from evolving demographics to significant housing cost increases to environmental threats, all of which require sound government policy to ensure that growth does not erase the unique history and culture of our island,” Kelly said in the release.
“Strong advocacy is required to shape policies that will secure that future, rather than leaving them to a narrow group of special interests and perspectives,” he added.
Bill Merritt, president of the community group Friends of OCNJ History & Culture, is also one of the leaders of Ocean City 2050.The group is launching at a critical moment for Ocean City, following what it says are “a series of concerning local decisions that have raised alarm within the community.”
“Ocean City has recently witnessed events that highlight the need for stronger governance and broader community involvement,” said Bill Merritt, another founding member of Ocean City 2050.
Among key issues, Merritt cited “the lack of leadership on the Boardwalk debate” over a proposed luxury hotel on the site of the defunct Wonderland Pier amusement park.
He also pointed to the city’s recent approval of what he called a commercial marina in the small residential Glen Cove lagoon and continued approval “of massive duplexes with inadequate parking.”
Overall, Merritt believes the city has also failed to address the rising vacation costs that are hurting middle-class tourists and the local economy.
Ocean City 2050 said its core priorities will include:
-- Championing good governance and transparency – Promote integrity and inclusiveness in local decision-making.
-- Advocating for fact-based planning – Push for an updated master plan that balances responsible development, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability while safeguarding Ocean City’s long-term cultural identity.
-- Exploring the future of entertainment – Ensure Ocean City remains a premier family-friendly destination by studying and advocating for new attractions that align with its identity.
-- Engaging with local leaders – Work with elected officials and candidates to keep Ocean City’s future a top priority.
-- Holding government accountable – When necessary, pursue litigation to uphold the principles of good governance, preservation, and responsible planning.
“Ocean City 2050 is a community-led movement to ensure our city remains vibrant, family-friendly, and well-governed for generations to come,” Kelly said. “We invite everyone, including citizens, residents and vacationers, to get involved, make their voices heard, and help shape Ocean City’s future.”
For additional information, visit www.oceancity2050.org, or contact oceancity2050@gmail.com.
Ocean City 2050 is pushing for more government accountability at City Hall.
