Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian
Dear Friends,
I’m happy to report that we reopened the north end of the Boardwalk this afternoon. We now have a brand-new structure – from sand to railings – from St. Charles Place to Fifth Street, and the full length of the Boardwalk is back open to everyone. This work was funded mostly by a $4.9 million grant.
We’re still waiting on the delivery of new lights. They will be here on May 6. I want to thank everyone for their patience during construction. These maintenance and replacement projects are necessary to ensure that everyone can enjoy all that Ocean City has to offer for generations to come.
We’re still working on a separate project to reinforce the Boardwalk from 12th Street to 14th Street, but pedestrians and bikes will be able to pass through at all times, and access to all storefronts will remain open.
Pecks Beach Village has always been an important part of Ocean City, and I was proud to join Ocean City Housing Authority Chairman Bobby Barr, Executive Director Ron Miller, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, Rev. Gregory Johnson and others to break ground on 60 new homes for Ocean City families.
These new affordable-housing units on Fourth Street will match the rest of the neighborhood, and that was one of the most important things that I asked when this project was designed.
In Ocean City, we always take care of each other. I remember when Superstorm Sandy hit, Pecks Beach families were scattered everywhere. I said I don’t want to hear any excuses. We’re getting these families back in their homes. That started a positive relationship with the Pecks Beach residents and the Housing Authority that continues today.
The city was a partner in building Speitel Commons and renovating Bayview Manor on West Avenue. We were able to provide 32 new units for seniors who used to live in Pecks Beach and to fix up the homes of the residents of Bayview Manor.
I look forward to seeing these new homes take shape. Ocean City is always a success story when we work together as a team.
Ocean City Finance Director Frank Donato made a presentation to City Council on the proposed 2026 municipal budget last night. Slides and information from the presentation are available here: 2026 Municipal Budget Presentation. Video of the presentation is here. City Council is expected to “introduce” the budget on April 23, and a potential public hearing and final vote on the budget is expected to be on May 21. Municipal budgets, audits and financial documents are always available at ocnj.us/finance.
The Ocean City Dog Park reopened today with a new pavilion, fencing, equipment for dogs, electrical outlets and other amenities. Outside the fences, we’re still planning to pave the parking lot and add benches and planters. Please excuse our appearance while we work to complete this last phase of the renovation.
The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority on Wednesday discovered a sinkhole on 46th Street near West Avenue. The roadway will be closed while they make an emergency repair to the damaged outfall pipeline that caused the collapse. Local access will be maintained. Please use caution in the area while the repair is underway.
The first of two Great Egg Hunts on the Boardwalk is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The event invites children up to age 7 to visit more than 50 stores with their families to collect eggs filled with toys, treats and prizes. The second Great Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 4.
Children are also invited to visit with the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Mark Soifer Park (9th Street and Asbury Avenue). The Easter Bunny will be back in the park during the same hours on Saturday, April 4, and then up at the Music Pier from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
