Economic Development Committee Issues Findings; Private Dredging Topic Of Town Hall In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City’s new Economic Development Committee presented their findings from the last year of research during the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Summit last week.

The committee, which includes representatives from all segments of the community, spent the year conducting an analysis of changes, strengths and weaknesses in the local marketplace, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian said.

“By identifying and explaining the factors that could affect all of us, this committee hopes to assist public and private organizations to a build stronger and healthier economy,” Gillian said. “We all live in a world that is changing quickly. Now, more than ever, it’s important to prepare for the future. For businesses and investors from the beach to the bay, Ocean City’s economy has been remarkably resilient over the decades. Thursday’s reports were all positive. But I want to thank this committee for its important work in making sure it remains that way for decades to come. I hope to see the group’s reports become an ongoing resource for everybody in town.”

Also in Friday’s weekly update, Gillian announced that there will be a neighborhood meeting on Thursday night, Oct. 19, at a location to be determined to detail the potential process for residents to conduct private boat slip dredging in Carnival Bayou, Sunny Harbor and South Harbor this fall.

“The mechanical dredge contractor for Sunny Harbor and South Harbor and the hydraulic contractor for Carnival Bayou will be present at the meeting,” Gillian said. “The contractors are authorized to conduct private dredging of slips in advance of a Dec. 1 cutoff date in accordance with contract requirements. The presentation will include an update on the project timelines and information on the application process.”

Everybody is encouraged to attend to learn more. Residents on these lagoons will receive a letter with a confirmed location and it will be announced to the public when a location is confirmed. Anybody who is unable to attend will be able to find information from the meeting at www.ocnj.us/Capital-Projects-Bay.

Patch file photo of Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian