New Boardwalk Performer Rules Approved In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Buskers who wish to keep performing on the Boardwalk will have to pay a $200 permit fee and stick to specific areas and times, according to a new ordinance passed by Ocean City Council.

The ordinance, passed unanimously, was met with mixed responses. While Boardwalk business owners were pleased, performers said the fee was too steep and that it may turn away potential performers.

Andrew Ehrhardt, a saxophone player, said that the changes "make it much harder for Boardwalk performers to share their talents with the public."

Along with the increased fee, the ordinance dictates when and where performers are allowed to play. Performances are allowed only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with city events taking precedence (such as Mummers Night). Performances can be held between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in two different zones, between Fifth and Eighth streets and between 12th and 14th streets.

President of the Boardwalk Merchants Association Wes Kazmarck said that the merchants unanimously voted in favor of the new regulations.

"It's frankly probably not everything that all the Boardwalk merchants want, but that's what compromise is, and that's what we're hoping to achieve here today," Kazmarck said.

Councilman Jody Levchuk, himself a Boardwalk business owner, said that the majority of the performers were "very disruptive."

"In a way, it's panhandling, and I don't think that's appropriate for our environment," Levchuk said. The regulations help the "overall dynamic and atmosphere of the Boardwalk," he said.

One of the best-known Boardwalk performers is Bryan Woolbert, a pianist and singer from Egg Harbor Township.

"The reason why I prefer to perform here over most other venues is because of the amazing community that this council and the businesses of Ocean City have maintained together," Woolbert said, saying that being able to inspire families was "worth a lot more to me than some green stuff that flows in the bucket."

Flutist Marie Sacks-Wilner, from Galloway, voiced her concerns that the fee was "a bit steep," but said that she loved getting to perform on the Boardwalk.

"Well, I'll pay it. Of course I will," she said. "I want to continue to do what I love. And I know others feel the same way."