Ocean City Council Adopts $100 Million Capital Plan

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Council adopted the administration's proposed five-year, $100 million capital plan during its meeting Thursday night at City Hall, Mayor Jay Gillian announced on Friday.

"The plan continues our aggressive approach to tackling the infrastructure work requested and demanded by our taxpayers," Gillian said. "The biggest part dedicates $32 million to paving and drainage, including $6 million for new neighborhood drainage projects."

A copy of the capital plan presentation and related documents are available at www.ocnj.us/projects. The plan was first presented to council on Jan. 25.

"The plan commits more than $100 million to tackling long-overdue projects in every part of the island. It's a lot of money, but I'm confident that the plan is responsible," Gillian said at the time. "Our AA bond rating, low interest rates and our growing ratable base make this an ideal time to invest in these infrastructure improvements. Most importantly, the work will contribute to the quality of life we've all come to expect in Ocean City."

Also at Thursday night's meeting, Ocean City High School graduate Brittany Battle spoke to council. Battle is helping to organize a Juneteenth celebration to educate families on the contributions of the black community to our town and region. She is also working with the Ocean City Historical Museum on an exhibit revisiting the history of our African American community.

"A reception at the museum is planned for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23, and I encourage everybody to come out and see the new exhibit," Gillian said.

He also reminded residents about the Adopt-a-Beach program in his weekly address.

"Ocean City’s Adopt-A-Beach program is seeking new volunteers. Many of our beaches are now open for adoption," Gillian said. "The Adopt-A-Beach program asks participants to commit to two beach cleanups each year and to walking the 'adopted' beach whenever possible to pick up litter. Your group, company or family name will appear on a sign posted at your designated beach. This program is funded by a Clean Communities grant."

See more information on registering for the program.

To read Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian's full weekly update, visit ocnj.us.

Patch file photo