Ocean City To Move Forward With Downtown Sidewalk Repairs

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance to allow the city to repair sidewalks in the downtown during Thursday night’s meeting at City Hall. The city can move forward with a project to fix the sidewalks that have have shifted and become uneven, presenting an unsafe environment for strollers, wheelchairs and pedestrians using canes, walkers and crutches.

The sidewalks were installed under outdated ordinances. The ordinance didn't mandate all sidewalks be built using the same contractor, and some business owners failed to maintain their sidewalks over the years.

Proposed repairs would take place in the following locations:

• Asbury Avenue, from 5th-14th streets;
• Asbury Avenue west to the alley on the corners between 5th and 14th streets;
• 8th Street, from West Avenue to the boardwalk;
• 9th Street, from the bridge to the boardwalk; and
• 10th Street, from West Avenue to the boardwalk.

Although the city would handle the repairs, property owners will still be required to maintain the sidewalks in front of the properties, as has always been the case.

Councilwoman Karen Bergman asked about an instance in which a business owner didn’t own their property and the landlord refused to address the issues.

“In an extreme case, we would find them in violation,” Ocean City Administrator Jim Mallon said of the landlord, adding that the city often does respond to issues. In many cases, the sides reach a quick resolution.

The ordinance was approved with a 7-0 vote.

Patch file photo