Sidewalk Issues Downtown A 'City Created Problem,' Ocean City Officials Say

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A proposal to repair sidewalks in the downtown is an attempt by Ocean City to fix a city-created problem, the city administration clarified during Thursday night’s council meeting at city hall. The statement came in response to a citizen who voiced concern about what he thought was a case of the city paying for repairs on private property.

The proposal would allow the city 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The sidewalks were installed under outdated ordinances.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.

“As a person with a disability, I can say the sidewalks are very difficult to navigate,” said Councilman Bob Barr, who has been wheelchair bound his whole life due to cerebral palsy.

Mayor Jay Gillian acknowledged that having Barr on council has opened the city’s eyes to a lot of issues.

“We have to do a better job,” Gillian said. “Everything we do has to benefit everyone.”

Gillian also said it would save the city money when it comes to insurance costs. Every time someone has slipped and fallen on a sidewalk, both the business owner and the city have been sued, according to City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson.

“The property owner will be required to maintain the sidewalk the same as before,” McCrosson said, adding that if the city doesn’t adequately repair a sidewalk, it will go back and fix it. “The city owns the sidewalk.”

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.

City council unanimously approved the proposal on introduction with a 7-0 vote. The public hearing and final vote are scheduled for the June 22 meeting.

Patch file photo