Development News for Ocean City, New Jersey

Ordinance Prohibits Commercial Vehicle Parking Near Playgrounds

Ordinance 2607 was introduced and adopted on first reading. It prohibits the parking of commercial vehicles adjacent to municipal playgrounds and recreation fields. This ordinance expands on a previous one that only prohibited construction vehicles. Exemptions include city trucks working on playgrounds, expedited loading/unloading, emergency vehicles, and maintenance/repair work [cite: 234-263]. A second reading and public hearing will be held on June 11th [cite: 278-281].

Residents Inquire About Boardwalk Subcommittee and Wonderland Carousel

Resident Alan Richtor inquired about the status of the boardwalk subcommittee and when a public meeting could be expected [cite: 474-479]. Donna Saber asked about the Wonderland carousel, noting it's turning 100 years old and seeking information on its operational status for the summer, acknowledging that an answer might not be immediate [cite: 484-520].

Ocean City Awarded $25,000 Grant for Summer Drone Shows

Ocean City was awarded a $25,000 grant from King County for a drone show on the boardwalk during Monday nights in the summer as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration [cite: 22-57].

Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Proposed 125-Foot Cell Tower

Public comment was received regarding a proposed 125-foot cell tower in a residential R150 zone [cite: 526-779]. Concerns include non-compliance with zoning, inadequate fall zones, negative impact on the "greatest American resort" image, and potential changes to ordinances to accommodate the tower [cite: 563-624]. Residents cited a consent order mentioning only two locations and questioned why alternative sites, like a dog park area with an existing tower, were not fully explored [cite: 580-592]. Petitions are being circulated, with over 700 signatures collected [cite: 593-598]. There are questions about whether required approvals (FAA, NJ wetlands) have been met and if the deadline for Verizon has passed, potentially allowing renegotiation [cite: 626-635]. Some residents suggested boosters as an alternative and questioned why the city is siding with Verizon over community concerns [cite: 691-715]. There are also concerns about notification processes, with some residents claiming not to have received certified letters [cite: 725-732]. The location is 50 feet from some properties [cite: 569-571, 657-659]. The ordinance regarding towers was reportedly changed to allow for conditional use [cite: 600-608].