NO JULY MEETING NEXT MEETING AUG 6TH
The mission of Ocean City Community Association is to protect and promote the best interests of the property owners and residents of the City of Ocean City. To encourage civic interest by all its citizens. To support the improvement of the general welfare, health, comfort, safety and environment of the whole island.
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Press Release:
The Ocean City Community Association was formerly the 16-34 Community Association. Why the new name? To more accurately reflect our identity, membership and mission. We have in recent years had more members join us from one end of the island to the other. Also, we have long been involved in issues, such as residential zoning reform, environmental protection and historical preservation that have island wide impact. If you feel a need to be an advocate for the betterment of Ocean City then join us, by going to our Contact Us page.
Together we make a difference!
Yes You Can ........Take Action!
What's bugging you? A construction vehicle that's never moved? A pothole that's been getting bigger for the past 5 years? Pile driving that starts too early and lasts too long? Whatever it is, YOU Can do something. And it's easier than you think. Don't know who to call? tried calling but received no answer or no help? Thiss imple solution will get you a response. Just send an email to Mayor@ocnj.us Be brief and descriptive about the nature and location of the problem. And please, just give the facts. Save your feelings for someone else.
If you don not have email the hotline phone number is 609-525-9333. However, for more efficient tracking and follow up, email is recommended.
UPDATE ON THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING ORDINANCE:
You may recall from the Fall Newsletter that, after working for almost two years reforming the Residential Zoning Ordinance to reduce building mass and protect neighborhoods over community changing redevelopment, the Planning Board sent an ordinance to Council last spring which took steps in that direction. However, one of the last acts of the old Council before the newly elected Ward Councilpersons took office was to make three changes which had the effect of going in the opposite direction. First, Council removed porches and decks from the Floor Area Ration (FAR) calculation which had been intended to prevent the massing effect of multiple stacked porches. Second, it doubled the allowed size of secondary building elements and dormers. This change was introduced by Council President Keith Hartzell without benefit of open scrutiny by the Planning Board during the prior year and a half the ordinance was being drafted. Third, the prohibition on rooftop decks in residential zones was eliminated.
Following a unanimous vote (one abstention) by the Planning Board that these changes were inconsistent with the Master Plan, we requested Mayor Perillo veto the ordinance to allow the new Council an opportunity to review and enact the original ordinance drafted by the Planning Board. The Mayor did this, but his veto was overridden by the newly elected Council with only Councilpersons Roy Wagner and Susan Sheppard supporting our request.
All this only means that “the beat goes on.” Councilwoman Sheppard took the initiative to revisit those issues one at a time. First, she convened a focus group in her Third Ward consisting of individuals with differing views on rooftop decks and managed to draft a compromise. The result placed controls on rooftop decks intended to reduce the intrusive effects upon neighboring properties. Then she led Council for passage of that ordinance. Councilman Wagner continues to lead the fight for those who favor elimination of rooftop decks. But unless the makeup of Council changes, that does not seem likely.
Jim Tweed
President
Ocean City Community Association