Ocean City Unveils $67 Million Capital Plan for 2025 and Beyond

Ocean City is preparing to enter a new phase of infrastructure investment with the 2025-2029 Capital Plan, a five-year initiative aimed at maintaining and improving essential city facilities. After years of extensive redevelopment projects, city officials have emphasized that the focus is now shifting toward ongoing maintenance and strategic upgrades. The latest plan outlines $67 million in planned investments, with $14-$16 million allocated annually through 2027, followed by $11 million in 2028 and $10 million in 2029.

Major Projects for 2025

The city’s largest investment for the upcoming year is a $3.5 million renovation of the 34th Street and West Avenue recreation area, which will receive new pickleball and tennis courts, a dunk court, a new playground, and updated restroom facilities. To help fund this project, the city is applying for a $2.5 million grant from the Cape May County Open Space Fund.

Other key projects for 2025 include:

• $3 million for Ocean City Municipal Airport improvements, including a new terminal with a second-floor restaurant overlooking the airfield, partially funded by a private donation from Leon Grisbaum.
• $2 million for citywide paving and drainage improvements, including flood mitigation work in the Ocean City Homes neighborhood.
• $1 million for annual back bay dredging efforts, ensuring navigable waterways for residents and visitors.
• $795,000 for structural repairs at the Ocean City Music Pier, focusing on substructure stabilization.
• $750,000 for renovations at the 35th Street Little League field.
• $500,000 for downtown street lighting, streetscaping, and a new sound system, replacing outdated fixtures owned by the utility company.
• $180,000 to construct a new pavilion at the city’s dog park.
• $200,000 for a new scoreboard at Carey Stadium.

Long-Term Investments and Ongoing Maintenance

Beyond 2025, the capital plan focuses on sustaining and improving Ocean City’s infrastructure. The city has already repaved 70% of its streets and alleys in the past decade and will now allocate $1 million per year through 2029 for additional repaving and maintenance.

Additional long-term projects include:

• $4 million in 2026 and $5 million in 2027 for continued drainage and flood control efforts.
• $3 million for beach replenishment efforts in 2026 to maintain Ocean City’s shoreline.
• $2 million in 2027 for exterior renovations at the Ocean City Music Pier.
• $2 million in 2027 to update living quarters at Ocean City Fire Department headquarters, followed by a $4 million expansion at Fire Station No. 3 in 2028.
• $1 million in 2028 for renovations at the Public Works vehicle maintenance facility.

Public Safety and Emergency Services Upgrades

The capital plan includes significant investments in public safety equipment, ensuring the Police Department, Fire Department, and Beach Patrol have the resources they need:

• $194,600 for Police Department enhancements in 2025, including NextGen911 technology, body cameras, police car cameras, bicycles, and additional equipment.
• $2.755 million in 2026, $2.725 million in 2027, and $1.140 million in 2028 for Public Works vehicles, including heavy-duty dump trucks, trash trucks, and a street sweeper.
• $1.125 million in 2026 and 2027 to replace two fire pumper engines.
• $453,000 over five years for new Beach Patrol personal watercraft, radios, and medical equipment.
• $50,000 per year for Boardwalk maintenance and isolated repairs.

Technology, Community Spaces, and Green Initiatives

As part of Ocean City’s commitment to modernization, the plan allocates funding for technology, signage, and sustainability efforts:

• $306,000 over five years for citywide IT hardware upgrades.
• $100,000 annually for five years for new signage throughout the city.
• $300,000 in 2026 to expand electric vehicle charging stations.
• $75,000 per year for ongoing Boardwalk repairs and upgrades.
• $100,000 in 2026 for a new floor at the Civic Center.
• $335,000 in 2025 and $435,000 annually from 2026-2029 for citywide landscaping and property work.

Funding and Approval Process

The capital plan will require approval from City Council, with funding secured through a mix of municipal bonds, grants, and private donations. Once approved, the Chief Financial Officer will oversee financing for single or multiple projects, pending further council review.

Looking Ahead

As Ocean City transitions from a period of heavy infrastructure investment into a maintenance-focused phase, the 2025-2029 capital plan reflects a balanced approach—preserving existing assets while strategically investing in recreation, safety, and environmental projects. With strong state and federal funding support—totaling nearly $160 million during the current administration—the city remains committed to sustainable growth and long-term resilience.

As these plans unfold, residents and visitors alike will benefit from a safer, more modern, and well-maintained Ocean City in the years to come.