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Opposition digs in on controversial dog hotel proposal
OCNJ Daily's weekly newsletter
James Kratch
May 01, 2025
Welcome to the new and improved weekly newsletter from OCNJ Daily! Ocean City will host the New Jersey Special Olympics Area 8 track and field meet at Carey Stadium on Sunday, May 11. The Recreation Department is currently seeking volunteers to help run the event.
In this week's newsletter ...
🐶 Doggie hotel detractors speak out
Donald Wittkowski | OCNJ Daily
A crowd of business owners and residents voiced their opposition to the controversial proposed dog hotel and daycare center on Seventh Street.
The proposal for the two-story commercial building fell one vote short of gaining a zoning variance approval in March. The developer has since listed the building for $879,900, but said he may still appeal the zoning board decision. He is also considering using the property for a private pickleball club or a mental health facility for recovering addicts.
The specter of a potential revival of the doggie hotel plan spurred a slew of speakers to tell City Council last week they believe dog kennels should be banned altogether in town. While some residents spoke out in favor of the project, most expressed concerns the project will harm the surrounding neighborhood, alleging the venue would bring incessant noise from barking, foul odors and poop-filled lawns, ultimately driving down property values.
📅 Events + Weather via Access Ticketing Network
Thursday, May 1
☁️ Mostly cloudy and cool | 7% chance of rain | High of 64, low of 59
Friday, May 2
💨 Windy with a thunderstorm | 80% chance of rain | High of 74, low of 62
🐚 Martin Z. Mollusk | Ninth Street Beach | 11 a.m., more details here
Saturday, May 3
⛈ Showers and thunderstorms | 74% chance of rain | High of 74, low of 59
🍔 Spring Block Party | Downtown Asbury Avenue | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., more details here
Starting Sunday, May 4
☂️ Showers possible | 30% chance of rain | High of 71, low of 55
🛍️ Small Business Week | Downtown | Through next Saturday, more details here
🧘♂️ Community Wellness Day | Public Library and Community Center | 1-4 p.m., more details here
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👷♂️ The latest on capital improvement projects
Donald Wittkowski | OCNJ Daily
City Council introduced a nearly $6.2 million bond ordinance to finance a series of public works throughout town, including new drainage, road and flood-mitigation projects to help protect the low-lying island from stormwater. The projects are part of the five-year capital plan approved in March.
Also planned via the bond ordinance: A new scoreboard for Ocean City High's Carey Field, a pavilion at the municipal dog park, Aquatic & Fitness Center improvements, citywide landscaping and streetscaping and lighting for the downtown business district.
PLUS: Mayor Jay Gillian’s plan for a $1 million makeover of the blighted property at 16th Street and Haven Avenue is on hold. City Council voted unanimously to table a resolution granting a contract, expressing concerns about the significant investment for improvements that would only be temporary.
🗞️ Local links
⛱️ Elsewhere around the shore
📰 Regional links
⚾️ Sports links from On Pattison
☝️ One last thing …
Ocean City’s semi-annual Household Cleanup Days are this weekend.
Unwanted trash, furniture, cell phones, recycling and CFL light bulbs can be dropped off at the Shelter Road Recycling Center from 12-3 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Free paper shredding will also be available all day Saturday.
The event is free for residents and property owners in Ocean City, but a driver's license or other proof of residency/ownership is required.
Thanks for reading! See you next week!