AT LARGE: Dave Lambert's Route 52 story

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 May 2012 20:46 Written by Tom Williams Tuesday, 22 May 2012 19:59

After years of detours, closed lanes and other inconveniences, the Route 52 Causeway connecting Ocean City and Somers Point is open. You can now drive from one community to the other on safe bridges with no oncoming traffic and no fear of those fearsome bridge openings.

They guy who guided this project for the past six years is Dave Lambert, originally from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and a graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in civil engineering. He expected to go to work for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) after graduation but he got a better offer from NJDOT.

Read more: AT LARGE: Dave Lambert's Route 52 story

The Business at Hand >> New bridge a beacon for visitors

Written by Ann Richardson Tuesday, 22 May 2012 00:00

Like a concrete ribbon unfurling across the bay, the new Ninth Street Bridge and Route 52 Causeway is magnificent.

The largest, and most expensive, construction project ever undertaken by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, the project includes two fixed spans, side-by-side, rising 50 feet above the Intracoastal Waterway on both the Somers Point and Ocean City sides. With four roomy, 12-foot-wide lanes and shoulders, it’s estimated to be much safer than the bridge it has replaced.

Read more: The Business at Hand >> New bridge a beacon for visitors

What will you do now that BYOB is over?

Written by Opinion Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

The election is over and BYOB is dead for another generation. I’m glad I heard the debate. One thing I learned was that the issue was not really about alcohol consumption or saving restaurants. It was about identity. One side said expand your brand and attract more people. The other said preserve your brand and let those people who don’t like it go somewhere else.

Read more: What will you do now that BYOB is over?

Teachers need a contract

Written by Opinion Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

Several of the council candidates expressed a need to encourage young families to reside in Ocean City. One of the most significant factors in deciding a residency location for young families is the quality of the school system. Fortunately, Ocean City has and, has had for many years, excellent schools. What makes a good school system:

Read more: Teachers need a contract

Poor patching of Spruce Road

Written by Opinion Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

Last fall, the city allowed a utility company to make over 100 street openings on Spruce from Bay Avenue to Glenwood Drive. This work was performed on relatively new pavement that covered the sins of the past. At the time, it was my understanding the utility company would repair all the openings and do a neat, professional job to put the roadway back in the same position they received it – not the haphazard condition they left it in.

Read more: Poor patching of Spruce Road

Thanks OC voters

Written by Opinion Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

The issue of allowing public consumption of alcohol in Ocean City has been resolved. On May 8, the BYOB referendum was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters. We are pleased that the residents of Ocean City had the final say on the matter, and gratified that they chose to maintain our city’s family-friendly image and identity.

Read more: Thanks OC voters

The Business at Hand >> BYOB debate is over, let’s move on

Written by Ann Richardson Tuesday, 15 May 2012 00:00

So it’s over, and life goes on. Ocean City voters overwhelmingly rejected the Bring Your Own Bottle initiative. BYOB won’t be on the sandwich board at local eateries. No one will be permitted to consume beer, wine or malt beverages in a public place in America’s Greatest Family Resort.

Read more: The Business at Hand >> BYOB debate is over, let’s move on

Investigate police dog attacks independently

Written by Opinion Thursday, 10 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

Our city administration has seen a “frenzy” of litigation followed by big settlements.

Read more: Investigate police dog attacks independently

AT LARGE: Catching up with the choir

Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 May 2012 14:45 Written by Tom Williams Tuesday, 08 May 2012 20:25

A few months ago, Ann Richardson wrote an online Gazette story about the 1967-68 Ocean City High School choir and the tape of its Christmas concert, conducted by Lewis Benzon, that choir member Tracy Allen was transferring to CDs and making available. There was a terrific response and copies of that concert are now all over the country.

Since that story moved the choir into the public eye, it seemed like a good idea to find out what they’ve been doing since. Here, edited for space, are some updates.

Read more: AT LARGE: Catching up with the choir

The Business at Hand >> Soifer's passion is part of OC's success

Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 May 2012 11:01 Written by Ann Richardson Tuesday, 08 May 2012 00:00

On May 2, Mark Soifer turned 80; to celebrate the city publicist’s birthday, co-workers threw a big party. Mayor Jay Gillian honored Soifer – whose ties to the island go back 50 years – with a proclamation declaring the second day of May be forever known as “Mark Soifer Day” in Ocean City.

Read more: The Business at Hand >> Soifer's passion is part of OC's success

Guest Column >> Ocean City doesn’t need BYOB

Written by Ann Richardson Friday, 04 May 2012 00:00

The “Bring Your Own Bottle” issue will be decided Tuesday. If passed, BYOB could change Ocean City forever.

Last week, seven council members spent an hour debating the merits of raising parking meter fees from 25 cents to 50 cents for one hour. Doubling the fee, they claimed, could scare visitors away.

Concerned about public perception – so close to the busy tourist season – they decided it wasn’t worth the “risk” of raising fees a quarter. I wish they’d been so thoughtful and concerned when the BYOB initiative came before them.

Read more: Guest Column >> Ocean City doesn’t need BYOB

Your vote counts

Last Updated on Thursday, 03 May 2012 14:24 Written by Opinion Thursday, 03 May 2012 00:00

To the editor:

It does matter who you elect to City Council. We can all see the changes to Ocean City over the past 10 to 20 years. Were those changes for the better? In recent past, in my neighborhood alone, we lost Campbell’s Seafood, Casa Del Dolce, and Torres Ice Cream Parlor.

Read more: Your vote counts