New Castle Road designated Commodore’s Row

Last Updated on Wednesday, August 08, 2012 02:06 pm Written by Ann Richardson Wednesday, August 08, 2012 01:00 am

OCEAN CITY — While the map may say New Castle Road, for some, the one-block long span will forever be known as “Commodore’s Row.”

After all, with about a dozen homes, the beachfront road that runs along the Great Egg Harbor Inlet has hosted five past and present Ocean City Yacht Club commodores.

On Friday, Aug. 3 the designation was memorialized with an “also known as” sign commemorating the OCYC officials. Sitting atop the New Castle Road sign, the “Commodore’s Row” sign has great significance to the residents there.

The specialty sign was the brainchild of New Castle Road resident Gerry Essick, wife of past Commodore Joe Essick.
“When Chip Ott, who lives on our street, was named rear commodore last year, I thought to myself that it was kind of special that so many have lived on this one little street,” Essick said.

The five include Essick, Larry LaMaina and Chip Ott, and two deceased commodores, Jim Accardi and Charles Hickman.

The OCYC has a commodore, vice commodore and rear commodore. Each year, the officials move up and the commodore then becomes a past commodore.

Essick said city officials were very helpful.

“We’re very appreciative of the city’s efforts,” she said. “It really is quite remarkable.”

So what is it about New Castle Road that seems to breed commodores?

“It’s contagious,” Essick chuckled. “It was all done in good taste. We couldn’t be happier.”

The dedication ceremony was followed by a reception at the Essick’s home.

“I just want to say thank you to the city for seeing the importance of this to us as home owners on New Castle Road and the importance of sharing it with the community,” she said.