Latest news with #FriendsofOCNJHistory&Culture
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Associated Press
Friends of OCNJ History & Culture Unveils 2025 Initiatives to Celebrate Ocean City's Unique Architectural Legacy
Local group Friends of OCNJ History & Culture is launching an expanded set of initiatives in 2025 to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the preservation of Ocean City's heritage – before it's too late. Ocean City, NJ is one of the most unique shore towns in America, frequently named as one of the favorite beaches, not just within New Jersey, but across the East Coast. Combining beautiful historic architecture with a family-friendly environment that includes a long-standing alcohol sales ban, its defining features have set it apart for generations, creating a special place that families return to year after year. But that unique character is under threat. The rapid loss of historic homes and neighborhoods to large-scale development is changing the landscape of Ocean City at an alarming pace. Beautiful, well-crafted homes that have stood for over a century — each with a story to tell — are being torn down and replaced with oversized rental properties that strip the island of its charm and identity. In the last 10 years alone, hundreds of single-family homes have been replaced by duplexes and condos. 'Today, Ocean City is at a crossroads,' said Richard Barth, Co-Founder at Friends of OCNJ History & Culture. 'We understand the need for change, but change needs to be made thoughtfully, to protect what makes this town special. Ocean City residents don't want our town to become just another cookie-cutter shore destination. Our mission is to make sure that preservation is part of the development conversation to ensure we don't lose the character that makes Ocean City truly unique.' Some of the Friends of OCNJ History & Culture 2025 major initiatives include: Annual Summer Historic Home Garden Tour – This tour will highlight the amazing horticultural havens that exist in the often postage-size gardens of Ocean City's historic homes. Be amazed at how the small spaces are used, and meet the gardeners that bring it all to life. Annual Historic Holiday Home Tour – A beloved tradition that offers a rare glimpse inside Ocean City's most beautiful historic homes, decorated for the holidays. This event reminds visitors why these homes — and their stories — are worth saving. New Documentary: Following last year's film, The Enigmatic Lane, The Alleyways of Ocean City will explore the city's hidden alleyways and backstreets, revealing their historical significance and how they retain glimpses of Ocean City's past. Featuring interviews with architects and longtime residents, this documentary will spotlight the lesser-known but important aspects of Ocean City's past. Exclusive Member-Only Events – Friends of OCNJ members will gain access to special events throughout the year, including behind-the-scenes tours, lectures, and preservation-focused gatherings. Expanding the Old Home Database – Their effort to document Ocean City's historic homes is more critical than ever. This expanding resource helps homeowners, researchers, and preservation advocates access historical details, architectural records, and guidance on restoration efforts. Educational Seminars on Home Restoration – To support those who want to preserve rather than demolish, these seminars will offer expert advice on historical restoration techniques, architectural preservation, and strategies to maintain the integrity of older homes. Barth continued, 'We invite anyone interested in Ocean City's beautiful history and rich architectural culture to participate along with us in honoring and embracing this legacy. Ocean City isn't just another shore town — it's a community with a distinct character and history that deserves to be cherished. To be clear, this isn't about just nostalgia or stopping forward movement — it's about making sure that Ocean City's future still reflects its remarkable past.' 610-864-8966
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
A New Advocacy Organization for the Future of Ocean City Launches: Ocean City 2050
Ocean City, NJ March 03, 2025 --( A new advocacy organization, Ocean City 2050, was announced today by a group of long-term Ocean City residents committed to preserving the city's unique identity, promoting responsible growth, and advocating for transparency and accountability in local government. Formed in response to growing concerns over governance, planning, and development, Ocean City 2050 seeks to engage the public, advocate for fact-based policymaking, and ensure the city remains a premier family-friendly destination for generations to come. A Collaborative but Distinct Mission Several of Ocean City 2050's members come from fellow Ocean City organization Friends of OCNJ History & Culture ('Friends of OCNJ'). Ocean City 2050 shares a commitment to community preservation with Friends of OCNJ History & Culture ('Friends of OCNJ'), but operates as an independent organization with a unique focus on governance and planning. • Ocean City 2050 will drive long-term policy advocacy, ensuring the city remains well-governed, family-friendly, and vibrant, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making. • Friends of OCNJ will continue its mission of celebrating Ocean City's historic character through initiatives like house and garden tours, historical documentaries, an old-home database, and educational seminars. The Need for Stronger Community Involvement 'Like many towns along the Jersey shore, Ocean City has experienced massive change, from evolving demographics, to significant housing cost increases, to environmental threats, all of which require sound government policy to ensure that growth does not erase the unique history and culture of our island,' said Jim Kelly, a long-time resident and founding member of Ocean City 2050. 'Strong advocacy is required to shape policies that will secure that future, rather than leaving them to a narrow group of special interests and perspectives.' The group is launching at a critical moment for Ocean City, following a series of concerning local decisions that have raised alarm within the community. 'Ocean City has recently witnessed events that highlight the need for stronger governance and broader community involvement,' added Bill Merritt, another founding member. 'The lack of leadership on the Boardwalk debate, the recent approval of a commercial marina in a small residential Glen Cove lagoon, the continued approval of massive duplexes with inadequate parking, and the failure to address the rising vacation costs for middle-class vacationers that is hurting our local economy, reflect a city that appears to have handed its rudder to special interests, rather than safeguarding its longstanding cultural identity.' Ocean City 2050's Core Priorities Ocean City 2050 will: Champion Good Governance & Transparency – Promote integrity and inclusiveness in local decision-making. Advocate for Fact-Based Planning – Push for an updated Master Plan that balances responsible development, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability while safeguarding Ocean City's long-term cultural identity. Explore the Future of Entertainment – Ensure Ocean City remains a premier family-friendly destination by studying and advocating for new attractions that align with its identity. Engage with Local Leaders – Work with elected officials and candidates to keep Ocean City's future a top priority. Hold Government Accountable – When necessary, pursue litigation to uphold the principles of good governance, preservation, and responsible planning. Call to Action: Join Ocean City 2050 'Ocean City 2050 is a community-led movement to ensure our city remains vibrant, family-friendly, and well-governed for generations to come,' Kelly added. 'We invite everyone, including citizens, residents and vacationers, to get involved, make their voices heard, and help shape Ocean City's future.'
