City Seeks ‘Walk,’ ‘Performers’ Alley’

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Council met March 10. Citizen comments at the outset included a complaint by one resident as to the plan to install artificial turf at Carey Field adjacent to the high school.
“What is the problem you are trying to solve with this turf which is known as using toxic and possibly carcinogenic materials,” she asked. “Is the driving force, as is usually the case, money and for that you’re putting at risk our residents, visitors and even our children?”
 Mayor Jay Gillian noted that the school administration and coaches were highly supportive of using the artificial turf and that no home track meets this season would be affected because of installation.
“Gift of Life” Event
Joe Pratt, a former service member and parachutist, spoke to enlist the support of mayor and council for the upcoming April 17 “Gift of Life” fundraising run at Philadelphia Art Museum.
“I am a highly-fortunate beneficiary of this organization having had a double-lung transplant operation so that instead of walking around with an oxygen tank I now can do just about anything I want,” explained Pratt.
“I pray every day for my donor family and truly hope that next year we can have our own “Gift of Life” run in Ocean City.” Pratt can be reached at 609-390-9149; for information about the event visit www. Donordash.org
City to Represent NJ
Gillian announced that Ocean City had been selected to represent the state in “Coastal Living” magazine’s nationwide “best beach in the U.S.” contest through online voting. “This is as good as getting a grant in terms of promoting our city and how great it is, it’s really big exposure.”
Recognize Sixth-grader
Gillian and council jointly recognized Ocean City sixth-grader Aodhan Daly for his spirit of volunteering. “When Aodhan was 5 years old, he agreed that instead of birthday gifts he wanted to help the Humane Society and each year he has done the same thing on his birthday. This year, along with 18 of his friends, he joined in as he has in the past, the city’s Day of Service. We wish we had more kids like Aodhan and hope his example will inspire others to join him,” said Gillian.
First Reading on “Performers Alley”
Council passed on first reading an ordinance to create a specially-dedicated area on the Boardwalk between Fifth and Sixth streets for performers where they could sing, dance and otherwise express themselves while also soliciting money or tips for their performances.
The ordinance provides for a license to perform with a $50 fee to cover administration costs for the entire summer season.
Performers will be required to keep a distance of 100 feet from each other and space will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to comply with provisions such as staying within the area designated for performance would elicit a warning.
Two warnings would elicit a suspension of the performance license and three warnings would mean revocation of the license.
“We’ve given a lot of thought as to how to accommodate the desire to have performers on the Boardwalk, it’s a very popular place for kids as well as more professional performers to come during the summer, some of them can make $1,000 a night and they’re not paying any tax on that amount, so we need to balance everyone’s needs and we think this ordinance does that while creating a real destination on the Boardwalk,” said Gillian.
Council member Peter Guinosso asked if the ordinance did not infringe on First Amendment rights for free expression. City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson answered, “The city has a reasonable right to regulate for public safety and other city interests.”
Before council voted on the introduction of this ordinance, a representative of the Boardwalk Merchants Association said that all members were in favor and hoped to work with performers for the good of the Boardwalk and community. 
All council members voted to approve introduction of this ordinance except for Guinosso who voted against. Second reading and final adoption is scheduled for the March 24 council meeting.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.