OCEAN CITY — If Ocean City Council approves, here’s what’s on top for the city’s spending on capital projects in the 2026 fiscal year and some in 2027. Maybe there’s something you’ve been waiting for. Check out this partial list that was presented to council Feb. 19:
— $4 million for flood mitigation work from 18th to 26th streets;
— $1 million for road projects including Dory Drive, Oxford and Somerset lanes, Moorlyn Terrace and some alleys.
— $3 million for beach fill for the north and south ends with another $80,000 for beach mats and $50,000 for dune fencing.
— $1.2 million for renovation of the boardwalk from 14th to 16th streets. The city is installing new lighting on the boardwalk that can be dimmed at 10 p.m. but brought back up in case of special needs.
— $3 million for the new three-story terminal at the municipal airport, matching a $3 million donation from longtime Realtor Leon Grisbaum. The facility would include a dining area on the top floor, space for the golf course pro shop, bathrooms and a pilot area. Another $250,000 would go toward an FAA hangar.
— $680,000 to replace the 30-ton HVAC unit on the roof. This unit has tentacles that reach into all parts of the building.
— $325,000 (potentially) for flooring at the Civic Center. This is actually included in 2027 in the capital plan but officials aren’t sure they can wait until then.
— $50,000 for ventilation for the Ocean City Beach Patrol’s workshop and $30,00 for sheds.
— $200,000 for design work for the headquarters, dorm and living area at fire department headquarters with plans to spend $2 million on construction in 2027. Another $200,000 is planned for design work for Station 3 in 2027 and then $4 million for construction of that station in 2028.
— $150,00 for envelope repairs and $100,000 for exterior door replacement at the Ocean City Music Pier. Another $2 million is designated for envelope repairs in 2027 along with $250,000 to upgrade stage lighting.
— $100,000 for temporary space for social services with expected demolition of the current police station.
— $600,000 for fire headquarters roof to handle a solar upgrade and vehicle maintenance.
— $25,000 for citywide LED lighting.
— $100,000 for upgrades and maintenance of the Fourth Street Lifesaving Station and shed.
— $85,000 for HVAC at the Welcome Center on the causeway.
— $25,000 to upgrade the audio at Carey Stadium and another $25,000 in 2027 for the stadium’s press box staircase.
— $150,000 for the 35th Street Little League field batting cage for year-round use and to limit noise.
— $500,000 for a streetscape lighting project downtown.
— $200,000 to rehabilitate and replace the netting at the Municipal Golf Course … to keep those sliced balls from landing on Bay Avenue.
— $2.5 million for the pickleball courts and parking at the 18th Street courts and at Ocean City Intermediate School. Mayor Jay Gillian said the city is working with the school administration to find more parking, which is severely lacking now, and to convert the tennis courts into pickleball courts. He said the parking would also help get the teachers from overloading the neighborhood by the school and could include spaces where some of the OCIS fields are lovated. There is another $435,000 for assorted work at the courts for fencing, landscape, property improvements and bleachers.
— $250,000 for equipment at the airport, including a passenger van and minivan for beach fee operations and a maintenance truck.
— $109,000 for OCBP vehicles, $20,000 for a utility terrain vehicle, $14,000 for an ATV, $10,000 to refurbish a boat and $65,000 for rescue trucks.
— $2.25 million for replacing two pumper engines for the fire department and $425,000 for storm trucks.
— $300,000 for a police boat.
— $675,000 for assorted public works equipment including $185,000 for a medium dump truck, $100,000 for a pickup with plow and spreader, $180,000 for a 9-yard trash truck, $80,000 for an F-250 4×4 and $50,000 for vehicle rehab.
— $270,000 for airport equipment, including $200,000 for a self-service fuel farm and $25,000 for boat ramp trailer upgrades.
— $110,000 for OCBP equipment including a personal water craft for $40,000.
— $50,000 for the Community Services Department for items including new equipment for the Aquatic and Fitness Center.
— $205,000 for new gear and equipment for firefighters.
— $162,000 for new equipment for the police including $35,000 for technology for vehicles, $25,000 for vehicle cameras, $18,000 for a drone and $3,600 for bicycles.
— $100,000 for signage citywide with the same amount for 2027 plus $800,000 for installing EV stations at the airport and Community Center.
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
