Photo: OCNJ Daily (existing Merion Park pumping station)
Two new pumping stations for 19th to 26th streets, raised West Avenue intersections and a Boardwalk rebuild. Here's Ocean City's fall work list and what it means for owners.
The short version
Ocean City hopes to break ground by the end of October on a $4.97 million drainage project for the neighborhood from 19th to 26th streets, between West and Bay avenues. It includes two new underground pumping stations. Cape May County is also starting to raise six West Avenue intersections. Add a Boardwalk rebuild and a few other projects, and it's a busy fall of real investment in the island.
Browsing while you read? Search 18th to 34th street listings
I always tell clients that one of the best things about owning in Ocean City is that the town keeps reinvesting in itself. This fall is a great example.
The headline project: 19th to 26th streets
- What: Drainage improvements plus two underground stormwater pumping stations. The pumps move water off the streets and back toward the bay much faster than it would drain on its own.
- Where: 19th to 26th streets, between West and Bay avenues. Shore Local reports that one station will be built near the Stainton Wildlife Refuge around 25th Street, and the other near the Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority facility at 20th Street and Bay Avenue. Road elevation work is also part of the broader plan, according to the city's capital improvement plans as reported by Shore Local.
- Who and how much: City Council awarded the $4.97 million contract on Aug. 20 to Richard E. Pierson Construction Co. Inc. of Pilesgrove.
- When: Mayor Jay Gillian said on Oct. 9 the city hopes to break ground by the end of the month. The city lists the schedule as fall 2026 to spring 2027, and officials have said it could be finished by Easter 2027.
Why I'm excited about it: This approach has a track record here. Ocean City has already finished similar projects, including roughly $8 million of work in the north end (First to Eighth streets), about $6.5 million between 29th and 34th streets, and the Merion Park project. The city says some of its completed drainage projects have largely eliminated routine nuisance flooding in the neighborhoods they serve. Next up on the list is a project for the Ocean City Homes neighborhood, which the city expects to start in fall 2027.
Raised intersections on West Avenue
The county is starting Phase Two of its Roosevelt Boulevard project. It will raise the West Avenue intersections at 35th, 36th and 37th streets and at 43rd, 44th and 45th streets, starting at 45th Street. According to the city, raised intersections improve drainage, get rid of the puddles that collect at corners, and make crossings more ADA-friendly. The city's project page lists a target completion date of Dec. 21, 2026.
Also on this fall's list
- Boardwalk, 14th to 16th streets: A rebuild was tentatively set to begin the week after the Oct. 9 update.
- Police headquarters, Central Avenue: Demolition starts on or about Oct. 13 to make way for a new public safety building. Expect limited alley access and no access to the driveways next to the building during the work.
- Airport terminal: Bids for the new Leon and Elizabeth Grisbaum Airport Terminal open Oct. 15.
- Beach replenishment: Shore Local reports that a $19.5 million U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project this summer was adding about 1.6 million cubic yards of sand from the north end toward 12th Street.
A note for buyers and owners
Every home on a barrier island has its own relationship with the water, and that's simply part of shore living. The good news is it's very manageable with a little homework. An elevation certificate and a flood insurance quote are smart prep for any purchase, not red flags. They help you understand a home and budget with confidence. Plenty of wonderful older homes here sit lower than new construction, and they're still loved, lived in and well cared for.
What's worth knowing is which blocks are getting new drainage and when. That's a question I'm always happy to answer street by street.
Jim’s Take: A tip from our local expert.
Before you write an offer anywhere on the island, ask two things early: Is there an elevation certificate, and which drainage projects are finished or coming to this block? Both are smart prep, not red flags, and they help you budget with confidence. I'm happy to answer the drainage question street by street.
City of Ocean City, "Capital Project List Updates." Read the original.
Sarah Fertsch, "Ocean City invests millions as flooding becomes a growing challenge," Shore Local Newsmagazine, Sep. 3, 2026. Read the original (used for project facts only).
Details can change; check the source for official dates and decisions.
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Jim Murray, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore
Cell (direct) 609.382.0567
Photo: OCNJ Daily. An existing city stormwater pumping station in Merion Park; the new 19th–26th St. stations will work the same way. Source. This post summarizes public information for convenience. It isn't official notice; please rely on the original source for dates, rules and decisions. Jim Murray, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Jersey Shore · Each office independently owned and operated.
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