Ocean City Mayor Addresses Offshore Wind Farm Concerns – Ocean City, NJ Patch

OCEAN CITY, NJ During last night's council meeting, Mayor Jay Gillian discussed potential benefits he's seeking for Ocean City from rsted's proposed wind farm off New Jersey's southern coast.

rsted's Ocean Wind project would construct 99 wind turbines about 15 miles off the coast from Atlantic City to Cape May. The wind farm has drawn opposition from several southern coastal communities, citing environmental concern for marine life and its impact on fishing and tourism industries.

"I have listened to an overwhelming number of citizens who have expressed concerns about the project and I have done my own due diligence," Gillian said. "There is no way it can be constructed without making a direct impact on Ocean City."

In the proposed project, the wind farm would connect to the land-based electric grids at the decommissioned B.L. England Generating Station in Marmora. rsted representatives have proposed running the underground electric cables through Ocean City to reach Marmora.

Gillian said Ocean Wind has reached out to the administration to discuss potential host community benefits for Ocean City.

During last night's council meeting, Gillian said he plans to push for the following:

"I understand that federal and state decision makers have the power to approve this project without Ocean City's consent, but I intend to do everything in my power to advocate for Ocean City's best interests," Gillian said. "I believe in the objectives of clean energy, but I know these can be advanced while also addressing the points I've just listed."

Gillian reminded residents about rsted's open house on Nov. 6 at the Ocean City Music Pier. rsted representatives will be on hand to field questions on various aspects of the project in a public fashion.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 10 a.m. and running until approximately 1 p.m.

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Ocean City Mayor Addresses Offshore Wind Farm Concerns - Ocean City, NJ Patch