The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) is collaborating with the town and the Ocean City Police Department to expand the Downtown Lighting Program. Business and property owners are encouraged to install lights for dark areas of their properties to reduce crimes and increase public safety.
“As we get into the summer months, we have more of the younger, the J-1 student employees that come in and many of them ride bicycles all over Ocean City and particularly downtown,” Irwin says. “Whether you’re riding in the alleyway or in the side streets, it’s just a safety issue really.”
The program recently expanded to include the inlet to 17th street from the boardwalk to the bayside, shining a light on areas where crimes could happen and to help bicyclists and pedestrians see in the dark.
Kite Loft owner Jay Knerr was one of the first property owners to jump on board when the program was introduced. He says the alleyway behind his store used to be very dark and somewhat scary before he installed a high-intensity LED floodlight that automatically turns on at dusk and off at dawn.
“People do walk that alley because it’s an easy way to transition from one part of town to another, but being dark it really didn’t feel safe, but when we added light, it makes all the difference in the world,” Knerr says.
Alison Shaughnassy says a lack of side street lighting was a concern when her family used to vacation to Ocean City.
“Criminals don’t like light in general, so that’s a good idea,” says Craig Shaughnassy.
“I think it will encourage more people and families to feel safer and spend more time outdoors in the evening,” says Alison Shaughnassy.