The OCNJ Local

In this episode, Dom and Drew sit down for an in-depth conversation with Pete Madden, current City Councilman and candidate for Mayor of Ocean City, New Jersey. Councilman Madden joins the show to pull back the curtain on his decision to run. We dive into the "why now" behind his campaign and what it takes to lead a unique coastal community that balances a tight-knit year-round population with a m...

Grab a coffee and join Dom and Drew for a deep dive into the recent Boardwalk Subcommittee presentation held at the Ocean City Free Public Library. This wasn’t just another town hall; it was a data-heavy look at the pulse of Ocean City's most iconic landmark. In this episode, we break down the hard numbers from the subcommittee's report and what they signal for the boards' future. Finally, Dom flo...

It’s a cold start to 2026 in "America’s Greatest Family Resort," and the local scene is heating up. This week, Dom and Drew dive into the headlines shaping Ocean City’s winter—from a school district shakeup to the future of our most iconic landmark. First, we tackle the news that Superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo has officially announced his retirement. After a rotating door of leadership in...

In this high-stakes episode, Dom and Drew dive deep into the recent Ocean City Planning Board decision that has everyone talking. The board’s 4-4 deadlock vote officially rejected the application to designate the property at 600 Boardwalk as "in need of rehabilitation." A move that has sent shockwaves through the local community. They break down the 4-4 tie and explain why a deadlock in this conte...

Join the Local Guys, Dom and Drew, as they discuss the upcoming Planning Board meeting to determine whether the former Wonderland property at 600 Boardwalk is an area "in need of rehabilitation." In the episode, they examine the criteria a property must meet to be designated as an area in need of rehabilitation and whether the property currently meets any of those criteria. You don't want to miss...

Join Dom and Drew as they celebrate the year that was 2025 in America's Greatest Family Resort. From milestone anniversaries for many favorite local businesses to the success of OCHS high school teams, Drew and Dom recap the events that made 2025 one to remember here in Ocean City, New Jersey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Votes are in! Join Dom and Drew as they discuss what last night's city council vote means for the future of the former Wonderland property at 600 Boardwalk. This episode offers a detailed explanation of what the council voted on last night, the process of declaring a property in need of rehabilitation, and what a declaration of rehabilitation means for the city and the taxpayer. Drew and Dom a...

🎙️ The 600 Boardwalk Controversy: Why a Revote? Join Dom and Drew as they tackle the biggest local issue: the pending City Council vote on the 600 Boardwalk property. This episode provides a thorough breakdown of the proposed project's timeline and details all developments since the Council’s August decision not to advance it to the Planning Board. The hosts sit down with special guest Councilman...

Join local guys, Dom and Drew, as they dive into the major Capital Improvement Projects shaping the future of Ocean City! 🏗️ Get the inside scoop on all the important developments happening across the island, including the massive undertaking of rebuilding the boardwalk decking and substructure from 5th Street down to St. Charles Place. They'll also provide an update on the new police substation s...

In this episode, Dom and Drew highlight the amazing talent and generous sponsors that are a part of the second Creative Kids Market. The Creative Kids Market is a farmer's market that features all kid vendors. The market will take place during Ocean City's Block Party Weekend on Saturday, October 11th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ocean City Music Pier. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

This week, Dom and Drew sit down with Phil Bellucci, the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Ocean City. Phil shares the incredible history of the shelter, from its founding by high school students in 1964 to the comprehensive organization it is today, offering adoption services, a full veterinary hospital, and animal control for the city. Learn about the diverse animals they've rescued, t...

In this episode of the OCNJ Local podcast, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy welcome Taylor Pontari, a talented young singer from Ocean City. Taylor shares her journey from singing the national anthem at local events to performing at iconic venues like Fenway Park and Lincoln Financial Field. For Taylor, singing the national anthem is a way of honoring veterans and America through her music....

Summary In this episode of the OCNJ Local podcast, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy welcome coaches Kevin Smith and Sean Matthews from the Ocean City football program. They discuss the recent coaching transition, the upcoming Battle of the Beach event, and the team's preparations for the new season. The coaches share insights on player development, team dynamics, and the importance of commun...

In this episode, Local Guys Drew Fasy and Dominick Dougherty discuss the growing controversy of canopies on the beach this summer. Dive into what other beach towns are doing and what measures Ocean City has in place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of our in-depth examination of the proposed alternative to the hotel at the site of the former Wonderland Pier, Wonderland Commons, we address the key question: How will parking and traffic be addressed in this tight Ocean City neighborhood? What does financial viability truly look like for a major new development on the boardwalk? Join us as we continue the candid conversation...

In this special two-part series, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy sit down with Bill Merritt and Dan Gilman from Ocean City 2050 to discuss their alternative vision for the former Wonderland Pier site. In Part 1, we dive into the origins and mission of Ocean City 2050, an organization dedicated to Ocean City's long-term future. Guests clarify a common misconception: they aren't telling the l...

Join the Local Guys Dom and Drew as they chat with Angelina, a falconer from East Coast Falcons, and her impressive, 11-year-old Eurasian Eagle Owl, Ozzy. Learn all about how Ozzy and his feathered friends keep Ocean City's boardwalk blissfully free of pesky seagulls. Angelina shares insights into the fascinating world of falconry, from the intense training (it's called "manning"!) that helps thes...

In this episode of the OCNJ Local, Local Guys, Dom and Drew sit down with Chief of Operations of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Chief Becker, for an in-depth conversation about what it takes to protect Ocean City’s seven-mile stretch of coastline. You don't want to miss Chief Becker's top safety message for families. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or just a fan of Ocean City, this episode gives...

Summer is heating up in America’s Greatest Family Resort! In this episode, local guys Dom and Drew dive into all the exciting events happening around Ocean City, NJ, this June. Whether you're visiting for the weekend or kicking off your summer early, there’s no shortage of things to do. Tune in for your inside scoop on June in Ocean City—and get ready to make the most of this exciting “shoulder se...

In this episode of OCNJ Local, local guys Drew and Dom delve into the heart of Ocean City's school community with Parent Teacher Association (PTA) President Katie Grimm. Katie discusses the exciting work the PTA is doing to support students across Ocean City’s K-8 schools. Whether you're a current PTA member, a parent curious about getting involved, or just love learning what’s happening in Americ...

Welcome to this edition of Sunday Shout-Outs on The OCNJ Local! In this weekly series, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy shine a spotlight on the people, teams, and moments that make Ocean City special — all in a quick, feel-good Sunday listen. Tune in, feel the community pride, and join us every Sunday as we celebrate the best of America’s Greatest Family Resort — one shout-out at a time. Le...

Welcome to this edition of Sunday Shout-Outs on The OCNJ Local! In this weekly series, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy shine a spotlight on the people, teams, and moments that make Ocean City special — all in a quick, feel-good Sunday listen. Tune in, feel the community pride, and join us every Sunday as we celebrate the best of America’s Greatest Family Resort — one shout-out at a time. Le...

Welcome to a special Memorial Day Weekend edition of The OCNJ Local! Local Guys, Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy, are fired up for the first official weekend of summer in America’s Greatest Family Resort. Dom and Drew preview all the action happening in Ocean City—from the quirky Business Person’s Plunge to the meaningful Memorial Beach Challenge honoring Thirty-One Heroes. They share details on...

In this milestone 50th episode of The OCNJ Local, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy dive into one of the most talked-about pieces of land in Ocean City — the lot between 16th and 17th on Haven Avenue. Once a $9 million opportunity, the city now owns the property to the tune of nearly $30 million after a complicated saga of petitions, eminent domain, and court rulings. Dom and Drew break down...

Welcome to this edition of Sunday Shout-Outs on The OCNJ Local! In this weekly series, hosts Dominick Dougherty and Drew Fasy shine a spotlight on the people, teams, and moments that make Ocean City special — all in a quick, feel-good Sunday listen. Tune in, feel the community pride, and join us every Sunday as we celebrate the best of America’s Greatest Family Resort — one shout-out at a time. Le...