Unexpected power outage hits New Jersey Shore town after demolition

Over the last 15 years, one of New Jersey's most popular shore towns has been undergoing changes.

In Ocean City, local favorites such as Ward's Patry Shop, Voltacos Italian Food, and Red's Jersey Mex Restaurant have all closed in recent years. Also, the Blitz's Market on 34th street has been replaced by a mini-golf course, and most of the gas stations that were on 9th Street for decades are now permanently closed.

While one of Ocean City's popular playgrounds is set to undergo renovations, another staple of the beloved South Jersey Coastal Community has been demolished but with unforeseen consequences.

Demolition Has Negative Impact On Downtown Ocean City

After decades of serving as the location for a mechanic's garage, laundromat, and dry cleaners, the building at the corner of Haven Avenue and 8th Street, across from the Ocean City Sentinel, has been demolished.

Reports state the building has been vacant of any active businesses for almost a decade but it wasn't until 2025 the decision was made to tear down the building. Located next to the water tower and across from the Haven Avenue playground, the property has been an eyesore for years.

During the demolition of the three-story building, the work crews made miscalculations for how the structure would break down with the use of heavy machinery. Part of the building's remains struck the power lines near a transformer, causing a shutdown of electricity in the neighborhood.

Many residents around 8th Street along with the ACME Supermarket suddenly lost electricity. Atlantic City Electric crews had to re-route power ahead of Labor Day Weekend in order to make repairs to the transformer on 8th Street.

South Jersey has seen many businesses that were staples of the region go out of business over the decades. Do you remember these places that are no longer in existence?