TRENTON – Assemblyman Matthew Milam on Thursday announced plans to transform the dilapidated Ocean View Rest Area along the Garden State Parkway into a vibrant new gateway to Cape May County. In doing so, Milam announced that the Turnpike Authority, which also operates the Parkway, has reached an agreement with Sunoco to overhaul the entire rest stop.
“Residents and tourists to Cape May have surely noticed that this rest area has seen better days,” said Milam (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Cape May is a tremendous draw for our state and should boast a welcome and inviting rest stop for the countless tourists that visit every year.”

Milam had been in communication with the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Turnpike Authority for quite some time to help find a solution to revitalize the ailing rest stop, which had become overgrown and unsightly after various vendors pulled out over the years. The agreement announced today will see Sunoco demolish the existing rest area and replace it with a vibrant new one that will feature expanded restrooms and amenities and a new tourism center that will continue to be operated by Cape May County.

“I’m grateful that the Transportation Department and the Turnpike Authority have been receptive to our pleas and worked cooperatively along with the State Travel and Tourism Division and Cape May County officials to procure this agreement. Once completed, this new rest area will be transformed from essentially a ghost town into a grand entrance way to historic Cape May County,” added Milam.