Developers requested permission from the Ocean City Mayor and City Council to begin the application process of combining two properties east of Baltimore Avenue between 13th and 14th streets that are split by a town-owned alley, to construct a hotel and conference center.
Developers were granted permission from the mayor and City Council on Tuesday to proceed with an application to develop two parcels of land between 13th and 14th streets that are split by a city-owned alleyway.
Bill Neville, the director of planning and community development, said the applicant is looking to develop a hotel conference and restaurant complex at the former Phillips Beach Plaza property.
The two properties have a combined 85,200 square feet, though the applicant is looking to develop them as one. The challenge, Neville said, is Washington Lane splits the two properties, and the applicant wants to know whether the alley can be part of the plan.
“We see this as a benefit for the town,” Neville proposed to council.
City code permits properties that are 90,000 square feet or bigger to be combined and rezoned, though if they are split by a street, they may not be consolidated. But across an alleyway, they can be combined.
As the owners of the street, the mayor and City Council would need to be on the application as the owner of the strip of land.
“It’s as simple as your agreement, in moving forward,” Neville said.
Councilman Matt James said agreeing to move forward will set a dangerous precedent, while Councilman Mark Paddack said the alley would have to be considered to remain open for traffic because it is included in a bike route.
Changing the rules to fit big pocket needs. Same ol same ol with City Fail. Rich stay rich, keep building on the 10 mile Island. 699.00 a nite at the marriott BAYSIDE at the 90 bridge. Short term gains, with no true longterm vision. Chaaaaa ching until the money dries up and THEN and only then you will hear. WHAAAAA HAPPENED?