SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to send a letter to the state in support of a seasonal housing project proposed in West Ocean City.
The Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 this week to write a letter in support of a proposal from Holtz Companies for seasonal workforce housing in West Ocean City. The company is seeking long-term, low-interest financing from the state in order to develop the project, which could house more than 2,400 workers.
“If ever there was a need for something like this it’s now,” Commissioner Bud Church said.
James Bergey, joined by Holtz Companies’ Dan Bullock, approached the commissioners Tuesday to outline plans for a dormitory-style workforce housing project in West Ocean City. Bergey said the businesses in Ocean City were dealing with a severe labor shortage. During the pandemic they struggled to afford the high cost of labor as well as with finding housing for workers.
“Why is this important to Worcester County?” Bergey said. “To keep the businesses viable and profitable and paying real estate taxes it’s very important.”