OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to convey air rights above an alleyway to the developer of an oceanfront hotel, but not before a lengthy discussion on a revised site plan.
On Monday, the Mayor and Council voted to adopt the second reading of an ordinance conveying air rights above a portion of Washington Lane for the development of an oceanfront Boardwalk hotel between 13th and 14th streets. Officials say the ordinance includes a revised site plan that addresses the council’s concerns regarding access to accessory uses on the property.
“I need to make clear to the public the planning commission has not changed its position,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said. “Had this council’s commentary not been taken into consideration by staff, this site plan would’ve moved forward, as often they do, subject to ongoing review by various departments as permits get issued.”
As proposed, developer MHROC Property Owners LLC has plans to build an oceanfront Boardwalk hotel between 13th and 14th streets. To do so, they are requesting the use of air rights, which will allow for the construction of a single building connecting properties to the east and west of a 16-foot-wide alleyway known as Washington Lane.
On Oct. 2, the Mayor and Council agreed to advance an ordinance granting air rights above Washington Lane to a second reading. However, councilmembers acknowledged a letter they had received from G. Macy Nelson, an attorney representing Harrison Hall Hotel Inc. and several other nearby property owners opposing the project. The letter took issue with the hotel’s nonconformity, density and proposed retail stores. It also argued the R-3 zoning district did not allow the shops to have exterior entrances from the Boardwalk, which was shown in the site plan approved the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission.