OCEAN CITY — The proposed locations for seasonal workforce housing projects remain uncertain, but what is known this week is the public wants to be involved in the decision-making process.
Holtz Builders out of Wisconsin has expressed a desire to build one or more dormitory-style seasonal workforce housing projects in the resort area. Holtz Builders has had success in developing seasonal workforce housing in other resort areas to help address labor shortages and provide clean, safe and affordable accommodations for employees, both international J-1 visa students and domestic employees.
When the concept was first pitched to the Mayor and Council, it appeared the Park-and-Ride in West Ocean City was the front-runner. Last week, it was learned there were significant obstacles to overcome with the Park-and-Ride and a municipal lot at 100th Street emerged as a new front-runner. Other locations include the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) model block in the downtown area.
No matter what location, it became clear this week the public is keen on being involved in the decision-making process. During the public comment period on Monday, resident Martin Brannigan told the Mayor and Council his condo community borders the proposed 100th Street location.
“Two weeks ago, there was a discussion on seasonal workforce housing,” he said. “I was told it was supposedly far into the future. Last week, I read it had basically been narrowed down to two sites, including the one right next to our condo development.”
From the beginning of Ocean City, resort help came mostly from people whose families owned properties there that could be used for housing. When the Town shifted to foreign labor, none of the workers had relatives with available housing. What more important to the business community there, available labor or Town provided worker housing? The former is FREE.
The 100+ summer cops need a dorm of their own.