OCEAN CITY — After a rather philosophical debate about zoning and allowable density, resort planners this week approved a site plan for a new 56-unit townhouse community on the property that for decades hosted the Sun and Surf Theaters uptown.
The Sun and Surf Theaters, which covered an entire city block along Coastal Highway between 143rd and 144th streets, was built in 1972 and for decades was an iconic entertainment venue in the north end of town. Earlier this summer, Sun and Surf representatives announced the property had been sold, the theaters were closing on Labor Day Monday after 50 years and the site has since been cleared.
On Tuesday, developer 143 Coastal Development LLC presented a site plan to the Ocean City Planning Commission seeking approval for a 56-unit townhouse project each with four stories, three bedrooms in a total of eight separate buildings spread across the site that encompasses an entire city block.
The commercially-zoned property could have supported a large-scale hotel or even more housing units, according to the code. However, the developer has opted to use around 60% of the allowable density, which provides more open space, common areas, a pool and landscaping, according to Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville.
“This is an entire city block that could allow for 101 units,” he said. “They are proposing just 56.”