Ocean City Residents, Council Members Debate Condominium Plan

The Ocean City Council and residents discussed an ordinance Thursday that could pave the way for a single-family condominium known as "Coastal Cottages."

Council voted last month to approve the construction of Coastal Cottages as a conditional use within the city's Drive-In Business (DB) Zone.

Councilman Peter Guinosso was opposed to this proposal, noting a petition that five out of the 13 neighboring homeowners signed and gave to the council.

He said that, as a family man, he could understand and relate to why people may be against this plan.

Guinosso said the lot in mind for the Coastal Cottages has very low elevation, and the area could have flooding problems.

“I can’t dismiss the signatures on this paper,” said Guinosso. “Seeing that these people want to keep their property the way it is, I can’t agree with the construction.”

Councilman Keith Hartzell said he could not find a reason why anyone would be opposed to this plan, saying that Coastal Cottages would not create any problems.

The private lots would stay the same, keeping all homeowners completely unaffected, said Hartzell.

Hartzell said that, if those people were so adamant in their opinions, they should have expressed them in the numerous meetings that were held addressing Coastal Cottages.

“As much as I respect the homeowners opinions, none of them are here to argue it,” said Hartzell. “That makes it hard to understand what would be wrong about it.”

Frank Donato,  he city’s Director of Finance, said Coastal Cottages are not typical condominiums. 

Donato said he cottages are spaced out from each other in order to feel like private homes.

Professional Planner Randall E. Scheule said each Coastal Cottages unit would have a minimum size of 2,250 square feet.

Scheule also said there would be 19 units per acre.

Resident Ray Wagner fears that this may affect the zoning of the properties in the area of the cottages.

Wagner said he has been asking other homeowners about their opinions on zoning, and that the majority wants to keep it untouched.

He does not agree with adding more homes, and does not see the necessity for the condominium project, Wagner said.

“I love the houses here, but we don’t need any more,” said Wagner.

In other matters, Business Administrator Michael Dattillo said FEMA is giving the city $2.8 million to help continue to fix damaged infrastructure and property from Hurricane Sandy.

He also said that beach construction will continue past July 4, but should end by the middle of the month.

Thirteenth Street beach will be secured over the next week, and will be re-opened the following Monday, said Dattillo.

Dattillo said that the beach path work is also almost done.

The Southend Project details should be out in three to four weeks, he said.

Story written and posted by Dakota Schrantz