Politics & Government

Ocean City Asks for Update on Life Saving Station Fundraising

City Council approved a change order to a contract for exterior renovations at the historic site.

City Council voted 6-0 on Thursday to approve a $32,000 increase to what is now a $645,000 contract for exterior renovations at the historic U.S. Life Saving Station at Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Councilman Scott Ping, a perennial opponent of public spending on the project, was not present.

Crews working to repair the foundation noticed deteriorated cedar posts and improperly placed perimeter piers when the structure was raised in the fall. The deficiencies were not visible until the building was lifted (see memo in the Agenda Packet for more detail).

The city borrowed almost $1 million in 2010 to purchase the historic property and save it from demolition. The state awarded a $750,000 grant for renovations — but the city had to come up with a matching $750,000 to help the museum replace its roof and complete work on the foundation, windows and porch of the historic building.

The nonprofit group U.S. Life Saving Station 30 has promised to repay the city the full amount of what it spends on repairs to the building. The group is working to create a maritime museum at the site.

The resolution for the $32,000 change order was approved without discussion as part of the "consent agenda," but Council President Tony Wilson followed up on a suggestion by Ocean City resident Al Kelleher to ask the nonprofit group to report to City Council on the status of its fundraising efforts.

In previous reports to council, the group said that substantial fundraising cannot begin until the Life Saving Station renovation is complete and can welcome visitors.

U.S. Life Saving Station 30 operated in Ocean City from 1885 to 1915, rescuing ships and sailors in distress and serving as a place of shelter on a remote stretch of shoreline. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here