OCEANCITY, Md.- Dumser's Dairyland will remain at its inlet location on the Ocean City boardwalk after a long legal battle with the town.
A Maryland Court of Appeals judge has essentially squashed the drawn out fight, leaving the family of Nathan's Associates the legal owners of the inlet building.
The family that owns Dumser's Dairyland currently rents the building from Nathan's Associates, both families say they are happy with the judge's decision.
It all started after the town of Ocean City attempted to evict the family from the inlet building, claiming the town owned the building after a property contract expired.
John Kressin, a member of the family and manager of the boardwalk location, says he's relieved the situation is finally over.
"We're just really excited that we can be here for the rest of...forever," Kressin said.
Kressin says the family was prepared to for the worst, not knowing for a few summers if the store would survive the full season.
"We were prepared to lose this store because you know we have several down the boardwalk but this has been our main attraction since the 70's," Kressin said.
For those like Steve Delorenzo and his family, the iconic ice cream shop is a staple during family vacations.
"That's just an all time fun thing to do with the family. You know your family and friends can come up to the boardwalk, have some nice cold ice cream. It's really good," Delorenzo said.
In a statement to WBOC today, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said he disagrees with the court's decision, but looks forward to moving on from the situation.
"Contrary to the opinion of the court, we believe the parcel in question clearly lies within the boundaries of land dedicated and accepted by the Town of Ocean City," Meehan said in the statement.
Both parties say they look forward to moving on and focusing on the upcoming summer season in Ocean City.
