OCEAN CITY, Md. -- The site plan for a townhouse complex was recently approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission. It would be located between 143rd street and 144th street, where the now closed Sun and Surf Theatre is.
The site would house 56-units surrounded by amenities. There would be eight separate buildings, each four stories tall with three bedrooms. The property is zoned for 101-units, but according to Joseph Moore, there's good reason for only occupying roughly half of the allowed density.
Moore is the attorney representing 143 Coastal Development LLC, the projects developer.
"It is 55% of allowed density because we wanted to have courtyards in it and we wanted to have a good living area," said Moore.
The complex's site-plan shows a rain garden, swimming pool and two grill and picnic areas as possible amenities.
There were talks of putting an eight story hotel on the property instead, but Moore says his clients felt townhouses would better suit their business plans and the surrounding neighborhoods.
"The clients that I have are familiar with hotels, they as a matter of fact own hotels, but they just felt this property was more amenable for a nice, townhouse unified project," said Moore.
According to Moore, there were 40 neighbors around 143rd street and 144th street who wrote signed letters requesting the approval of the townhouse project.
One neighbor we spoke with, Rodney Hammond, is on board with the new development plan.
"I think it's a great idea," said Hammond.
He added this could help keep some of the businesses who close during the offseason open year round.
"Whether you're a seasonal or permanent resident here, it's still a constant money flow for the businesses," said Hammond.
The next step for the developer will be acquiring building permits. There is no timeline for construction to start.