Close vote advances fire station

Council splits 4-3 to OK constructing new 65th St. facility for nearly $10M

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(March 3, 2023) Construction of a newer, bigger midtown Ocean City fire station could begin as early as next month after the project cleared a familiar hurdle with the City Council.

“I can tell you this station is needed, it’s not wanted,” Fire Chief Richard Bowers said at a work session Tuesday of the new Fire Station 3 planned for construction in front of the public safety building on 65th Street.

Council members voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James and Councilmen John Gehrig and Peter Buas opposed, to approve a maximum price contract with Delmarva Veteran Builders for more than $9.8 million for the project.

With the approval, City Manager