Request for hearing for right-of-way denied

Continued from Page 1 value to the developer, the unused and unnecessary portion of Baltimore Avenue, about 20 feet wide, about 6,000 square feet in total,” Cropper said.

The developers requested the right-of-way to create 90,000 square feet of contiguous land needed for a planned overlay district, or POD, for development of the project. They currently have about 84,000 square feet.

The zoning overlay designation, which Crooper said is not absolutely needed to build a 12-story project, would allow for more compromise and flexibility between the developer and city officials than building it through a traditional site plan.

After some discussion, council members voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James, Councilmen Will Savage and Peter Buas, and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, to deny the public hearing request.

Councilmen John Gehrig, Tony DeLuca and Frank Knight voted in favor of it.

“I don’t mind a public hearing,” Gehrig said before the vote. “I think there are a lot of questions. I think you’re hearing some concerns here today. We’re not even here to talk about those.”

The questions and concerns ranged from uncertainty about losing land that may be developed later to setting a precedent for selling instead of giving away rights-of-way along Baltimore Avenue.

Savage argued that while he supports the project as a whole, he was concerned about selling land that may be needed years down the road.

“I’m certainly for Margaritaville,” he said. “I do think it will bring a clientele to Ocean City that’s different than the clientele we have now. I think it may bring people to Ocean City that may not otherwise come. The issue for me if that you’re asking for a hunk out of the Baltimore Avenue project for the future.”

Buas, who is a strong advocate for long-awaited plans to perform upgrades and bury utility lines on Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th streets, pointed out that deals were already worked out with the property owners along the corridor to give away the rights-of-way.

“It sets a weird precedent,” he said of the potential sale.

There was also mention of a petition for referendum that was filed against a previous decision to abandon and convey the land for Baltimore Avenue. However, Cropper said that should not matter.

“It certainly seemed to be the main thrust of that petition was that we were getting it for free. So, we came back and offered to pay fair market value,” he explained Wednesday. “It certainly does seem inconsistent for the council now to say, ‘We voted to give it to you for free. But we’re not going to vote to convey it to you if you pay fair market value for it.’”

Cropper also said he “respectfully disagrees” with Savage’s comments regarding the use of the land.

“Why sit on ownership of something that you might need 50 years from now when it could be developed by a private person, become useful?” he said. “Put it in use and have people pay tax on it.”

While Tuesday’s vote did not kill the project, Cropper said it will make it difficult to develop it the way the developers want.

“I guess I am disappointed because the council voted previously to abandon and convey to us the unused portion for free,” he pointed out Wednesday. “They voted for it, they processed it, they passed an ordinance. It was all approved.”

Cropper’s newest approach had nothing to do with the Baltimore Avenue project, though, and he made that clear during his presentation.

“There has been a lot of discussion about Baltimore Avenue improvements. I would like to avoid that discussion,” he said. “You haven’t needed this 20 feet in 100 or however many years since the plat was recorded. You’re not going to need it. Your engineers have been telling you for four or five years, you do not need it.”

Cropper and architect Jack Mumford said Tuesday that the proposed

Margaritaville resort now has fewer floors and rooms and about 10,000 square feet less than what the original plans showed — 13 stories, 265 rooms and more space for amenities. A plan for stacked, or valet-manned parking, which also hit a snag through a veto by the mayor, was eliminated from the project as well.

Cropper pointed out, though, that those details were not part of Tuesday’s request.

“The only thing we’re asking for today is to set this for public hearing, give us an opportunity to qualify for a POD,” he said. “Everybody should have that opportunity that does a redevelopment. The code and comprehensive plan say a POD is encouraged.”

He added that the POD would not give the developers the opportunity to add more rooms, but would allow them to build the amenities the way they want.

He explained that the denial still allows construction of 12 stories through the city’s “height by right” statute. The language allows for construction of taller buildings based upon square footage. However, the setbacks are also reduced with development in that manner, which Cropper said could essentially result in a thin tower with no amenities.

“In my opinion they could have just as many units. But the project would be not nearly as nice,” he said.

Cropper also said the possibility of a POD is not completely dead, but the denial of the hearing will make it difficult to obtain at this point.

“I don’t want to say there’s no way,” he said. “I think there’s still possibly a couple of ways that we can achieve our 90,000 square feet.”

10615

JUST REDUCED! $4,999,900

Custom 6BR/6BA/3HBA/ new construction west facing bayfront estate designed and built by David Bradley of Bradley Construction w/ views of both Assawoman Bay and skyline from the property’s L-shaped pool and swim-up bar. Features exceptional craftsmanship w/astute attention to detail, custom finishes/woodwork, and architectural details. A welcoming orange crush bar made w/Port Rush quartz and 1st-floor Den/bedroom ensuite complete w/Murphy bed. Expansive family room has a wall of windows and glass sliders overlooking the bay. Gourmet chef's kitchen just off family room includes plenty of bar seating w/endless bay views. Kitchen boasts GE monogram ss appliances including 6-burner gas range, expansive center island, custom farm sink, w/vegetable sink, hone marble and quartz countertops. White custom Fabuwood cabinets w/undercounter lighting, appliance garages and custom pull outs for easy storage. Floating shelves in kitchen made w/reclaimed wood, and a designer tile backsplash. An expansive butler’s pantry, mud room w/custom shelving, laundry room, half bath on the main floor. White oak stairs, and custom-made glass elevator. 2nd floor spacious ensuite Bayfront bedrooms, each w/its own private balcony. A 4th ensuite bedroom which has been designed as a bunk room w/custom bunk and trundle bed complete w/a port hole. A coffee bar, refrigerator, and full-size laundry on 2nd floor. 3rd floor primary bedroom ensuite w/bay views, cathedral ceilings, turret cupola, coffee bar, fireplace, exquisite tile work, two enormous closets w/wood detailing and shiplap, and expansive covered porch. Primary bath has insulated tub w/jets and faces the bay w/a 6’x6’ circular Anderson window. Bonus room w/soaring ceilings and cupola; separate refrigerator, bar seating, a private deck, half bath, and laundry. A saltwater pool and spa, cabana area complete w/2 outdoor TVs, 2 refrigerators, custom cabinetry/countertops, fire pit area, permits for three lifts and a transient boat, a 50ft pier, dock and ramp. Parking for 6 cars. MLS MDWO2012190

COASTAL HWY • UNIT 1506 OCEAN CITY

2BR/2BA Fountainhead Towers condo is now available for sale! This unit is absolutely stunning and its direct oceanfront. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises to start your day with the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand. From the minute you walk in the door, you’ll fall in love with the stunning decor. The kitchen is sure to delight like the chef in your family and has a breakfast bar. The dining room is off the kitchen and makes a great gathering place to enjoy home cooked meals with friends and family.

The large living area is off the dining area and has four glass sliders leading to a large ocean front deck with completely unobstructed views of the beach and ocean. The balcony is one of the largest balconies boasting 30‘x 9 feet. There’s also a Bayside balcony which is approximately 14’ x 7‘to watch the sunsets night after night. This is one of the few buildings that comes complete with two balconies. The primary bedroom overlooks the ocean with glass sliders for endless views of the ocean. Unwind, relax, and get away to decompress, mesmerized by the ocean views. The primary bath is off the bedroom and has a shower, closet, and double vanity. There is a second spacious bedroom which has two queen-sized beds with another full bath that has been upgraded. There is a washer and dryer in the unit. The flooring has been upgraded in the unit to Italian porcelain. There is also Travertine marble in the bathroom and carpet in the two bedrooms. In the family room, and the primary bedroom there is a remote control for the drapes. The family room has surround sound and a large Sony TV for entertaining guests and family. The water heater was replaced in October 2019 to a 50-gallon water heater. The 2.5-ton HVAC with large chaise air handler was also replaced in 2019 for optimum cooling and heating. On the bay facing balcony there is also a separate owners closet just for the use of unit 1506. This condo is located at 116th St. The condo has an outdoor swimming pool on the beach side, which you’re sure to love after a hot warm day on the beach. The condo also has tennis and pickleball courts. The condo is conveniently located close to restaurants, shops, entertainment and has easy access in and out of ocean city. The condo is sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment.

349

Stunning newly constructed 4BR/3.5 BA home by RBR Homes has just been completed in "America's Coolest Town". The minute you walk in you will fall in love with the custom finishes and abundance of light and outdoor space this home offers. The gourmet kitchen will delight the chef in your family with its center island and upgraded cabinetry. The family room and dining room flow off the kitchen. You will love entertaining family and friends over dinner. On the first floor there is also a wonderful bedroom with private bath. On the second floor you will find a luxurious primary bedroom and bath, and two additional bedrooms and another full bath. The outdoor space has a great patio, and the backyard is perfect for pets and little ones to play. There is a two-car detached garage and above the garage is additional space that could easily be finished off for a home office. This home is located only a short distance to restaurants and shops in downtown Berlin. You will enjoy the small town feel and way of living. The home is situated on a quiet circular street and has small town charm and curb appeal. The home is minutes from Ocean City and Assateague Island. The association fee is only $250 per year. Professional photos to follow house will be completed and ready for showings soon!

Commercial

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,900,000 shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528

LAND

Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams!

Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches. Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management. MLS MDWO2008616

Residential

2 144TH ST • UNIT 202 OCEAN CITY $489,900

Ocean block beauty 2BR/2BA steps from the beach and priced to sell! Rarely is there a condo for sale in this building. There are two large balconies, one has breathtaking ocean views and the other is very spacious as well in front of the unit door. As you walk through the front door you will feel the warmth of this open layout. The kitchen has been upgraded, it's sure to delight the chef in your family. The dining area flows off the kitchen into the family room. There is plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The master bedroom is spacious and has its own private bath. The other bedroom is large as well. Both bathrooms have been upgraded and the condo is freshly painted in nice beach colors. The unit is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. The building is well maintained with low condo fees and is only steps from the ocean. This fantastic condo is close to restaurants and shopping. Come take a look today!

6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 • BERLIN

$649,000

Waterfront home site hits the market!

5+ acres on a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island’s 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. The possibilities are endless... Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO2011146

LAND 0 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $490,000

7.29 acres hits the market! Minutes from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants. This piece has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028756

LAND - JUST REDUCED!

GEORGETOWN ROAD BERLIN • $150,000

Build your dream house! If you are looking for some acreage look no further, this property is 3.016 acres. This property is just off Route 113 and close to Berlin, America's coolest small town. The property is conveniently located near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA to worry about let's start the process and get exactly what you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248

COMMERCIAL TAXID 533-17.00-156.07

S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $990,000

Commercial land 3.94acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville. This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00-156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLS- DESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754

COMMERCIAL 13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE $370,000

Are you looking for that commercial piece with high visibility? Look no further this commercial tract is 14.33 acres on the corner of Route 113 and Route 610 across from Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. The possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678