Air rights abandonment advances

City Council approves first reading of request made by new Majestic Hotel owner

By Mallory Panuska

Staff

Writer

(June 9, 2023) A request to relinquish air rights over the former Majestic Hotel for renovation are just one City Council vote away from final approval.

On Monday, the majority of council members approved the first reading of a request to abandon claim to undeveloped space over a portion of a 16-foot alley known as Washington Lane at the site of the historic property at 613 Atlantic Ave. between Sixth and Seventh streets.

Resort business owner Avraham

Sibony bought the property in March 2022 from the local Savage family, who owned and operated it for most of its nearly 100 years of existence.

Since the purchase, Sibony has floated plans to spruce up the property and add a fitness center hospitality suite.

Ocean City attorney Joe Moore, who represents Sibony in the deal, said during a hearing in March that abandoning the air rights makes the property better, as it allows for connection between the buildings. He also contended that it does not increase the density of the project, and pointed out several other properties in town that were granted air rights for redevelopment, such as Bonita Beach on 81st Street and Breakers

Hotel on Third.

Council members approved the first reading of the ordinance, which moves now to a second and final reading, in a 5-2 majority with Councilmen Will Savage and Peter Buas abstaining.