How Should Ocean City Use The Car Lot Space? Readers Decide

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City took another step in its effort to acquire the former Ocean City Chevrolet site. City Council voted Thursday for the City to negotiate acquisition of the former site.

Mayor Jay Gillian describes this step as "only the beginning" of the negotiation process. It's still not a guarantee the City will acquire the space through purchase or condemnation.

But Gillian said the area by the Ocean City Community Center will be reserved for open space, recreation or another public use. Read more: Ocean City Pols Approve Attempt To Buy Former Car Lot

Ocean City Patch readers have plenty of ideas on how to use the space. Here are some of the comments:

"We do not want a police station or new public works building which would bring additional noise, traffic and parking problems to this area. I agree with the Mayor that this ground should be open space so that from the library to 15th street ocean city would have a real “commons” much like Boston. It could have many recreational use; e.g., a real park. Enough building and density in this flood prone area!" - Marlene Sheppard

"A recreational area would nice along with a free dog park, perhaps an area where outdoor concerts can be held? There are so many great possibilities for this location, I'm sure the Mayor and Council will welcome all suggestions and ensure we (residents) are kept informed and involved with their decision." - Joseph Di Spaldo

"Picnic spaces with grills and some pavilions of various sizes that can be used, maybe rent out the bigger ones for parties. Maybe showers-even the rinse-off kind like on the beach. Give something for day visitors to use that's not right at the center of town where it gets so congested. But mainly something that can withstand the flood zone." - Heath Fischer

"Build a new police station there, demo old police station and expand the municipal lot....didn't we already go through this?" - Kate Robson Curry

"That's about as centrally located as you can get for a new police station." - John Gifford

"Green space with grass, trees, shrubs, etc. to help with run off/flooding." - Susan Thoren

"Community pool/park with walking trail." - Denise Moskat Warfel

"What we need is parking!" - Tina Mituzas

"Park, playground community pool." - Jo Ann Dower

Got an idea? Share your thoughts and comment below.

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