Ocean City Council to Discuss Abandoned Properties, Firehouse Restoration

Ocean City Council is scheduled to give final consideration to an ordinance that calls for a public officer, to be appointed by the mayor, to establish an abandoned properties list when it meets Thursday night, 7 p.m., at City Hall.

The ordinance was initially introduced and approved on April 23 in response to three gas stations that are not being maintained on 9th Street, but was allowed to die on second reading so that a supporting resolution could be drafted.

It was approved, 7-0, on re-introduction at the council meeting on June 11.

It is the only ordinance scheduled for second reading Thursday night. There are no ordinances scheduled for introduction.

There are 15 items on the consent agenda, including an item to advertise for the restoration of the 29th Street firehouse, which suffered damage during Superstorm Sandy.

The project includes the conversion of the old living quarters into a third vehicle bay to be used by Ocean City lifeguards for storage of equipment, according to a memo included in the agenda packet.

“Prior to the storm, equipment was stored behind fire apparatus and created operational challenges,” Roger McLarnon said in the memo dated June 19. “Due to flood elevation requirements, the living quarters will be built on top of the existing structure with additional storage.”

A public bathroom to serve those using the playground and historic retro rose tower, and architectural and site improvements are included.

To view the full agenda, click here.