Ocean City Council Still Wants Former Car Lot, Could Condemn It

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The City remains in negotiations with the owners of a former car lot to buy their land for public use. City officials would look to acquire the land through condemnation if they can't reach a deal, says City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson.

The former Ocean City Chevrolet site is owned by Jerry and Harry Klause of Klause Enterprises. The Planning Board approved the company's proposal in October to build a 21-home development on the property. Read more: OCNJ Planning Board Approves Housing For Former Car Lot: Report

City officials would like to purchase the land — made up the block between 16th and 17th streets and Haven and Simpson avenues — for public use. Mayor Jay Gillian has proposed making it a combination of open space and some parking for the nearby library and Aquatic and Fitness Center.

"It would be the city’s preference to acquire the property through negotiation," McCrosson said at Thursday's City Council meeting. "But we’re prepared to proceed with condemnation, and the negotiations are being made in the context of condemnation."

Avery Teitler, the attorney for the Klause's, told Patch he had "no comment at this time."

If the City acquires the property, they will set up a town-hall meeting where people can contribute their ideas for how to use the space. Officials hope to announce a date for that occasion at the next City Council meeting, McCrosson said.

The former Perry-Egan dealership closed for good in January 2018. Council tried to purchase the property last year for $9 million. But Fairness In Taxes, a local watchdog group, successfully petitioned for a referendum on the sale, and the seller ended the deal.

City Council passed an ordinance again last August to enter negotiations for the property.

Watch Thursday's City Council meeting below:

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