Ocean City Council Takes Step Toward Buying Abandoned Getty Gas Station

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City Council took a step on Thursday night to put funding in place to acquire the site formerly occupied by the Getty Gas Station on 9th Street.

Council approved a proposed ordinance on introduction that appropriates $650,000 and allows the city to borrow $617,500 in bonds and notes to acquire the land, either by direct acquisition from the current owner or by condemnation.

City officials will enter into negotiations with the current owner in the next few days. If the owner agrees to sell the property, they would be responsible for site cleanup and inspection prior to the final sale being approved. If Ocean City acquires the land through condemnation, it would be responsible for site clean up, but would be able to use the money set aside to purchase it to instead handle the remediation.

Council first authorized the city to look into the possibility of acquiring this land in August. At that time, city officials said the land could be used for open space. On Thursday night, City Solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said the city remained hopeful that open space was still a possibility.

The ordinance council approved in August also included the BP and Exxon gas stations, and Bud’s Marina. Since then, the BP and Exxon have been demolished. Open space is also being considered for those two pieces of land.

City officials are looking to beautify the 9th Street Gateway after the gas stations were abandoned and became an eyesore.

City council unanimously approved the ordinance on introduction Thursday night by a vote of 6-0. Councilman Keith Hartzell was unable to attend the meeting.

The public hearing and final vote is scheduled for the March 23 meeting.

Patch file photo