Ocean City Planning Board Approves Duplexes in Place of Old Palermo's Supermarket

The Ocean City Planning Board approved developer Mick Duncan’s proposed duplexes in the area currently occupied by the old Palermo supermarket on Asbury Avenue, the Ocean City Gazette reports.

The vote was 5-2, with Chairman John Loeper and Board Member Ken Jones voting against the proposal, according to the report.

Over 100 people attended Wednesday night’s meeting, with many voicing opposition to the project, and others calling the vacant store a “danger and an eyesore,” according to the report.

The property has been closed since the roof of the store collapsed in 2010.

At the council meeting on April 23, some residents suggested contacting The Trust for Public Land for help, but council there wasn’t much more that could be done with a contract in place.

About a month ago, Duncan presented plans to demolish the building and replace it with seven duplexes.

On Wednesday night, some said six duplexes would be preferable to seven. Planning board members who favored the project said an environmental cleanup must be conducted, according to the report.

Read more at shorenewstoday.com.