Ocean City Takes Step Toward Buying Abandoned Gas Station

Ocean City, NJ -- Ocean City Council took yet another step to clean up the eyesore at the city's gateway.

City Council unanimously approved a proposed ordinance on introduction to set aside $500,000 and borrowing $475,000 to purchase the former BP Gas Station on West 9th Street, one of three abandoned gas stations that have become an eyesore at the city’s gateway. The vote was 6-0. Council Vice President Peter Madden wasn’t present for the vote.

The approval includes a $25,000 down payment for the gas station. No agreement had been signed at the time of the meeting, but that was anticipated before the public hearing and final approval, scheduled for the May 12 meeting.

The area would ideally be designated for open space. In that case, the city said it will pursue county Green Acres funding during the next application period, which is in August.

The gas station is one of three abandoned properties on 9th Street that the city has been struggling with for about a year.

City Council gave the city greater power to deal with abandoned properties in the city last year.

That ordinance established an “abandoned properties” list, and gave the city the right to put the properties on that list up for tax sale, send it into foreclosure, rehabilitate the property and take action against the owner, among other actions.

The city also said it would take inquiries from anyone interested in those properties.

Real Estate firm Keller Williams is in negotiations to buy the Exxon gas station. Negotiations are ongoing concerning the Getty gas station.