Ocean City Won't Seek Former Exxon Site For Open Space

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City has withdrawn its condemnation complaint as it relates to the site of the former Exxon Mobile gas station on Ninth Street, and owner Paul Chiolo is now free to pursue any avenue he wishes for that piece of land, Ocean City Business Administrator Jim Mallon announced during the city council meeting on March 22.

The city decided to withdraw its claims after the trial judge held a settlement conference to settle litigation without further attorney’s fees and court costs for either side, Mallon said.

“However, the defendant’s expectations of value so greatly exceeded the appraised value of the property that we were unable to reach an agreement,” Mallon said. “In light of what the City would have to pay in combined litigation and acquisition costs, the City voluntarily withdrew its condemnation complaint.”

Chiolo, the owner of real estate company Keller Williams, purchased the property in 2016 for $500,000, with the intention of building an office building to expand the company's operations.

In November of last year, Ocean City Council unanimously voted in favor of seizing the property via Eminent Domain, the taking of private property for public use for "just compensation," which was to be determined by a judge.

The city had hoped to acquire the land to build a park, something city officials and council members say the public has expressed interest in. Chiolo contended the area was a business district, and didn’t believe anyone would want to bring their family to a park in that area.

“We will continue to pursue more cost-effective opportunities for using taxpayer dollars to acquire open space,” Mallon said. “The owner is now free to pursue whatever plans he has for the property.”

The Exxon Gas Station was one of three abandoned properties city officials said were a blight on the city's gateway. Ocean City purchased the BP Gas Station last year. The other property was the Getty Gas station.

Patch file photo