After Debate Over Need, Ocean City Council Votes To Buy Private Property

OCEAN CITY — Ocean City officials approved on second reading this week the purchase of a downtown property that could ultimately be used as a new staging area for the Boardwalk tram, but not before a spirited debate about the town’s recent penchant for purchasing private property in general.

The Mayor and Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a handful of parcels in the area of 2nd Street and St. Louis Avenue for a future Public Works maintenance area and staging area for the Boardwalk tram. The Boardwalk tram is currently maintained at a location on South 1st Street known as the Whiteside facility.

The Whiteside facility is nearing the end of its useful life and replacing it has been listed as a high priority in Ocean City’s long-term strategic plan. A potential replacement location has been identified as 2nd Street and St. Louis Avenue. The plan is to purchase the property for $2 million with an upfront investment of $400,000. The remaining $1.6 million would be financed with the sale of a 10-year general obligation bond offered at a low interest rate.

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