Construction is expected to begin on a long-planned condo hotel project in Ocean City after the developers obtained the necessary building permit.
The six-story development will include 111 individually owned units and 391 parking spaces. Although the rooms will have separate owners, the property must function as a traditional hotel serving short-term guests.
City officials said the project’s approvals require hotel amenities such as a staffed front desk, housekeeping, laundry service and other guest services. Unit owners will face occupancy restrictions and may use their rooms for no more than 30 days during each of the year’s four designated seasons.
McCrosson said the final development plan emerged from negotiations involving the developers, City Council and the Planning Board after the proposal became the subject of litigation. The developers recently secured a building permit as the project’s approval deadline approached.
Work is expected to begin with construction of the parking garage under a city-approved staging plan. Officials anticipate that the garage could be available for parking by next summer.
The city plans to coordinate construction with the Flanders Hotel’s condominium association and management to maintain access to parking. The Flanders is entitled to 152 spaces at the site. A portion of the property also could remain available for public parking during construction.
Mayor Jay Gillian said the city is developing a backup parking plan that could include the practice field near Carey Stadium on Sixth Street. Shuttle service or other arrangements may be considered if additional parking is needed during construction, particularly for winter events at the Flanders.
If completion of the garage is delayed, the city will work with the Flanders to provide alternative parking when possible.
After the garage and the units above it are completed, construction is expected to move to portions of the development along Ocean Avenue and 11th Street.
City officials said they will monitor the work and provide updates if the construction schedule or staging plan changes.
Long-delayed Ocean City condo hotel project moving forward
