AVALON — Commodore Bay Marina, a 106-slip dock and small office building with shower and restroom facilities on Ocean Drive here, received final planning board approval for a three-story, 32,000-square-foot condominium and marina facility Oct. 9.
The marina was established in 1991 at the site of the former Harvey’s Port of Call Marina, playing host to powerboats from 20 feet to 103 feet as well as sailboats every summer.
The proposed plan is for construction of a three-story structure with six, 2,000-square-foot luxury condos on the top two floors.
The first floor includes a manager’s office, lobby common area and marina entrance, vending area and closed trash room.
Project Engineer Peter Dolcy of Duffy, Dolcy & McManus Associates in Galloway, Michael McNulty owner of the existing marina, principal architect Dan Shousky and project manager David Markowsky of Olivieri, Shousky, and Kiss Architects of Collingswood appeared before the board.
Dolcy reported the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) review requested first floor parking be removed from the original structure plan and that the space be reoriented for “water-related use”. The revised plan includes a larger office space and showers, lockers and restrooms for marina patrons; changes that did not alter the footprint of the structure.
The elimination of first floor parking space did however, reduce the number of designated parking spaces for the building from 74 to 64 — still one more than zoning required for the project.
Board members only expressed concerns were adequate parking for the new facility, especially during busy summer months.
McNulty testified to quell the fears of the board, noting that currently, “parking is not generally an issue,” even during the high season. With marina neighbors present at the meeting he continued, “I think they (the neighbors) would agree.”
In a unanimous vote, the project was approved on a motion with the amended changes. Board Chairman Neil Hensel congratulated the group on the presentation and proposed improvement of the property.
McNulty told the Herald whether the condos will be leased or sold has yet to be determined.
Though he reached an agreement with DEP under CAFRA, he is still awaiting a CAFRA permit. A start date for construction is also pending county approval and construction permits.
“They will be the nicest waterfront condos in Avalon,” McNulty said. “I can tell you that.”
Contact Gillin-Schwartz at (609) 886-8600 Ext 24 or at: mschwartz@cmcherald.com.
