OCEAN CITY – The city has decided to drop its efforts to condemn the vacant lot that once housed an abandoned Exxon gas station.
The small property was included in city efforts to buy or condemn several properties along the busiest route into town, where until recently, several disused gas stations sat idle.
In some places, work is underway to transform the properties into small, grassy parks.
The property at 903 Bay was different. Paul Chiolo had purchased the property as the site of his planned Ocean City headquarters for the Keller Williams real estate agency. He has approval from the Planning Board.
The city decided it was just going to cost too much for the property.
City Business Administrator James Mallon told City Council the deal was off during his report at the March 23 council meeting.
He said, “The defendant’s expectations of value so greatly exceeded the appraised value of the property that we were unable to reach an agreement.”
The city and Chiolo’s representatives were called to a conference in Atlantic City earlier this month to find a resolution. That led to the city’s decision.
“In light of what the city would have to pay in combined litigation and acquisition costs, the city voluntarily withdrew its condemnation complaint,” Mallon said.
“We will continue to pursue the most cost-effective opportunities for using taxpayer dollars to acquire open space, and the owner is now free to pursue whatever plans he has for the property.”
To contact Bill Barlow, email bbarlow@cmcherald.com.
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