OCEAN CITY – City Council on Aug. 20, introduced a $9-million bond ordinance to cover the cost of purchasing a former car dealership on Simpson Avenue.
Mayor Jay Gillian’s administration has eyed the property as a potential site for a new public safety building, to house the police department and municipal court.
The large portion of land, covering about a city block, had been used as a car dealership for decades. That business closed last winter.
In comments to City Council, city Attorney Dorothy McCrosson said part of the administration’s motivation is to prevent the property from being densely developed for residential use.
The purchase, if ultimately approved, would not include the entire block, but would include most of the area from 16th Street to 17th Street between Simpson and Haven avenues.
According to McCrosson, it could end up being used for recreation, parking or open space if it is not the public safety building site. Council plans to hold the public hearing and final vote on the ordinance Sept. 13.
