City Council on Thursday gave final approval to lending $2.6 million to a private developer to build a working marina and café on the 900 block of Palen Avenue at the site of the former Dan’s Dockside Marina.
The vote was perhaps the last major obstacle to a plan that could turn a dilapidated and potentially polluted site into a marina that would include at least 18 boat slips; a marine fueling station; a building with a restaurant/cafe on the first floor, retail space on the second floor and a residence on the third; and 44 parking spaces in a surface lot. (See detail on plans for the project.)
Council unanimously passed the second reading of a bond ordinance authorizing the borrowing of $2.6 million to pay for purchase and development of the property and environmental remediation.
Council had passed a redevelopment agreement on June 12 that requires the investors — Thomas and Beverley Gill — to repay all taxpayer funds, including interest, within seven years. (Read more about the agreement and the project.)
“There is absolutely no way for the public to lose on this,” Councilman Scott Ping said before the vote.
The agreement calls for the Gills to negotiate a purchase of the bank-owned property within 180 days.
In the only public comment on the ordinance, Ocean City resident Georgina Shanley said it’s irresponsible to invest public money in a waterfront property in an era of rising sea levels.
“In this day and age, I don’t think it’s a wise thing to do,” Shanley said.
After the vote, Gill thanked the council for their faith in his stewardship of the project.
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