Proposed Keller Williams Office is Unanimously Approved by the Ocean City Planning Board

Last night, the Ocean City Planning Board unanimously voted (5-0) to approved the latest plan for what has become known as the Keller Williams building. The developer of a proposed real estate office that was previously rejected by Ocean City planners in January redesigned the project in hopes of smoothing over a series of objections, including the size of the building. Architecturally speaking, the new building design looks very similar to the original, but is smaller and has more curb appeal. They appear to have adapted the proposed structure to overcome the objections of the planning board, as well as their critics. No variances will be needed for this structure. One citizen spoke in favor of the project and no one spoke in opposition. Paul Chiolo, owner of the Keller Williams realty firm.. In a directly related matter, the City of Ocean City has been engaged in off and on negotiations with the developer to acquire this property as part of a broad makeover of the Ninth Street gateway. The administration over the last year has made it clear that they would like this property.  The goal would be to make the city's entrance more inviting to visitors. The  city has proposed redeveloping this lot, along with the two other former gas stations into landscaped parks. It remains to be seen what happens next with this project.  Now that the developer has a clear path to construction, it should be interesting to see how the city responds.