New Triplex Planned in Ocean City

By MADDY VITALE The owner of the Coral Sands Motel in Ocean City has plans to build upscale residential units on a neighboring property. It was inaccurately reported by OCNJDaily.com on Wednesday that the motel at 709 E. Ninth Street would be demolished. Instead, the plan is to knock down a two-story building at 828-830 Atlantic Ave., also owned by Coral Sands LLC, and build one three-bedroom unit and two five-bedroom units in a new triplex. The property serves as an annex for the motel. The applicant, Haresh Patel, could not be reached for comment. His attorney for the project, Jon Batastini, confirmed Thursday that the redevelopment plan is for the annex next door to the motel. The plan is contingent upon Planning Board approvals. The matter goes before the board on April 6. The proposed development on the 6,875-square-foot lot would occur within the Hospitality Zone. The development of a triplex is a permitted use in the zone, according to Planning Board documents. The applicant is seeking parking and setback variances. Specifically, the applicant is seeking a parking buffer variance. The setback required is a minimum of four feet and the applicant needs approval for a one-foot parking setback.