OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Council-appointed subcommittee reviewing zoning policies on the boardwalk, including the Wonderland Pier property, is in the first phase of a four-phase plan.
Spokeswoman Jocelyn Palaganas provided an update on the work of the committee, formed in October by Council President Terry Crowley Jr., at the start of the Dec. 4 council meeting at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Palaganas explained the Boardwalk Subcommittee mission “is dedicated to evaluating and modernizing the zoning policies” that govern the boardwalk district.
“Our mission is to ensure that future development supports Ocean City’s longstanding identity as America’s Greatest Family Resort — preserving its unique mix of family entertainment, retail, dining and amusement, while encouraging responsible investment, property improvement and year-round economic viability,” she told the hundreds of people gathered at the meeting.
After she spoke, more than 80 spent three hours during public comment to offer their opinions on whether council should vote to refer the former Wonderland Pier amusement park property to the Planning Board to determine whether it is “an area in need of rehabilitation.”
Crowley appointed the subcommittee to study the whole boardwalk, including but not focused solely on the Wonderland property, after council voted down the referral in August.
Palaganas said the subcommittee was pursuing a transparent, data-driven collaborative review to prioritize what is best for the city’s residents, visitors and business community for the immediate future and future generations.
Subcommittee Goals
Palaganas listed six goals for the subcommittee:
— Evaluating existing zoning regulations;
— Preserving Ocean City’s family-oriented character;
— Encouraging property improvements and economic sustainability;
— Analyzing the future of the Wonderland property;
— Engaging the community and stakeholders; and
— Delivering actionable recommendations to City Council.
Four Phases
Palaganas said the subcommittee is in the first phase of its work, with conclusions to be presented back to council in the spring.
Phase One, she said, is gathering facts and a baseline assessment, learning objective data about the boardwalk’s condition, ratio of owner- versus tenant-occupied stores, the percentage and location of various types of businesses and economics.
Once that is together, the subcommittee will hold a public meeting to tell the public “what we’re seeing.”
Phase Two will be spotting issues and a cause analysis.
After the first phase of describing trends, the subcommittee will move to understanding causes and will present them at another public meeting.
Phase Three is developing potential solutions and testing remedies, estimating impacts and providing a preliminary solutions report with a third public workshop in mid-March.
Phase Four will be integrating the solutions into a comprehensive “Boardwalk Enhancement” plan for public review and submission to council in the spring.
– By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff