OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Planning Board is expected to consider an application for creation of a miniature golf course with a clubhouse on the 34th Street business corridor.
Boardwalk Development Co. is seeking approvals with variances to subdivide the lot, demolish the shuttered Bank of America building at 3332-46 Simpson Ave. and create Thunder Falls Adventure Golf.
The applicant, cit resident Mark Benevento, proposes subdividing block 3306 lot 5 into two conforming lots. The new lot 5.01 would be would be 65 feet by 123 feet and lot 5.02 105 feet by 123 feet. The golf course would be located on lot 5.02 and, according to the application, there are no immediate plans for development of lot 5.01.
The lot is located in the 34th Street Gateway Zone, where open-air miniature golf course are permitted by indoor courses are specifically prohibited.
The 12,825-square-foot lot 5.02 would exceed the minimum lot area (7,000 required), lot width (70 feet required/123 feet provided) and lot depth (100/105) but would be deficient in front yard setback on both 34th Street (40/34) and Simpson Avenue (10/7) requiring variances.
Plans include construction of a waterfall with a significant deficiency in setback (40/2). Another variance is being requested for minimum glass percentage (45 percent/24 percent) and another for minimum ceiling height (10/8).
In addition, the trash enclosure is proposed for the side yard setback, which is prohibited, requiring another variance.
The applicant also is seeking variances for sign size and location.
The requested variances an be granted under (c)(2) criteria as several purposes of zoning will be met, according to the Ocean City Division of Planning.
“The signage will provide more visibility to the property, alerting patrons to the existence of the miniature golf course from a distance. This will provide an important safety feature, especially in the summer,” the application review states. “In addition, the proposed signs will create an aesthetically pleasing structure and a desirable visual environment.”
The review states the same arguments can be made regarding the clubhouse variances, which are characterized as “very minor in nature.”
The project would be the second miniature golf course approved for 34th Street this year.
On May 3, the Planning Board unanimously granted applicant Patrick O’Hara approval for many of the same variance to build a course on the corner of Asbury Avenue at the site of the Blitz’s Market.
Benevento did not return a call seeking comment.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 13 in City Hall.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
