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OC2050 has heard credible reports that some members of City Council may be considering a last-minute effort to bring a rehabilitation designation for 600 Boardwalk to a vote at the upcoming Council meeting this Thursday, June 25, just days before the newly elected Council takes office on July 1. At this point, no such vote has been publicly announced. However, if these reports prove true, it would represent a troubling attempt to rush through one of the most consequential development decisions in Ocean City's recent history. Just days ago, the Boardwalk Subcommittee presented its final report after months of study and discussion. Whatever one's views on the report's recommendations, its central message on process was clear: future decisions should move through the normal Planning Board and zoning process, supported by additional market analysis, professional review, and public engagement. Nothing prevents the City from engaging with the developer today through the normal planning process; a rehabilitation designation is not required to start the conversation. In fact, a rehabilitation designation would move in the opposite direction, negating the Subcommittee's suggested course. It would bypass many of the safeguards, studies, and public processes that the Subcommittee recommended and that Council members themselves publicly supported. If you share our concern, NOW is the time to contact your Council members and respectfully urge them to follow the process outlined by the Boardwalk Subcommittee, allow the recommended studies and public review to occur, and avoid taking any rushed action that would benefit a developer before the community has had a full opportunity to weigh in. Council member wards and contact information can be found below. The future of the Boardwalk deserves a transparent process, not a last-minute decision. Thank you for remaining engaged and using your voice. OC2050 will share updates over email and on our Facebook page as more information becomes available. Sincerely,
Ocean City 2050
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