Coral Sands Motel to Be Replaced by New Residential and Commercial Building in Ocean City

Ocean City, NJ – The Ocean City Planning Board has approved a new residential and commercial building at 709 East Ninth Street, which will replace the longstanding Coral Sands Motel. The approval is part of a trend in the area of developing mixed-use buildings, with two other applications also granted approval during the same meeting. The Coral Sands Motel, which has been a familiar sight near the beach and Boardwalk for decades, was originally built in 1956 and has an assessed value of $1.4 million, according to county property records. City officials, however, have noted that the current assessments are outdated compared to market values. The new proposal features a three-story building with apartments on the upper two floors and retail space on the ground floor, potentially including a restaurant. The plans also incorporate necessary ductwork for a commercial kitchen. While Augie’s Omelette and Waffle House, which previously operated nearby, has moved to a new location, some community members are hopeful that the restaurant will return to the area once construction is completed. The new development will include 18 parking spaces for residents. The Planning Board noted that the variances needed for the project are minor and expressed general support for the plans as an improvement to the existing structure.