Hotel Plans New Elevated Pool

OCEAN CITY -The Planning and Zoning Commission approved
changes to two previously approved projects this week, allowing for an
extension of time for site plan approval for a mid-town project and an amended
site plan to an uptown hotel.

The Clarion Hotel's
planned overlay district was approved on May 6 for the addition of a pool and
sundeck at the south side of the building. The commission approved the pool,
which was to stand four feet above grade, but with some concerns over parking.

The addition of the pool
would have eliminated nine parking spaces. The parking spaces could have been
made up for in other areas, but the result would have been reduced traffic flow
through the parking lot.

After reconsidering the
plans, Clarion owner Dr. Lenny Berger returned this week with a new approach, a
raised pool.

'It causes the pool to
be elevated, in somewhat the same footprint, that it was,' said Zoning
Administrator Blaine Smith.

Instead of the pool
lying four feet above grade, it will be 14 feet above grade, allowing for
parking underneath.

'I think it's superior
for parking, view, neighbors and everything,' said commission member Lauren
Taylor.

'We just think this is
such an improvement. You've already approved that pool in the same footprint,
now its just 10 feet higher,' said Berger.

The commission
unanimously approved the change.

The commission also
reviewed a request for an extension of time for site plan approval for the
Broadmarsh Condominium project, located between 69^th and 70^th
streets.

Three phases of the
project have been completed on the easterly portion, which includes three
buildings. While the rest of the project remains to be completed, the
infrastructure has been started for the remaining buildings and units.

'The market went soft.
They know they're not going to proceed with the next phases in the near
future,' said attorney for the project Joe Moore.

'It's not that anybody's
been sitting on this thing,' continued Moore,
explaining that the project has changed hands since originally approved. 'We
would request that you would grant us a two-year extension.'

Taylor said, 'Given the current market conditions, I
don't think this is an unreasonable request.'

'If things turn around,
we're going to do it,' assured Moore.

The commission voted
unanimously to approve the request for a two-year extension, with the condition
that the property remain well maintained in the interim.