News
October 15, 2025
Ocean City councilman offers downtown lot to fund playground plan
Ocean City Councilman Keith Hartzell has offered a downtown lot as a means to fund a request for a new playground, asking for an $800,000 budget.
**Ocean City Councilman Offers Downtown Lot to Fund Playground Plan**
Ocean City Councilman Keith Hartzell has proposed a novel solution to secure funding for a new playground: offering a town-owned downtown lot for sale. The proposal, presented during recent budget discussions, aims to address the growing need for updated recreational facilities for children in the community. Hartzell is advocating for an $800,000 budget to bring the playground project to fruition.
The councilman emphasized the importance of providing safe and engaging spaces for children to play and develop. He argued that the current playground facilities are outdated and inadequate to meet the needs of the growing number of families in Ocean City. A new, modern playground would not only benefit local children but also enhance the overall appeal of the community to visitors, potentially boosting tourism and local business.
Hartzell’s suggestion centers around leveraging a valuable downtown lot currently owned by the town. By selling the land, the councilman believes that the $800,000 needed for the playground can be raised without burdening taxpayers with additional taxes or significantly impacting other essential city services. The specific location of the lot has not been publicly disclosed.
The proposal has sparked debate among council members and residents alike. Supporters praise Hartzell's creative approach to problem-solving, highlighting the potential for a win-win scenario where the town gains a much-needed playground while also streamlining its assets. They argue that the sale of the lot represents a responsible use of town resources.
However, some concerns have been raised regarding the long-term implications of selling town-owned land, particularly in the coveted downtown area. Critics worry about the potential loss of future development opportunities and the impact on the overall character of the downtown district. They are urging the council to carefully consider all options and explore alternative funding sources before committing to the sale.
The council is expected to further discuss Hartzell's proposal in the coming weeks, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Public input will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this important initiative, which could have a significant impact on the future of recreational opportunities for children in Ocean City. The debate underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing community needs with responsible fiscal management.
Ocean City Councilman Keith Hartzell has proposed a novel solution to secure funding for a new playground: offering a town-owned downtown lot for sale. The proposal, presented during recent budget discussions, aims to address the growing need for updated recreational facilities for children in the community. Hartzell is advocating for an $800,000 budget to bring the playground project to fruition.
The councilman emphasized the importance of providing safe and engaging spaces for children to play and develop. He argued that the current playground facilities are outdated and inadequate to meet the needs of the growing number of families in Ocean City. A new, modern playground would not only benefit local children but also enhance the overall appeal of the community to visitors, potentially boosting tourism and local business.
Hartzell’s suggestion centers around leveraging a valuable downtown lot currently owned by the town. By selling the land, the councilman believes that the $800,000 needed for the playground can be raised without burdening taxpayers with additional taxes or significantly impacting other essential city services. The specific location of the lot has not been publicly disclosed.
The proposal has sparked debate among council members and residents alike. Supporters praise Hartzell's creative approach to problem-solving, highlighting the potential for a win-win scenario where the town gains a much-needed playground while also streamlining its assets. They argue that the sale of the lot represents a responsible use of town resources.
However, some concerns have been raised regarding the long-term implications of selling town-owned land, particularly in the coveted downtown area. Critics worry about the potential loss of future development opportunities and the impact on the overall character of the downtown district. They are urging the council to carefully consider all options and explore alternative funding sources before committing to the sale.
The council is expected to further discuss Hartzell's proposal in the coming weeks, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Public input will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this important initiative, which could have a significant impact on the future of recreational opportunities for children in Ocean City. The debate underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing community needs with responsible fiscal management.
Category:
Politics