OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Council is weighing a proposal to add a parking garage and expand space at the Ocean City Convention Center to address parking shortages, particularly during events. The center currently has just over 1,000 parking spots, which often fill to capacity throughout the year. The proposed expansion would add 560 additional spaces to meet growing demand. During a work session on Tuesday, city officials discussed the project’s financial details, with the first phase estimated to cost $19 million and a second phase projected at $33 million. Tom Perlozzo, Ocean City’s Tourism and Business Development Director, highlighted the economic benefits of the expansion, stating that the convention center generates $60 to $70 million annually. The expansion would enhance the city’s ability to attract year-round business and promote it as a destination for work and play. To fund the project, city officials are considering increasing the local food tax from 0.5 percent to 1 percent. However, some residents, like Steve Heemann, expressed concerns, suggesting that taxpayer money could be better spent elsewhere. The town plans to commission an economic study to evaluate the project’s potential impacts.
