Demolition began on the former Seaspray condominium complex Wednesday in Ocean City, New Jersey, clearing the way for a new upscale development at a prominent gateway to the Jersey Shore community. Applause went up as the walls of the complex at the 34th Street gateway started coming down after y ears of uncertainty surrounding the property. “Everybody’s been waiting,” Ocean City resident Marianne Brewer said. “It’s been looking terrible.” Ocean City 4th Ward Councilman Dave Winslow described the property as an eyesore. “It’s kind of been an eyesore, unfortunately,” Winslow said. The How Group plans to transform the site into a new upscale complex called The Drift at Salt Meadows. “We’ll be building a brand new 43-unit condo building. Be 10 three-bedroom units, 33 two-bedroom units,” John Pack, The How Group’s vice president of development, said. The demolition also brought mixed emotions for some former Seaspray residents. “It’s a great day for the city, but it’s a sad day for the people who used to live here,” former Seaspray resident Keith Hillegass, who owned a unit at the complex for 25 years, said. In 2023, residents were forced out after the complex was declared unsafe because of structural problems. The complex later reopened but was shut down again in 2024. Following a legal fight among owners over the property’s future, a court-appointed receiver ultimately sold the property. The How Group bought it for nearly $6 million. Asked whether he was satisfied with what he received from the sale, Hillegass said, “I think it could have been a little bit higher, but it is what it is.” City leaders say the new condos are part of a broader effort to improve and beautify the 34th Street gateway. “It’s going to give a whole new look and a welcoming feel when folks come into the city,” Winslow said. The developer hopes to begin construction early next year. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less