Ocean City — The city installed security fencing around the former restaurant Dan’s Seafood Restaurant, located on Palen Avenue and 10th Street on the bay, after the owners failed to do so.

The restaurant hasn’t been opened in years, and city officials say that’s created various safety hazards.

According to city tax records, Capitol Builders, Inc. and BNB Bank of New York own the four waterfront lots where Dan’s Dock is located.

City solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said the property is in foreclosure and two banks are trying to sell the property before they take it to a sheriff’s sale.

McCrosson said since the restaurant closed, the building hasn’t been maintained.

Mayor Jay Gillian said this year would be the second season the building is vacant. Boarded-up windows and floating docks secured only by rope are the obvious signs of disrepair, according to Gillian.

“It’s not fair to the neighbors. It’s an eyesore,” Gillian said. “They have a construction fence up now but we need something a little more permanent.”

Gillian told council on May 10 that the city inspected the property.

“We’re going to completely fence it in, we’re going to board it up and make it as safe as we can,” Gillian said. “It’s an absolute disgrace.”

Gillian said expenses the city would incur installing the security fencing and other safety measures will be billed to the property’s lawyers and bankers handling the property.

The mayor said the fishing pier at the end of 10th Street would be preserved for public use.

City Business Administrator Michael Dattilo said the two banks who own the property will reimburse the city for the cost of installing the fence.