OC Today/Dispatch

24/01/2025

Council supports Phillips Plaza Shopping Center rezoning

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
The Ocean City Council this week agreed to support a rezoning request for the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center.

On Tuesday, the council agreed to rezone the easterly half of the shopping center from R-3 residential to LC-1 local commercial. The decision comes two months after officials disputed the planning commission’s justification for the rezoning.

On Oct. 8, attorney Hugh Cropper came before the planning commission to seek a rezoning of the easterly half of 2100 Philadelphia Avenue, better known as the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center. He said his client, Mike Ramadan, was looking to double the size of the current shopping center, with additional employee housing and offices above.

In their application to the commission, Cropper, landowner JAMB LLC, and lessee Phillips Plaza Inc. requested that the eastern half of the property currently serving as a parking lot be rezoned from R-3 to LC-1, the same zoning designation found on the western half of the property adjacent to Philadelphia Avenue.

The applicant ultimately argued the city had made a mistake in its zoning designation. And when the request was revisited later that month, members of the planning commission agreed, voting unanimously to forward a favorable recommendation and the findings of fact to the Mayor and Council for consideration.
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The Ocean City Council this week agreed to support a rezoning request for the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center.

24/01/2025

94th Street redevelopment plans move forward

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Jan. 24, 2025) Resort planners this week supported several site plans, which will allow redevelopment to take place at 94th Street.
On Wednesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved three site plans – one for a new ACME grocery store and additional retail spaces and two for townhouse developments. The projects will be located on subdivided lots at 94th Street, currently home to a shopping center.
“It’s a very nice project,” Chair Joe Wilson said.
Last year, the planning commission granted a request from developer OCTC Holdings LLC to divide the shopping center into four separate parcels for future redevelopment. Parcel A, located to the northeast, would feature a new ACME grocery store and retail space, while parcels C and D, located to the west, would feature townhomes, a community center and a community pool. Parcel B, which currently hosts a bank and Blue Fish Restaurant and Bar, will not be redeveloped.
Since that time, the developer has acquired variance requests from the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals to reduce the freeboard elevation for the proposed buildings. And on Wednesday, formal site plans were presented to the planning commission.
On parcel A, once home to the Roses department store, the developer has proposed 61,531 square feet of commercial space, which will be home to the new ACME Market and attached retail space. The parcel will also feature a drive-thru retail site totaling 2,554 square feet, which will be built in a second construction phase.
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Resort planners this week supported several site plans, which will allow redevelopment to take place at 94th Street.

24/01/2025

Worcester County considers tougher take on homeless violations

Brian Shane
Staff Writer
Taking inspiration from a recent Supreme Court ruling, Worcester County officials say sleeping on public property could go from a civil infraction to a criminal misdemeanor, a move that specifically targets the homeless.

“When the intersection happens between behavioral health issues and homelessness, and then criminality or victimization of others in that area, that’s where my office comes into play,” said Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. “It’s not our goal to prosecute the same person for the same type of low-level offense over and over again. We’d rather resolve the underlying problem.”

Under the guidance of Heiser and county attorney Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County’s Board of Commissioners says it will work in the near term to pen a draft ordinance that revisits penalties for sleeping on land owned by the county. Any such bill would then be subject to a public hearing.

Heiser said the goal of what she called an encampment ordinance is to provide a tool for law enforcement, “to make sure that the community is safe from the other effects these sort of individuals can have sometimes,” she told the commissioners at the meeting.

The commissioners discussed the issue at length during a Jan. 14 meeting with the input of several officials from the county’s social services agencies.
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(Jan. 24, 2025) Taking inspiration from a recent Supreme Court ruling, Worcester County officials say sleeping on public property could go from a civil infraction to a criminal misdemeanor, a

24/01/2025

Pocomoke Armory demo approved; 'An opportunity make new history, to make memories ...'

By Brian Shane
Staff Writer
It stood proud, like a castle, for nearly a century. Now, shattered windows, ivy-covered brick, and a host of environmental contaminants plague Pocomoke City’s historic Armory building on Second Street.
But it won’t stand for much longer. Town officials have decided to demolish the aging and derelict facility, now camouflaged by deterioration, and have begun dreaming of other ways to use the 18,000-square-foot parcel.
“Tearing down this building, while it’s heartbreaking, it needs to happen,” said Mayor Todd Nock in an interview. “It is our job as elected officials to make the hard decision. This is something we’ve been working on for years. This building is coming down. However, it is also a cry for a new community center in our city.”
City Manager John Barkley said the City Council decided to raze the building because it’s been deemed as unsalvageable and a threat to public health and safety.
He said he’d like to recover enough of the Armory’s original bricks to build a veteran’s memorial at Cypress Park. He also said attempts will be made to preserve the Maryland flag emblem carved in granite over the main entryway.
“We have high hopes for the highest and best use of that property going forward,” Barkley said in an interview. “There’s a sentimental attachment by many in the city, so it was a difficult decision, I’m sure, by the City Council, but I think they made the right one.”
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(Jan. 24, 2025) It stood proud, like a castle, for nearly a century. Now, shattered windows, ivy-covered brick, and a host of environmental contaminants plague Pocomoke City’s historic Armory building

24/01/2025

Route 90 planning funds restored in state's capital budget plan

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Jan. 24, 2025) Local officials last week learned planning and engineering funds for the Route 90 widening project have been restored.
While county and municipal leaders were told last fall the Route 90 project had been paused due to fiscal constraints, they were pleased to learn last week that funding for the project’s planning and engineering phase had been restored in the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for fiscal years 2025-2030.
The capital budget, released on Jan. 15, includes funding for the project beginning in fiscal year 2027.
“The state is aware of the importance of the MD Route 90 project and how it’s our priority,” Worcester County Commission President Ted Elder said. “We’re encouraged by this news. We thank Governor Moore and Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary [Paul] Wiedefeld for keeping this project moving forward.”
Citing budgetary challenges, Maryland leaders last fall announced plans to pause various transportation projects, including a project to improve the Route 90 corridor, which spans from Route 50 to Coastal Highway. The news was delivered to local officials weeks before the state was set to release the draft of its fiscal year 2025-2030 CTP, which outlines funding for transportation projects over the next six years.
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Local officials last week learned planning and engineering funds for the Route 90 widening project have been restored.

24/01/2025

Commissioners pivot on Coastal Bays state grant, offer support letter despite wind position

Brian Shane
Staff Writer
After excoriating a local environmental nonprofit for its neutral stance on offshore wind, Worcester County officials showed a change of heart this week and are now promising to support the group’s efforts to secure a rare and valuable state grant.

The county’s Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to send a letter of support to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MBCP) in their pursuit of millions in state funding.

It’s a reversal from a position the board took just two months back, when they made a stink about withholding support because MCBP wasn’t on the same page with wind power.

Commissioners President Ted Elder said at the meeting how he was “really disappointed” to learn MCBP had not only declined to take sides in the offshore wind debate, but also had accepted $125,000 in donations from developer US Wind. The nonprofit has said the money went toward a much-needed habitat restoration project.

“I have to say, I’m very torn. I want to vote against you so bad for doing that,” Elder told MCBP executive director Kevin Smith. “But I want to vote for the county getting the benefits of this grant money and the good that can come from it. It’s just one of the hardest votes I can make either way.”

Back in November, Smith came before the commissioners asking for support in the form of a signed letter for a grant application. The grant would be worth $16.8 million over five years – a huge sum in the world of environmental subsidies.
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(Jan. 24, 2025) After excoriating a local environmental nonprofit for its neutral stance on offshore wind, Worcester County officials showed a change of heart this week and are now promising

24/01/2025

Trump’s wind order cheered by local leaders, but ultimate impact on offshore project unclear

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor

Local officials say they are optimistic about an executive order that effectively halts offshore wind development, but US Wind states it will not give up on its plans to build a renewable energy project off Maryland’s coast.

On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively withdrawing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from any new offshore wind leasing. The order also halts the issuance of any new or renewed permits, leases or loans for onshore and offshore wind projects, pending the completion of a federal review.

At the local level, the executive order could impact the 114-turbine project US Wind plans to build 10 miles off the coast, as it tasks the secretary of the interior, in consultation with the attorney general, to “conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases.” The order also requires federal agencies to review its leasing and permitting practices.

In response to the executive action, US Wind’s Nancy Sopko, vice president of external affairs, said the company will work with the new administration to meet its energy goals.

“US Wind’s projects are poised to deliver on the President’s promise of achieving American energy dominance, especially now that we have received all of our federal permits,” she said.
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Local officials say they are optimistic about an executive order that effectively halts offshore wind development, but US Wind states it will not give up on its plans to build

24/01/2025

Today’s page one
Digital flip edition link: https://issuu.com/oceancitytoday/docs/01.24.25_oc_today-dispatch

22/01/2025

Missing boy found safe, confirmed by Worcester County Sheriff's Office

22/01/2025

Another photo of 10-year-old Korey missing in Ocean Pines, via Ocean Pines Police

Update: We have found Kory!

Update: At this time, we have a coordinated search going on with law enforcement and fire resources - the best help that any of our residents can be is to thoroughly search you own property and any outbuildings for Korey

The OPPD along with a large contingent of law enforcement and fire personnel are currently out looking for an 10-year-old Korey Knieriem who is autistic and was last seen on Cannon Drive here in Ocean Pines shortly before 5 PM - right now we are asking everyone to be vigilant on their own properties for Korey and to check your ring cameras or any other surveillance cameras to see if Korey is in your area. Kory was last seen wearing a red coat similar to the one in this picture and black sweatpants with a red stripe.

22/01/2025

Community alert for missing nonverbal 10-year-old boy with Autism in Ocean Pines. See comment for message seeking volunteers

20/01/2025

Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann

Ocean City shared in the growth and prosperity that the 1920s brought to the country and the hotels and boarding houses stayed full for most of the summer season.
There were no bars or nightclubs during that decade as Prohibition had made the sale of alcoholic beverages illegal but there was still adventure on the Boardwalk for those that sought it. Hotels such as the Atlantic and the Plimhimmon featured dances with live orchestras for their guests and Ocean City’s Municipal Band gave free public concerts from Dr. Townsend’s bandstand on Somerset Street.
The sights and sounds of the Boardwalk were the highlight of many vacations and Trimper’s Amusements, with rides such as the Whip and the Ferris Wheel, were always a big draw. Adding to the fun, the town was compact in that era and a stroll down the Boardwalk from one’s lodging could be made with ease. There were no traffic problems in the 1920s.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

18/01/2025

Ocean City joins county’s anti-wind PR campaign

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
Ocean City will contribute up to $100,000 to support Worcester County’s public relations campaign against offshore wind.
The Ocean City Council on Wednesday agreed to contribute up to $100,000 in matching funds to Worcester County for an opposition campaign targeting offshore wind. Officials report the county has contracted with Bedrock Advocacy Communications, which will work with Worcester County, Ocean City and local businesses to share messaging “on the harmful impacts of the US Wind project on our environment and economy.”
“We’re all in, and I hate to miss an opportunity to really capitalize on what might be great time to get our message out,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week.
In December, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to hire Bedrock Advocacy Communications, a public relations firm based in Virginia, to lead a public relations fight against US Wind, which is seeking to develop a 114-turbine project roughly 10 miles off Maryland’s coast. The campaign, they said, would go hand-in-hand with other local opposition efforts – including a city-led lawsuit against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and a county-led plan to acquire two West Ocean City properties through eminent domain.
County officials noted the public relations agency will help with grassroots mobilization, strategic communications and online engagement. Worcester has committed $100,000 toward the campaign and has requested that Ocean City matching their funding amount up to $100,000.
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Ocean City will contribute up to $100,000 to support Worcester County’s public relations campaign against offshore wind.

18/01/2025

20 Years of Rude Awakenings in the morning

By Brian Shane
Staff Writer
(Jan. 17, 2025) Who knew that waking up at 3 a.m. and cracking jokes for a living could last this long?
Ocean City radio station WOCM-FM, better known as Ocean 98, hit a major milestone on Jan. 10, when its Rude Awakening Show celebrated not only two decades on the air with thousands of shows, but 20 years of building a fervent community of listeners.
“Every day, you wake up and you're excited to go to work. How many people can say that?” said show host Bulldog, who is also Ocean 98’s general manager. “Why would you stop? I'd be a fool to. When you talk about someone living the dream, that's what I am.”
Growing up in Illinois, Bulldog long had harbored dreams of a career in on the airwaves.
“When I was a kid, I had in my bedroom a shoebox. A hairbrush was my microphone and the shoebox was my (mixing) board. And I had a turntable. I used to pretend I was on the radio. So, I loved this from that time, from when I was 11 or 12 years old.”
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(Jan. 17, 2025) Who knew that waking up at 3 a.m. and cracking jokes for a living could last this long?

17/01/2025

Berlin Restaurant Week underway, runs through Jan. 23; Website details specials, menu offerings

Tara Fischer
Staff Writer
Berlin residents are encouraged to support local eateries over the next few days, as tomorrow, Jan. 17, the town’s restaurant week kicks off. The festivities will extend through Jan. 23.
Restaurants all over town will be offering deals and modified menus for the next week. Those who wish to participate may pick up a ticket at the Berlin Welcome Center or one of the participating locations, dine, and get the form stamped at three different eateries. The cards can be dropped in a drawing box at the welcome center for the chance to win restaurant gift cards and $100 donated by Cam Bunting of Bunting Realty.
Local favorites will be revamping their menus for diners this week. Burn Woodfired Pizza, for instance, is participating in the annual festivities. The restaurant is offering $12 baked goat cheese, $14 shrimp in a Brandy cream sauce dish, and $16 chicken parmigiana.

Berlin residents are encouraged to support local eateries over the next few days, as tomorrow, Jan. 17, the town’s restaurant week kicks off. The festivities will extend through Jan. 23.

17/01/2025

Consultant tapped for national search for next police chief

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Jan. 17, 2025) The Town of Ocean City has hired a consulting firm in the search for its next police chief.
Of the five firms vetted, the city has selected Sumter Consulting to conduct a national search for a chief to lead the Ocean City Police Department.
The announcement comes nearly three months after the department’s former chief, Ross Buzzuro, announced his sudden retirement.
“Yes we have hired a firm and the position is expected to be posted next week,” City Manager Terry McGean confirmed on Monday.
On Oct. 31, Buzzuro announced he would be retiring from his role as the city’s police chief, effective immediately.
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The Town of Ocean City has hired a consulting firm in the search for its next police chief.

17/01/2025

Berlin partially lifts moratorium, announces planning director hire

Tara Fischer
Staff Writer
Berlin’s moratorium on final site plan approval, rezoning, and annexation will begin a phased-out approach as the town secures a new planning director.
On Monday, Jan. 13, the Berlin Town Council unanimously voted to lift the pause on final site plan review while continuing the moratorium for 45 days for rezonings and annexations. The decision comes at the same meeting town announced it has hired Ryan Hardesty, an experienced senior code enforcement officer with the City of Salisbury, as the new acting planning director.
The position has been vacant since April following the passing of Dave Engelhart. Rick Baldwin has worked as a consultant in the planning department since then, but a moratorium on certain actions, including final site plan approval, rezoning requests and annexation, was put in place in July to limit the burden on staff until a replacement for Engelhart could be found.
“The initial moratorium was enacted to ensure that the town’s growth remained aligned with the unique character that we have and to make sure projects don’t jeopardize our quality of life,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said.
According to Tyndall, Hardesty will begin her new role on Feb. 3 and have a transition period before stepping into the full planning director position.
“From a town perspective, we are very excited to have Ryan start and fill that role,” the mayor noted.
After the mayor’s announcement at the council meeting, Berlin opted to lift the moratorium with a gradual, phased-out approach to ease the new hire into the position. The proposal includes lifting the ban on final site plan approvals while maintaining the pause on rezoning requests and annexations for an additional 45 days.
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Berlin’s moratorium on final site plan approval, rezoning, and annexation will begin a phased-out approach as the town secures a new planning director.

17/01/2025

OC advances sports complex funding mechanism exploration

Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Jan. 17, 2025) City officials have agreed to pursue a contract with a national firm as it looks to develop a business improvement district to fund a proposed sports complex.
On Tuesday, Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo came before the Mayor and City Council with a recommendation to implement an alternative funding source for a proposed sports complex and to contract with Civitas, a national consulting firm, to assist with the funding mechanism’s development.
Officials say the funding source – called a business improvement district (BID), or a tourism investment district (TID) – could provide the city with the money it needs to develop an indoor-outdoor facility in northern Worcester County.
“Ultimately, the goal is going to be to request that we take the next steps to establish a TID or BID – whatever we choose it to be,” Perlozzo told the council this week. “I will mention, whether we establish it or not, does not mean that we have to use that tool. It means it's available to us.”
In December, the Mayor and City Council, at the recommendation of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force, agreed to explore a BID, in which businesses would be charged a fee, or tax, that is then passed on to the consumer. Revenues generated within that district would then be used to either supplement or replace the city's plan to use room tax dollars to fund the project.
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City officials have agreed to pursue a contract with a national firm as it looks to develop a business improvement district to fund a proposed sports complex.