OC Today-Dispaatch JANUARY 10, 2025
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FAMILY OUTING Three family members take a stroll on an empty Boardwalk during Monday’s snowstorm, although it appears that one of them likes to run ahead. See pages 32-33 for more photos.
Assessments go (way) up
Legislature gets parties started
Owners of residential properties in Tax Group 1 — Berlin, Ocean Pines, Dems, GOP members face Bishopville and everything between — see an average increase of 30% in state’s big budget shortfall. their assessments over 2022.— PAGE 20 Local impacts.— PAGE 16
ORTT OUT, TOUCH OF ITALY WINS FIVE-YEAR PINES FOOD AND BEVERAGE DEAL — PAGE 6
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OC Today-Dispatch
JANUARY 10, 2025
JANUARY 10, 2025
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OC Today-Dispatch
Study recommends smaller police force in Ocean City By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 10, 2025) While acknowledging that some operational changes were needed, a recent manpower study conducted by the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) did not recommend that the Ocean City Police Department increase its number of sworn officers. However, Interim Police Chief Michael Colbert told the Mayor and Council on Wednesday that the department still stood by the city’s plan to increase total manpower to 125 sworn officers this year, arguing that the report failed to consider the city’s “unique policing environment” when making the recommendation to cap that number at 118. “We feel that the CPSM manpower recommendation did not fully account for Ocean City’s unique environment, even though they talked about our unique demands,” he said. “They took this into account, but not to a degree that we believe was warranted. We continue to see rising demand for police services during the shoulder seasons, and OCPD does not fully agree and believes maintaining the July 2024 manpower increase of 125 sworn officers is critical to maintaining quality service for the town and for the citizens of Ocean City.” In recent weeks, the Town of Ocean City received the 202-page study, which analyzed all aspects of the police department’s operations, including staffing, workload and level of crime. The study
also listed 108 recommendations, which ranged from improving internal communications and work-life balance to civilianizing certain positions currently filled by sworn officers. “They felt that we should get better at creating a career track for professional civilian staff,” he explained. “So when they talk about professional staff, they talk about civilians that work for the department.” Only one recommendation addressed manpower, Colbert said. He said the agency recommended 118 officers. “They knew we had 120,” he said. “They didn’t recommend a reduction. What they did is they recommended two fewer officers assigned to the patrol division … They were specifically geared toward patrol. So at the time we had 88 sworn officers on patrol, and they recommended fewer.” When asked if the study made a manpower recommendation for public safety officers, Colbert said it did not. However, he noted the study pointed out the importance of the program, which will bolster the department’s numbers this summer. He said the department’s goal is to employ 70 public safety officers this year. “They encouraged us to continue with that program,” he said. With the study now complete, Colbert told council members this week that the department would review and prioritize the study’s recommendations and develop an implementation strategy.
Revenue plummets for north OC beach stand franchises By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 10, 2025) Officials say revenue from a recent beach equipment rental franchise auction declined. On Wednesday, the Ocean City Council voted to award contracts for north-end beach equipment stand parcels to six successful bidders. City Clerk Diana Chavis reported that two of the available parcels received no bids, and that north-end revenues declined by 24 percent from the prior auction. “But overall, the franchise sees a 3.76 percent reduction. It’s at $1.4 million,” she said. Ocean City franchises 70 beach equipment parcels in three sections – south end, mid beach and north end. Each year, one of the three sections is auctioned off, with the highest qualified bidder receiving a three-year contract to rent umbrellas, chairs and cabanas on the beach. The city’s code also provides one option for first-term contract renewals at an annual fee 10 percent greater than the initial term. This year, operators of two north-end
parcels exercised their option to renew their first-year contracts. In December, the remaining 16 parcels were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Two mid-beach parcels with no bids last year were also included in this year’s bidding process, the city reported, as well as two southend parcels that were surrendered upon the operator’s move to Florida. Chavis reported that three of 20 available parcels received no bids during last month’s auction. When the city received inquiries about those parcels, a sealed bid process commenced, and once sealed bid was received. In total, 18 of the parcels were auctioned off to the highest bidder. This year’s auction resulted in revenues of $169,815, or $53,755 less than the previous north-end auction. After a brief discussion, the council this week voted 5-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent and Council President Matt James abstaining, to award the parcels to the successful bidders, and to collect the remaining $23,300 balance from the operator of the two south-end parcels.
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JANUARY 10, 2025
Appellate court supports resort BZA finding Condo owners fight against variances allowing elevator at neighbor’s townhouse By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 10, 2025) A legal battle over a proposed elevator shaft at an oceanfront townhome in Ocean City concluded last week with the state’s appellate court upholding a Worcester County Circuit Court decision. In June 2023, Surfside 84 condominium owners Ann Zang and Matthew Lubart went to court to challenge an Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals decision that sided with neighboring townhome owners Stephen and Deborah Peroutka, who gained variances to construct an elevator at their unit.
Last Tuesday, the Appellate Court of Maryland upheld the local court’s judgment, which denied Zang and Lubart’s petition to reverse the board’s decision. “As we have already concluded, there was substantial evidence before the Board to support a conclusion that Mr. Peroutka’s disability prevented him from safely using the stairs, and that, without an elevator, he would be unable to access the living floors of the Townhouse,” the Dec. 31 opinion reads. “In addition, it is evident that any benefit afforded by the grant of the variances to allow for the construction of an elevator is related to Mr. Peroutka’s disability. Therefore, the Board correctly concluded that the variances were a necessary accommodation.” In September 2021, the Peroutkas applied for a variance with the city’s
board of zoning appeals to construct an elevator within the side setback of their four-story townhome, located between 84th and 85th streets. The family sought to install an elevator for Stephen Peroutka, who had been diagnosed with medical conditions that affected his ability to walk and climb stairs. However, the Surfside 84 Condominium Association objected to the variance request, arguing the elevator shaft would obstruct the ocean views of condo units located closest to the family’s townhome. The board denied the request for the variance. But after the mandatory four-month waiting period expired, the Peroutkas reapplied for the variances, but did so as a request for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Following a May 12, 2022 public hearing, during which representatives for both the applicant and the neighboring condominium association made their cases, the appeals board voted unanimously to grant the requested variances “as a reasonable and necessary accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability.” While the condominium association argued that the board should consider “less obtrusive” alternative locations for the elevator, representatives for the applicant – including an architectural consultant and a contractor – argued the alternatives would affect off-street parking and the interior layout. “The Board found that the partial loss of ocean view from the four ‘D Stack’ condominium units, including Appellants’ condo, was a reasonable and necessary accommodation, and that the requested modifications to the zoning code would not fundamentally alter the plan for development and regulation of Ocean City,” the appellate court opinion reads. With a decision made, both Zang and Lubart filed a petition for judicial review in Worcester County Circuit Court. And in June 2023, following the court’s ruling to deny the petition, Zang and Lubart appealed the case to the Appellate Court of Maryland with three questions for the court to consider – was there substantial evidence to support the board’s determination, did the circuit court apply the correct See HIGH Page 10
Inside thiss we ee k Calendar ..............................29 Classifieds ..........................31 Crossword ............................28 Dining Guide ........................42 Editoral/Letters....................54 Entertainment ......................26 Horoscope ............................29 Obituaries ............................57 Police/Crime........................23 Public Notices ......................36 Sports ..................................61 NEWS INQUIRIES: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES INQUIRIES: sales@oceancitytoday.net CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net 410-723-6397 Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md 21842
JANUARY 10, 2025
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OC Today-Dispatch
OVER $30 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2024 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203
NANCY REITHER-SMITH
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11602 S HILLS DRIVE BERLIN, MD • $1,849,900
Stunning 4BR/4.5BA Home– A Must-See! Welcome to this breathtaking 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom brick colonial home, located in a prestigious Ocean Pines neighborhood. With a spacious 4,760 square feet of living space, this exceptional property offers the perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern comforts. Built by the renowned T & G Builders, the home is available for immediate occupancy, and at just $178 per square foot, it presents a rare opportunity in today’s market. The home features a three-car garage, ensuring your vehicles are well-protected from the elements. Additionally, if you're a boating enthusiast, slips may become available at the nearby Pines Point Marina, or you can rent one to keep your boat close by. As you approach the home, the classic brick exterior exudes timeless charm and durability, offering minimal maintenance while maintaining an exceptional curb appeal. MLS MDWO2023024
Welcome to your dream home, crafted by the prestigious RBR HOMES LLC! This exquisite 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath coastal farmhouse is nestled in the sought-after Triple Crown Section of Ocean Pines, where coastal charm meets modern luxury. As you approach, the inviting front covered porch beckons you inside. Step into a bright, airy atmosphere featuring warm wood tones and luxurious vinyl floors paired with crisp white walls throughout. The heart of the home is a beautifully designed kitchen, boasting abundant storage, stunning quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and tasteful wood accents that blend functionality with style. Entertaining is a breeze with a spacious dining area that seamlessly connects to a two-story vaulted family room, complete with a cozy gas fireplace—perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings. MDWO2023592
Recently remodeled 5BR/4.5BA waterfront estate on 2+ acres with boat slip hits the market! If you are looking for an incredible home on a beautiful piece of property with breathtaking views overlooking Assateague Island, look no further. This home boasts 6,482 sq. ft. of luxury and comes with boat slip #3. Upgrades recently completed: Outside exterior painted, interior painted, complete remodel of all bathrooms throughout the home, new kitchen floor, upgraded lighting, new refrigerators, landscaping, HVAC system are newer as well. You could not build this home for the asking price. MDWO2020966
Stunning 2BR/2BA Direct Bayfront Condo with Million Dollar Views! Welcome to your dream retreat, where breathtaking sunsets await you every night. This condo is direct bayfront and has panoramic views that will leave you speechless. As you step inside, you’ll immediately fall in love with the thoughtfully designed floor plan that maximizes space and comfort offering 1245 sq ft. The chef-inspired kitchen is a delight, featuring abundant cabinet and counter space, perfect for crafting gourmet meals. The dining area seamlessly flows from the kitchen, making it ideal for family gatherings while you enjoy picturesque views of the water. The spacious family room is designed for entertaining, opening up to a massive bayfront deck where you can unwind and soak in the cool summer breezes. Whether it’s morning coffee or evening cocktails, this outdoor space is your personal paradise. Retreat to the generous primary bedroom, complete with an en suite bathroom. The second bedroom is also spacious, accompanied by a second full bath and a laundry area, making this condo as functional as it is beautiful. With two parking spaces and access to a large swimming pool and sun deck, relaxation is just steps away. This prime location is conveniently situated mid-town, just two blocks from the beach and close to a variety of restaurants and shops. Don’t miss your chance to own this slice of paradise—schedule your private showing today! MLS MDWO2026626
MOVE-IN READY 2 BR, 1 BA CONDO
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202 S. HERON DRIVE UNIT 204C BAYWATCH II • OCEAN CITY $539,900
733 BRADLEY ROAD OCEAN CITY
Welcome to this exquisite end-unit condo in the desirable Baywatch II community, located in the heart of Heron Harbour. Offering spacious living and breathtaking waterfront views, this larger 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home boasts a highly sought-after floor plan that is perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. The condo is being sold fully furnished and has been well maintained. Residents of this community enjoy two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, and access to peaceful sidewalks and piers for walking and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. MDWO2026948
$2,800,000
MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT $2.1 MILLION EACH $4.2 MILLION TOTAL
Welcome to a truly exceptional residence where luxury meets waterfront tranquility. This stunning 5-bedroom, 6-full-bathroom, and 2-half-bathroom Bayfront home, epitomizes coastal elegance with 145 feet of direct bay frontage and captivating southern exposure. Step through the elegant front door and be immediately entranced by the intricate details and high-end upgrades throughout. MDWO2014714
This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059926 DESU2059940
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424 LARK LANE #E303 OCEAN CITY • $273,900 This 2BR/1BA condo is currently being used as an Airbnb and the rental income is amazing. The condo is being sold furnished and is in move in ready condition. It is close to restaurants, shops, Jolly Roger, the boardwalk and beach. The complex has a large outdoor pool. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MDWO2020908 PRIME WATERFRONT LOT
10312 THIRTY KNOTS LANE GLENN RIDDLE • BERLIN • $1,390,000 Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community, featuring: Two championship golf courses, outdoor pool, The Ruth Chis Clubhouse, tennis courts, fitness center, billiard room, golf memberships, Jogging and walking paths, and a community room. Don't miss this rare chance to live in luxury with unparalleled views and exclusive amenities! Owner financing available. MDWO2023166
PRICE REDUCED!
COMMERCIAL Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical 34862 WEST LINE RD center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. SELBYVILLE, DE Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financ$3,900,000 ing is available. MLS DESU184528
COMMERCIAL
32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $7,900,000
Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
COMMERCIAL C-1
MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT $2.1 MILLION EACH $4.2 MILLION TOTAL This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932 DESU2059922
Start the Year with Your Dream Beach Home - Where Every Day Feels Like a Vacation! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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JANUARY 10, 2025
OC Today-Dispatch
Touch of Italy inks 5-year OPA food contract By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Jan. 10, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association has secured a five-year deal with Touch of Italy Group as the community’s new food and beverage contractor for their three service locations — the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, the Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City and the Clubhouse Bar and Grille. When Touch of Italy takes over, it intends to serve an expanded American cuisine and fresh seafood menu. The company will also uphold the free summer concerts on the Yacht Club patio. The official start date is yet to be determined, but it will be announced on the community’s website at oceanpines.org and at a town hall meeting. The food and beverage contract with Touch of Italy was signed during a special OPA Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The governing body voted to hire the restaurant group to handle food and beverage operations, taking over for Matt Ortt Companies, whose contract ends this year. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to raise the bar in Ocean Pines,” Touch of Italy financial operations overseer Rick Lawrence said. “The pressure’s on, but we’re confident we’ll deliver.” On Sept. 13, the association announced that rather than simply renew Matt Ortt’s contract, which is nearing expiration, it would seek proposals for
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Touch of Italy representatives Robert Cipretti and Rick Lawrence, center back, are pictured with OPA Board members and staff on Wednesday.
managing its food service operations. At that time, OPA Board of Directors Vice President Rick Farr said the decision was based on a recommendation from the neighborhood’s legal counsel, Bruce Bright of Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy, and Almand, and the community’s bylaws as they pertain to the RFP (request for proposals) process. The OPA governing documents state that “all purchases and contracts for services or supplies for the Association shall, to the fullest extent practicable, be made by open competitive procedures.” “It is our fiduciary responsibility as board members to our community to follow our bylaws and governing documents and ensure all protocols are followed for the recommendations by our General Manager that is in the best interest of all of Ocean Pines membership,” Farr said in September.
Potential vendors had until Oct. 18 to submit their bids. The request yielded three responses — SoDel Concepts from Delaware, Touch of Italy, and incumbent Matt Ortt Companies. The board agreed to allow Viola to research the prospects and offer a recommendation for the full board. On Wednesday, Touch of Italy was ultimately selected as the new food and beverage contractor. Touch of Italy has three locations: one on 101 Second Street in Lewes, Delaware, one at 19724 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth, Delaware, and one at 6600 Coastal Highway in Ocean City. The restaurant group also has the Royal Prime Steakhouse at Bally’s in Dover, Delaware, and runs Sunset Island Bar and Grille at 1 Beach Side Drive in Ocean City. Now, Touch of Italy, founded by Bob Cipretti of Bethany Beach, will expand
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its reach even further, this time into Ocean Pines. During the group’s five-year contract with Ocean Pines, Lawrence emphasized that Ciprietti is committed to elevating the community’s dining experience and is “passionate about getting every flavor right and ensuring a high standard for every dish.” Matt Ortt Companies, which also operates Coastal Salt and the Ocean City Rum Shack on the 16th Street Boardwalk, came on as the community’s food and beverage service operator in March 2018, signing a two-year deal. The initial arrangement was extended by five years in 2020, which provided for a half-million dollar payout to the food and beverage service and a $19 per property owner subsidy by the Ocean Pines property owners. The association sought outside proposals upon the anticipated expiration of Matt Ortt’s contract, which has now resulted in new food and beverage operations management. “Touch of Italy has successfully managed a tiki bar operation in Ocean City, several thriving local restaurants, and a major banquet operation in Dover,” OPA General Manager John Viola said. “We expect they will bring all that expertise to Ocean Pines, making them an ideal fit for our community.” Per the terms of the request for proposals released last year, Touch of Italy will oversee the management and operations of the three food and beverage locations, including janitorial services, banquet functions, and the handling of live entertainment at the Yacht Club from Thursday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The company is also tasked with ensuring that the menu and pricing are of quality and variety, meeting Ocean Pines’ needs, administering staffing, coordinating events, and maintaining the facilities and equipment. “We want to be responsive, deliver exceptional quality, and earn the loyalty of Ocean Pines,” Lawrence said. “Our goal isn’t just to be the convenient choice. We want to be the first choice.” Lawrence added, “We’re so confident we can elevate the dining experience in Ocean Pines.”
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