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JANUARY 13, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Brakes applied to scooter-type rentals? Council appears on verge of ban on renting e-bikes, other speciality vehicles By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 13, 2023) The City Council’s attempts to come to a compromise on renting electric bicycles in Ocean City shifted into a whole new gear this week when the discussion turned to
the possibility of banning the rental of all personal mobility devices across the resort. “We constantly look for ways to improve safety on Coastal Highway; it’s an eight-lane highway dividing our town,” Councilman Will Savage said at a work session Tuesday before introducing a motion that would in part cease issuing new business licenses for the rental of all small motor-powered devices.
“We add streetlights, fences, demand people use crosswalks, walk smart,” he continued. “At the same time, we condone thrill rides being rented on Coastal Highway that consistently spill over into our residential communities and now we’re considering expanding that mayhem. That doesn’t make sense to me.” Savage, who was not on council yet when discussions on regulating electric bicycles began in the fall, has con-
See COUNCIL Page 3
Council voids right-of-way referendum Balt. Ave. properties will now be lumped together
PHOTO COURTESY CONNIE ALDERFER
ON REFLECTION
There’s nothing like the new year to pause for a moment of reflection, which is what local photographer Connie Alderfer did on her early morning walk on the beach when the calendar flipped over to 2023.
Dinky revenue leads to county ice rink’s end By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Jan. 13, 2023) Barely three years later, the Worcester County portable ice rink will melt into history.
In a 4-3 vote on Tuesday, the county commissioners decided to instruct Recreation and Parks Department staff to determine how the county could either sell or donate the
ice rink. The staff will also see if another county department could have a use for the cargo trailer used to transport the synthetic ice rink. See COUNTY Page 4
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 13, 2023) Ocean City voters will no longer be heading to the polls to determine whether the developers of a planned Margaritaville resort can officially take ownership and use a portion of a right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue for their project. But the matter is not dead, as dozens of other city-owned properties will soon be brought in as part of the overall revitalization of the downtown corridor from North Division to 15th streets. Council members voted unanimously at a work session Tuesday to rescind an ordinance allowing the city to abandon a 21-foot-wide rightof-way spanning the oceanside block between 13th and 14th streets on Baltimore Avenue. The measure was instituted at the request of the Margaritaville developers, who would want to use a portion of it for their project. The vote to withdraw the ordiSee RIGHT-OF-WAY Page 8
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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 13, 2023
JANUARY 13, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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ATLANTIC DENTAL A slingshot sits parked in front of a shopping center on 18th Street. If a newly proposed ordinance passes, vehicles like these, along with all other small motorized devices, will not be permitted for rental anywhere within city limits.
Council declares intentions to ban scooter, other rentals Continued from Page1 sistently argued against renting all three classes of the vehicles, along with eall other types of specialized mobility devices — two-wheeled and three-wheeled scooters included. In his motion, he named mopeds, ScootCoupes, electric and gas-powered scooters, one wheels, hoverboards, and the like. The motion also gives businesses that are licensed to rent those types of vehicles until April to prepare to discontinue the services. It passed six to one with Councilman John Gehrig opposed Staff members will develop an ordinance and bring it to council members to review and approve. Savage adamantly contended that these types of vehicles pose a safety risk, referencing police scanner traffic as proof, and harm the quality of life in neighborhoods. He said emergency personnel are challenged with
tending to calls for service involving the vehicles on Costal Highway, and residents complain about them wreaking havoc on the streets where they live. Councilwoman Carol Proctor added that she also does not support rental of the vehicles for similar reasons. “They just maneuver and handle differently,” she said. “I don’t agree with the rental of them.” Both Savage and Proctor agreed that they do not wish to prohibit the sale of the vehicles, as state law still allows them, but they contend rentals are a different animal. The original legislation regarding e-bikes was introduced to fill a gap left when council members voted to allow Class 1s — the lowest class most similar to regular bikes — but prohibit class 2s and 3s on the BoardSee E-BIKES Page 7
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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 13, 2023
County decides skating rink no frozen asset Continued from Page 1 Commissioners Jim Bunting, Chip Bertino, Eric Fiori and Caryn Abbott supported the measure while Commissioners Joe Mitrecic, Diana Purnell and Ted Elder opposed it. The ice rink was purchased back in 2019 — just months before covid shutdowns began. To purchase it, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to allow the Recreation and Parks Department to reallocate funds from special event savings. The purchase cost was $69,000, but with donations, the amount was brought down to $49,000, then recreation and parks Tom Perlozzo told the commissioners at the time (he is now Ocean City’s director of marketing and business development). With advertisements and sponsors, that cost could be even lower, he said before the purchase. The lack of advertisements and sponsors, however, is why four Commissioners, two of whom are new to the board, are willing to dash to the ice rink altogether. “If you go back and look at the minutes and video from when this rink was voted on — which I didn’t vote for to be purchased — it was presented to us that you were going to sell ads on the fencing and it was going to make money,” Bunting said.
The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to instruct county staff to figure out how to sell or donate its portable, synthetic ice rink, citing that it has not performed the way they were told could be expected.
“So far over the last four years you’ve sold one.” Recreation and Parks Director Kelly Rados was on hand to report on how the rink has performed since its purchase. She pointed out that the rink has had some “good” uses — including an annual Christmas event in Snow Hill and another similar event — but in the past year it’s only been used twice, a fact that commissioners supporting its sale identified as a reason. “If we don’t sell it, we do have to look at what the revenue sharing is and instill some type of rental fees,”
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Rados said. “That is something we’ve discussed internally that we need to look at for the next fiscal year.” The consensus among the minority opposition on the board was that it is a mistake to look at the ice rink as something that should generate money. Rather, it’s a public service to the people of Worcester County. “This (is) like many of our other recreational facilities and equipment that weren’t really designed to make money,” Mitrecic said. “They were designed to give the youth of our county or anybody in this case the chance to skate, the opportunity to do so where in fact they might not have it again. The cost of this as opposed to some of the other programs that we run with the Recreation Department is probably in line if not a little better. I think … to get rid of this is a disservice to the people, the citizenry of Worcester County.” Elder said that he wanted his colleagues to remember there are times when the business-first perspective doesn’t work for government and that
some entities, such as Recreation and Parks, should not be viewed as a moneymaker. “It’s not there to make money,” he said. “I would like to see some fees increased and some other things done to keep it from costing so much to the county but as Commissioner Mitrecic said, it is in line with many of the events and things going in in the Recreation Department. “I just believe that it’s been a positive outreach to the community and it’s something that we certainly get a lot of people with exercise and enjoinment out of it.” Elder also suggested that the county keep the ice rink and figure out ways to increase income from it. Purnell said the ice rink shows the commissioners’ appreciation for the county. “Is it making money or is it aiding the people of my community and making sure they’re taken care of and giving the kids something? We always put our emphasis on taking care See RINK Page 10
County Commissioners say no more mooring for Alyosha By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Jan. 13, 2023) The new conservative majority among the Worcester County Commissioners continued to make its intentions known on Tuesday when, minutes after voting to dump the county’s ice rink, it voted 5-2 to terminated the lease for the Alyosha sailboat’s slip at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. The county had just completed the first year of a five-year agreement with the operator of the 50-foot catamaran that states that they can dock the sailboat for $8,500 per year. The county also advertises on the sailboat, which cancels out all but $3,000 of the lease price for the operator. The lease will expire 90 days after the decision.
The boat has been in operation from the Memorial Day Weekend to the Labor Day Weekend and on Saturday and Sundays through September. “As everybody’s aware, I didn’t vote for this when it happened. I think the dock was better used for people … unloading their coolers (and not being) tied up while they’re awaiting the opportunity to reload their boat. I think that’s what the use of that dock area is for and putting this use there was wrong,” said Commissioners Jim Bunting Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he hasn’t heard any complaints about the Alyosha and suggested that the county doesn’t need to be advertising on the catamaran at all. He also pointed out that taking the full $8,500 would help See ALYOSHA Page 6
JANUARY 13, 2023
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Waterfront 6BR/3BA custom estate w/marina, bay, canal views, sunrises, and sunsets. There is a deepwater slip that can accommodate a 42’ boat providing easy access to the ocean at the inlet. Built by JN Custom Homes, known for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Close to world class marinas, fishing, multiple golf courses, Assateague Island, the Ocean City Boardwalk, and many restaurants. Come take a look at this dream home that has stunning, unmatched architectural style and a wonderful waterfront location. Contracts are being accepted now, in time for you to personalize this home and select your finishes. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO2010644
Luxurious direct waterfront living with breathtaking bay views. This is a 3BR/2.5 BA two level direct waterfront end unit townhouse in the amenity rich community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home is in the Sanctuary section of Heron Harbour and comes with a deeded boat slip directly out the back door. This spacious townhome is bright and airy and has been upgraded. As you walk in the front door you will fall in love with the open floor plan. The dining area is large and the upgraded kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar, white cabinets and a deck off the front of the breakfast nook. The family room flows off the dining area and is perfect for entertaining. There is also a fireplace making this a cozy year-round getaway. The flooring has been recently upgraded and replaced on the first level and stairs. There is also a powder room and washer and dryer on the first level. Being an end unit makes this townhome light and airy with a highly desirable floor plan. Off the family room is an expansive glass slider leading to a direct waterfront oversized deck. The decks have been upgraded as well with composite decking. There is also a storage closet on the back deck for beach chairs and bikes. On the second level is the waterfront master bedroom with upgraded master bath, beautiful tiled shower and a private deck. The other two bedrooms are spacious and perfect for family and friends. This lovely townhome is being sold furnished and shows pride of ownership. The deeded boat slip is directly in front of your unit. This is a perfect home to make memories that will last a lifetime. Heron Harbour Isle is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. The association has approved a siding replacement project the seller has paid the first $2,500 due in February the second installment is due May 1st which is $2,500 that the buyer will be responsible for paying. In addition, the seller has prepaid for many of the windows to be replaced. The buyer will get the benefit of all these improvements for years to come! MLS MDWO211464
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1303 MCHENRY CT BERLIN • $145,000 Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches. Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management. MLS MDWO2008616
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13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE • $370,000 Are you looking for that commercial piece with high visibility? Look no further this commercial tract is 14.33 acres on the corner of Route 113 and Route 610 across from Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. The possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678 COMMERCIAL
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10800 NAVY PAGE LN #407 BERLIN, MD $449,900 3BR/2.5BA condo overlooking the Marina, and boat slip 95 available to purchase. Sold fully furnished w/custom window treatments. Off the 2-story family room w/water views is a fully equipped kitchen w/breakfast bar, plenty of cabinet space, and a deck off the kitchen that can also be enclosed as a sunroom. Off the dining area is a reading/office space. Primary BR has expansive water/marina views w/spacious primary bath and his/her closets. On the next level you will find two additional waterfront BRs and a full BA. Plenty of closets and storage. There is also a single garage for your car, golf cart or toys. Community amenities include outdoor pool, tennis courts, fitness center, 2 golf courses, a fine dining restaurant w/an informal bar/lunch/HH area. All this w/in the gated community. Sellers used this as a 2nd home, and it shows pride of ownership. Sellers also own boat slip 95 which is in a highly desirable area of dock, and the boat slip can be purchased for an additional $70,000. MLS MDWO2011194
6226 KNOLL HILL DR • BERLIN • $995,000 This stunning 4BR/4BA home has OPEN WATER VIEWS and is in a wonderful neighborhood. A recently renovated Cape Cod w/a spacious backyard off South Point Road in Berlin, overlooks the water and Assateague Island. Home has open floor plan and an abundance of natural light. You will love the character of the hardwood floors, the upgraded baths and the lighting. There is an enormous composite deck in the back, 2-car garage, and storage area. 1.5 miles from Ocean City Golf Club, 1.5 miles from the Public Boat Ramp, 2.4 miles from Rum Point Golf Course, 6 miles from Assateague Island, 8.5 miles from Ocean City Airport, 9.4 miles from Sunset Marina and 10.5 miles from the Ocean City Boardwalk. MLS MDWO2007874
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! 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 2022 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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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 13, 2023
The Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 to terminate the county’s contract with the owner and operator of the Alyosha sailboat. The 50-foot catamaran has been docked at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor and some of the commissioners claim that it’s become a nuisance for recreational boaters.
Alyosha cast adrift by county Continued from Page 4 with the ice rink deficit. Mitrecic minced no words in telling his colleagues what he thought of their recent decisions. “I think it’s wrong to do this and, to be honest with you, if we’re going to spend the next months or whatever undoing what the previous board of commissioners did and what Mr. Perlozzo bought to us, I’m out. Call me when we want to do some real business,” Mitrecic said. When contacted, Steve Butz, the owner and operator of the Alyosha, also said he’s received no complaints from boaters about the presence of the catamaran. “I’m completely blindsided by this,” he said. “I was here 100 straight days over the summer, and never once was it an issue because my boat is typically out sailing.” Butz added that he’s hosted 18 weddings on the catamaran in the area and last year sailed more than 220 times, taking around 2,300 people with him. He’s been told by community members he’s a “true asset” to Worcester County. “I feel like Alyosha is a really unique amenity that brings people to West Ocean City and I’m completely clueless about why they wouldn’t want that kind of amenity in the county,” Butz said. Though he ultimately voted in favor of terminating the lease, Commissioner Ted Elder said it was wrong to “pull the rug out from under some-
body” after the county had made a deal with them. “(Doing that) has always been wrong,” Elder said. “I’ve lived up to my agreements and we should live up to ours.” Commissioner Eric Fiori, whose district the catamaran is docked in, also referred to the apparent nuisance the Alyosha is for recreational boaters. “I use that boat ramp on a regular basis and what I will say is that it has really affected the flow of the boat ramp and the delay that it’s taking time for folks to unload and load their boats because there’s nowhere for them to stage their boat.” “A boat of this size, if you were to rent this slip commercially … you’re talking about a pennies-on-the-dollar lease for the amount of real estate that this particular boat takes up. I don’t think it was a fair deal to start with and I don’t think it’s a fair deal for us to continue. I think the detriment that we’re having to our recreational boaters is far greater than the $8,500.” While Butz sees the decision as final, he hopes that the people of Worcester County will make their voices heard in support of the Alyosha. “I don’t know if I have any recourse,” he said. “I am very hopeful that the business community and the residents of Worcester County will let the commissioners — especially the newly elected commissioners — know how they feel about this sudden decision.”
JANUARY 13, 2023
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
E-bikes, scooters face rental ban in resort Continued from Page 3 walk, in city parks and on the beach. Another ordinance that failed would have permitted the rental, sale or repair of Class 1 and 2 e-bikes and allowed for the sale or repair of Class 3s, but prohibited rental of them across the resort. Council members argued against the inconsistency of allowing the rental of Class 1s and 2s, but prohibiting them for Class 3s, thus killing the ordinance. The denial effectively shot down the ability to license the rental or sale of any types of e-bikes, though, as the parameters
were included in the language. To fill the hole, staff introduced another ordinance — which has gone back to the drawing board with Savage’s motion Tuesday — that would have established licensing parameters for all classes of e-bikes, with Class 2s and 3s allowed by conditional use. Class 1 and 2 electric bikes can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour and Class 3s top out at 28. Councilman Tony DeLuca has spoken against the rental of higher class e-bikes since the beginning. He said
Tuesday that he recently took a straw vote among members of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which he chairs, and determined that the majority of them were not in favor of that ordinance. James, who has pushed for consistency in the regulations since the beginning, said he favored Savage’s change during Tuesday’s meeting. Buas voted in favor of it as well, but said that he would like to know how many current business owners would be affected by the change. Gehrig, who has argued against
prohibiting the sale or rental of ebikes from the beginning because of a lack of hard evidence that they pose any problems, argued that council should not ban things based on their own annoyances. He said he believes that was the main catalyst for Savage introducing the rental ban. “Just because it irritates us I don’t think it’s a reason to pass an ordinance,” he said. Gehrig also said he wants to ensure the council members get public comment before making any final decisions.
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REALTOR®
Licensed in MD & DE
410-493-3847 BrendaSG1944 @icloud.com
Fully furnished 4BR/3BA home located on a canal in mid-town Ocean City. Open living/dining area showcases LVP flooring, and a fireplace w/builtins. Kitchen offers quartz counter tops, tile flooring, and a pass-through window w/a breakfast bar. Lower level includes a bedroom, full bath, laundry room, and a game room that could be converted into a garage. Primary suite has LVP flooring and a bath w/walk-in shower. Recently hardscaped yard features paver walkway and 12x12 patio, as well as a cozy deck that overlooks the canal. Additional features include newer roof (2021), mini dock (2021), and windows (approximately 10 years old). Great location w/just a short distance to the Boardwalk, mini golf, restaurants, and all the other fun places Ocean City has to offer! Call for $1,274,900 your personal tour!
Large Loft, BR/2BA. Experience Island Living, Rare Navigable Waterfront w/180 Ft. Bulkhead. Breathtaking Sunrises and Sunsets! Main Floor has Open Floor Plan Living Room, Kitchen, w/New Granite Counters! Upper-Level Loft has 2 Spacious Rooms w/Fabulous Water Views of Tangier Sound!! Watch Boaters Sail by from the Marina. Home has Laundry Room, Double Car Garage w/High Bay Doors to Store Extra Large Items! Public Boat Ramp Less than 5 Minutes! Bring Your Boat, Jet Skis, Kayaks, Canoes. Owner Has More Renovations to Complete and will Work with Buyers to Choose Some Renovations of Their Choice! All Negotiations thru Listing Agent. Don't Let This Pass You By!!
New Price! $390,000
Terri
Bradford Associate Broker, GRI
Bethany
Drew
Associate Broker, GRI
Licensed in MD, DE
OAKMONT ESTATES
Contemporary-style one level 3BR/2BA home! Primary suite offers new carpeting, dual sink vanity, walk-in closet, soaking tub. Great room includes gas fireplace and new carpet which leads to an open kitchen/dining area and sunroom all w/new vinyl flooring. Lg laundry room off 2- $392,900 car garage adds storage. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity. Schedule your home today!
LARGE 3/4 ACRE WATERFRONT LOT
Greg
Brenda
WATERFRONT RETREAT!
In the Whitetail Sanctuary Section of Ocean Pines. New Boat Dock already in place for your Boating Enjoyment! Absolutely gorgeous views of Manklin Creek and the Isle of Wight Bay. Located at the end of a peaceful Cul-deSac. Opportunities like this don't come often! Please call for plans and details. $599,900
Terri: 410-430-6875 Bethany: 410-430-2602 www.PO2Team.com Powerof2@PO2Team.com
Cindy
Crockett REALTOR®, GRI Licensed in MD
410-430-0587 Cell Cindy@HilemanReal Estate.com
NEED SOME ELBOW ROOM?
How does 7 acres sound, with some major utilities already in place? Partly cleared and partly wooded, with a cleared building site, an 85 foot Well and Standard Septic installed in 2001. Existing chain link dog pen with concrete slab. Forest Conservation Easement and small area of non-tidal wetlands in rear. $179,900
Sonia
Zaffiris Associate Broker GRI, CRS
Licensed in MD, DE
410-251-6217 soniasez@aol.com