OC Today-Dispaatch JANUARY 17, 2025
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BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY/DISPATCH
Ocean City’s mayor and City Council face a packed room as they discuss a planning commission recommendation to limit short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods. A majority feared the council would enact a measure that would cost them income from their investment properties.
Short-term rental limit rejected US Wind The Ocean City Council says no way to the planning commission’s recommendation to require a 30-day minimum stay for short-term rentals in single-family residential neighborhoods. — PAGE 14
School system part of international breach Nefarious actors hack worldwide manager of student information — PAGE 27
fires back Reacting to county’s effort to stop its harbor plan, company warns of consequences. — PAGE 20
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OC Today-Dispatch
JANUARY 17, 2025
JANUARY 17, 2025
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OC Today-Dispatch
OC joins county in anti-wind PR campaign By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 10, 2025) 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 matches their funding amount up to $100,000. “While the scope of work with Bedrock is meant to be scalable as needed, at this point the county’s contribution to the campaign will not exceed $100,000,” Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young wrote in his request to the city. “We are asking the Town of Ocean City to match that amount. Further, there are private donations that are accumulating for this cause as well.” City Manager Terry McGean told the council Wednesday the county’s economic development office is soliciting donations to cover Bedrock’s campaign. However, whatever remained would be split equally between the two jurisdictions. “Their first initiative was working to help with the Sussex County conditional use request from US Wind,” McGean said of the public relations firm. “I think they were helpful in making sure the public was educated about that, as well as the commissioners. We’ve had a successful result, so the
staff recommendation would be to approve the expense.” Council President Matt James questioned what Bedrock would do, as both county and city officials have voiced their objections to the US Wind project for years. McGean said the focus was to focus the campaign on Annapolis and Delaware. “There’s a lot of discussion right now in the General Assembly about electric rates and about the power line that’s being proposed in the northern part of the state that has a lot of people upset,” he said. “So we think there may be an opportunity to revisit the entire project at some point during the General Assembly, and I think their efforts would be geared towards again, educating the public on the other side of the bridge and our elected officials throughout the state, not just locally.”
Meehan agreed, noting both the city and the county could capitalize on similar concerns Maryland residents had regarding the proposed transmission line. “This project will build these humongous towers that put in those the large transmission lines all the way through down to Virginia,” he said. “It’s amazing. They’re upset about some of the same things we’ve been upset about for seven-and-a-half years, how it affects their property values, their vistas, their way of life and all these things. So that’s created some doubt. You know, it’s created an opportunity for us to jump in with our messaging as well.” With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the contribution.
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JANUARY 17, 2025
City staff working to execute parking changes Transportation department eliminating parking kiosks, revamping programs, more By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 17, 2025) Public works officials continue to work behind the scenes to implement a series of parking changes presented to the Mayor and Council last month. During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, Transit Manager Rob Shearman said one of those initiatives included the elimination of most parking kiosks throughout town. While visitors will now be expected to pay for parking using the ParkMobile app, the council last month agreed to keep kiosks at the Inlet parking lot for one
more year. “Toward this effort, we have completed the survey of existing signs, and we’ve made a pretty significant outreach to other municipalities that have done this to obtain recommendations on what signage they have put in place and what’s the spacing of those signs, how many signs at each location,” he said. In addition to developing best practices for signage, Shearman said various departments – including tourism, the mayor’s office, and the police department – were working together on public outreach. Mayor Rick Meehan said he wanted to encourage visitors to download the ParkMobile app before coming to Ocean City. “We’re hitting all fronts in terms of getting this message out there, as to
what the changes are going to look like,” Shearman said. Officials added that they have also met with representatives from the Ocean City Development Corporation to discuss the expansion of paid parking. They are also working with city staff to develop resolutions and ordinances that would allow the city to incorporate new event parking rates, ocean block parking rates and more. “We’re working on putting those proposals together for council to consider at a future meeting,” Shearman said. Shearman also noted the city is looking to revamp its “orange dot” program, in which the city makes free parking accommodations for those owning property in front of or adjacent to metered on-street parking. He also said the city would continue to
survey the Caine Woods community as it considers a residential permit zone. “The consensus is we don’t want to jump the gun and put a residential permit program in place until we’re sure that it’s really necessary,” he said. Lastly, city staff provided an update on church parking. While the city has historically allowed free courtesy parking at metered areas near houses of worship during service times, officials noted the practice was never documented or formalized. And when the city’s parking division was established in 2024, newly hired parking enforcement officers began ticketing churchgoers at those metered spaces. Public Works Deputy Director Scott Wagner said since the issue was first presented to the Mayor and City Council last month, he has met with all seven churches located near metered parking areas. He said he was proposing the city give the churches unenforced parking during certain hours. “Assuming I don’t hear any rebuttal from council or Terry [McGean, city manager] on that, I’m going to go back and meet with them individually,” he explained. Meehan said he supported a policy that would address the issue. “This way, it won’t be a question,” he said.
Inside this week Calendar ..............................38 Classifieds ..........................40 Crossword ............................34 Dining Guide ........................32 Editoral/Letters....................62 Entertainment ......................30 Horoscope ............................35 Obituaries ............................66 Police/Crime........................24 Public Notices ......................43 Sports ..................................69 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
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JANUARY 17, 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
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261 CHARLESTON ROAD OCEAN PINES • $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
MOVE-IN READY 2 BR, 1 BA CONDO
73 KING RICHARD ROAD TRIPLE CROWN OCEAN PINES • $749,900 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
DIRECT BAYFRONT 2BR/2BA
Welcome to this stunning coastal-inspired 4BR/2BA home, located just 1.5 miles from the beach in the highly desirable Lake Bethany neighborhood. Set on a corner lot, this residence offers multiple outdoor living spaces, perfect for entertaining family and friends while enjoying the beauty of nature. As you enter the main level, you're greeted by an abundance of natural light, soaring ceilings, exposed wood beams, and custom windows throughout. The open concept living area exudes warmth and charm, providing an airy and spacious environment for gatherings. A cozy gas fireplace offers the perfect ambiance for those cooler fall and winter evenings. The chef 's kitchen is a dream, featuring elegant granite countertops, a breakfast bar, and white cabinetry with plenty of storage space. Beautiful hardwood floors seamlessly flow into the dining area, creating an inviting space for casual meals or family gatherings. Off the family room is a large screened-in porch, ideal for sipping morning coffee or unwinding in the evening. Step outside onto the spacious deck, perfect for hosting crab feasts or BBQs with friends and family. This level also includes two well-appointed bedrooms and a fully renovated bathroom with a custom shower. One of the bedrooms features custom bedding and shiplap walls, creating a charming nautical atmosphere. The second bedroom is cozy and welcoming, perfect for family or guests. A convenient laundry room completes this level. On the next floor you will find the primary suite, which is both spacious and filled with natural light from large windows. A private deck offers a peaceful retreat, while a fourth bedroom on this level provides additional space for family or guests. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the lower-level space, featuring swings, kayak storage, and an outdoor shower – perfect for rinsing off after a day at the beach. The large firepit in the yard adds to the home's charm and creates the ideal setting for evening gatherings. With ample parking and access to community amenities, including pickleball and tennis courts, as well as lake privileges perfect for kayaking, this home offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle. The low HOA fee of just $175 per year adds to the appeal of this exceptional property. Don’t miss your chance to own this stunning home within the town limits of Bethany, with easy access to the beach via bike, trolley, or car, and the added benefit of a Town of Bethany residential parking permit. Your perfect coastal retreat awaits! DESU2076354
COMMERCIAL C-1
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5401 COASTAL HIGHWAY UNIT 204 OCEAN CITY • $434,900 424 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
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
733 BRADLEY ROAD OCEAN CITY $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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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 professional center, etc. Lot is 34862 WEST LINE RD center, Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! SELBYVILLE, DE cleared. Owner Financing is available. $3,900,000 MLS DESU184528
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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
HERON HARBOUR 3BR, 2BA CONDO
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202 S. HERON DR. UNIT 204C BAYWATCH II • OCEAN CITY $539,900
MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT $2.1 MILLION EACH $4.2 MILLION TOTAL
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
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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OC Today-Dispatch
Tandem parking, workforce housing code changes pass
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City council adopts several ordinances, resolution for updated rental license fees
idential neighborhoods, Gehrig said he didn’t want to eliminate them. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, however, said the code change was part of a larger effort to implement a licensing scheme for short-term rentals. By Bethany Hooper “If there is going to be one, then it Associate Editor (Jan. 17, 2025) City officials last belongs here in Chapter 14,” she exweek adopted code changes that relax plained. “Moving forward, if the parking for accessory workforce town, for example, wants to preclude housing and allow tandem parking all rentals in the R-1, then we have to make sure the code says that. If the for residential uses. During last Wednesday’s regular town wanted to allow short-term meeting, the Mayor and Council rentals in R-1, with certain restricvoted to adopt Ordinance 2024-24, tions, we would have to change the which will allow accessory housing code to make that clear. So there’s a projects that are subject to a condi- tremendous amount of code cleanup tional use process to establish re- that has to be done, but we have to quired parking on the same lot or a start somewhere.” lot no more than 1,200 feet from the Stansbury noted that proposed building being served. The change, short-term rental regulations would officials say, was presented in an ef- come before the council at its Jan. 14 fort to attract more employee housing meeting. For his part, Gehrig questioned if such changes should be done projects. The council last week also adopted concurrently. “My big question is, in the next few a zoning amendment that allows residential properties to meet off-street weeks, wouldn’t we be violating our parking requirements through tan- own code?” he said. “Aren’t we creatdem parking (stacked parking in ing a situation where we’re knowwhich one car is parked behind an- ingly, with bookings happening daily other), without the need to seek a now, are we violating our code? And variance from the city’s board of zon- shouldn’t we just go through the coning appeals. Officials say the tandem versation and just sign the deal tospaces cannot be shared with other gether?” Stansbury said the addition of properties and no more than one space could be stacked behind the short-term rental housing units is other. meant to clarify that there is a license “Tandem parking, as a concept, for short-term rentals. “One of the many things the shortwas not something that was delineated in your code,” City Solicitor term rental program is trying to do is Heather Stansbury told the council. to make sure that people have busi“We know of several developers who ness licenses for a variety of reasons,” at one point would seek to come be- she told the council. “And so this orfore the BZA to get tandem parking. dinance acknowledges that there are So this is now establishing tandem short-term rentals, the details of parking and setting the requisite di- which will come on Tuesday … But mensions for that tandem parking.” this is establishing the concept of this The council last Wednesday also being a business.” Lastly, the council last week voted supported a code amendment that would require site plan applications to adopt a resolution that updates for improvements greater than 500 rental license fees and establishes a square feet – rather than the current supplementary short-term rental li250 square feet – to go before the cense fee. City Manager Terry McGean planning commission for approval, as said the funds will be used to support well as a code change to add “short- the city’s enforcement program. “If you remember, when we came term rental housing unit” under lito you in August, we needed to raise censed occupations. However, Councilman John the fees to support additional manGehrig questioned how that change power and resources we were going would affect current short-term to need to implement this whole prorentals in the R-1 residential district. gram with additional inspections and “In this code, if we make this a everything,” he explained. “We business – and a business is not al- thought we’d do the new fees now, lowed in R-1 – then won’t we be because when the new rental licenses killing short-term rentals in the R-1?” go out, they need to reflect the new he asked. fee, and that happens very shortly. While acknowledging that he Whereas all the requests for addiwanted to implement some controls tional manpower and resources for short-term rentals located in res- would come during budget time.”
www w..octodaydispatch.com
JANUARY 17, 2025
OC Today-Dispatch
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JANUARY 17, 2025
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OC Today-Dispatch
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