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JANUARY 20, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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A proposed Margaritaville hotel is still advancing at 13th and 14th streets downtown – Page 13
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‘Historical’ talks lead to agreement between city, IAFF New deal good through June 2027 comes with cost-of-living increases
PHOTO COURTESY RYAN WHITTINGTON
Ocean City International Association of Firefighters Local 4269 President Ryan Whittington, left, and City Manager Terry McGean, right, sign a new labor agreement between the union and the Town of Ocean City Tuesday in City Hall.
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 20, 2023) After an informal and reportedly amicable bargaining process, members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 4269 and Ocean City government have inked a new agreement that features higher pay and larger pension contributions. “It was a focus on cooperation,” IAFF President Ryan Whittington told City Council members Tuesday after they approved the signing of a new labor agreement through June 30, 2027. “It was a focus on us having a shared purpose and it was out of the traditional collective that we [have seen] in years past,” he continued. “Because of that we had a lot of deep conversations. I think that it was educational for our members as well as the city manager and myself.” Members of the union requested meetings last year with city officials to go over some details of their contract, which was set to expire in 2024. City Manager Terry McGean said the negotiations, which were held with union members, his staff and See ALL Page 4
County clears way for room tax increase Commissioners start formal process of allowing resort to go to six cents on dollar By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Jan. 20, 2023) Worcester County is wasting no time this year in pursuing a higher room tax option for Ocean City. On Tuesday, the County Commissioners unanimously approved a letter to be sent to the other code counties on the Eastern Shore — Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne’s — formally asking
for their support as the Worcester delegation pursues the legislation at the state level. “This is a continuation of our efforts to request the (Maryland) General Assembly pass enabling legislation that would allow us to raise the room tax cap from 5 percent to 6 percent,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said at the meeting. Last year, the Town of Ocean City sent a letter to the county asking to raise the cap, but the steps along the way proved to be too much to complete by the end of the 2022 legislative session.
From the beginning, Del. Wayne Hartman and State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza were making up ground. Due to how late the directive was given to the delegation, they missed the deadline to introduce legislation. Then came the realization that the other code counties would be needed. A code county is a “home rule” county in which the county commissioners have more latitude in enacting or repealing local laws. State law, however, stipulates that tax laws are beyond the jurisdiction of code counties, and since taxes are See ROOM Page 4
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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 20, 2023
JANUARY 20, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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Plans for a proposed 90-room luxury hotel on an empty lot at 700 S. Philadelphia Ave. on the Ocean City inlet are shown in a rendering. The project received a one-year extension on previous Board of Zoning Appeals approvals last week after running into some hold-ups with parking.
Ocean City inlet hotel plans receive one-year extension By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 20, 2023) Plans for an eightstory hotel at a prime waterfront lot near Sunset Park remain on track are but taking longer than expected as developers work out parking and other details. Members of the resort’s Board of Zoning Appeals voted last week to grant a one-year extension on previous parking and setback approvals for the 90-room luxury hotel planned for a pie-shaped, 45,742 square-foot lot at 700 S. Philadelphia Ave. “We’ve been working on the site” local attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents the owner and developer, told BZA members at their Jan. 12
meeting. “[The owner has] diligently pursued this project but given a project of this size and complexity of the project, we’d like to ask for another year,” he continued. The request and subsequent unanimous vote specifically extends an approval of a special parking exception that allows for smaller dimensions than the code permits on 11 compact spaces, as well as variances on setbacks for the construction. The project has faced some challenges since it was introduced a year ago, most notably with the provision of parking. First, at the late January meeting See BZA Page 6
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Ocean City Today
JANUARY 20, 2023
Fire departments prep for new development By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Jan. 20, 2023) These days, it feels like every week someone is proposing, breaking ground on or finishing up a new community in Worcester County, especially in the northern end. The Worcester County Planning Commission, one of the entities that signs off on such developments, has taken notice of this trend and what it means for fire and EMS infrastructure. “As we’ve seen, we have over 100 new units going in in Ocean City or Worcester County,” commission member Mary Knight said at a meeting earlier this month. “Within the
next two years, we’re going to have so many new residents.” “(I’d like to see) if there’s some way (we could) just make a note or have some coordination to the fire chiefs to the area so they can adequately plan. They’re working right now on a committee to look at Worcester County as a whole … to keep that response time down reasonably.” Knight noted that she’s spoken with Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers regarding the preparedness of his department, and others in the area. “When we have new development (like we do now), there is always the
All parties happy with how negotiations were handled Continued from Page 1 former Councilmen Mark Paddack and Lloyd Martin, were done informally and resulted in a deal that benefits both sides. “I think we had very productive meetings,” McGean said. “I know the council has indicated that our employees are our most important resource and I think this reflects that.” The new agreement extends the contract through 2027 and includes raises for employees beyond what the former agreement promised, increases in IAFF members’ contribution to the pension plan, provides a Deferred Retirement Option Plan, and extends retiree health care benefits to those hired after 2013. The adjustments will cost a total $590,000 to implement. Specifically, the wage rate table will be changed this year to reflect 2 percent cost-of-living adjustments for all classifications and steps, with employees in the fire marshal’s office placed at the lowest step in grade for their classifications. Within the new grades, the increase will be at least 5 percent over what they received in
N
Price Reducedd!
2022. Beginning in 2024 and annually through the remainder of the contract, employees will receive 3 percent cost-of-living adjustments and advance one step in the pay table, or receive $1,000 bonuses if they are already at the top tier. Whittington called the striking of the deal “historical,” as it occurred smoothly with full blessings from council and staff. “I think about the productive relationships and the cooperation that we see. It’s those types of partnerships between our government leaders and our employees that actually improve our service delivery,” he said. “And I think that this council has made this clear that you want to be productive. You want to be cooperative and that’s something we haven’t seen in years past.” Following the council’s unanimous 6-0 vote, with Councilman John Gehrig absent, several IAFF members, who included both acting and retired firefighters, fire marshals and paramedics, joined city officials in signing the agreement on Tuesday.
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opportunity for additional calls, incidents, et cetera,” Bowers said when reached by phone Wednesday. “Within Ocean City, we have a good planning process. Everybody is connected. Improvements have been made in Worcester County. Certainly, (Worcester County) Fire Marshal (Matt Owens) can speak to that. They’re making sure there is communication between planning and the fire department. They know what type of construction is going on, occupancy, et cetera.” Bowers added that the Town of Ocean City has a “good process” and the county’s process is improved with better communication and partnerships. Owens, when reached by phone Wednesday, said that he and Bowers have discussed monthly meetings with the fire marshal’s office and the
10 county fire companies to keep abreast of all new developments and needs. “There is a coordinated effort between our office and the 10 fire companies to make sure that the development is not overtaxing their response capabilities,” Owens said. Owens said at the next meeting he’ll be reporting on new projects that have been submitted to the Worcester County Technical Review Committee, the first county stop for any new development. “Even before that (meeting), we get plans in the office, the beginning stages, the TRC agenda, we send that out to whatever fire companies are projected,” he said. “Electronically, we try to stay connected and then the face-to-face meeting monthly through the chiefs association, we’ll discuss it there as well.”
Room tax increase decision ultimately up to legislature Continued from Page 1 state matters, it cannot alter the tax structure for one county without the consent of other counties in the same class. So, ultimately, a raise to the room tax cap had to be pushed back one more year. But now that the calendar has turned to 2023, the county’s position seems to be much stronger to get legislation passed this year. “I spoke with the other code counties up at (the Maryland Association of Counties convention this year) and none of them saw a problem with it moving forward,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who represents Ocean City, said. Young pointed out that this legislation if passed does not in itself raise the room tax cap for Worcester or any other the other code counties. It simply gives each of them the option to do so. Ocean City officials see the tax in-
crease as a way to help fund potential projects that could help turn the resort into a year-round destination. The commissioners would need to unanimously approve raising the room tax once the legislation was passed. Though the commissioners voted unanimously to send the letter, it is unclear if they would unanimously agree to allow the increase, should the legislation pass at the state level. Last year, the commissioners voted to ask state legislators to increase the cap — which occurred before anyone realized that other code counties had to agree —but it only passed 4-2. Commissioners Jim Bunting and Chip Bertino opposed the measure. Further, new commissioners Eric Fiori and Caryn Abbott have replaced Bud Church and Josh Nordstrom, respectively, and both have thus far voted with Bunting and Bertino on other financial matters.
JANUARY 20, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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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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6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 • BERLIN $649,000 Waterfront home site hits the market! 5+ acres on a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island’s 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. The possibilities are endless... Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO2011146 COMMERCIAL
WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $270,000 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 center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
TAXID 533-17.00-156.07 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $990,000
0 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $490,000 7.29 acres hits the market! Minutes from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants. This piece has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028756
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34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,099,000 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 center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
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GEORGETOWN RD BERLIN $160,000 Build your dream house! If you are looking for some acreage look no further, this property is 3.016 acres. This property is just off Route 113 and close to Berlin, America's coolest small town. The property is conveniently located near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA to worry about let's start the process and get exactly what you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248
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Commercial land 3.94acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville. This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00-156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLS- DESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754
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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
LAND
36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,615,000 Prime Location!!! If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential w/prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These two parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are w/in the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City and Fenwick Island. Offered at $2,615,000. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MLS DESU185186
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
BERLIN
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 20, 2023
Digital Ocean City Boardwalk tram ads get closer to reality By Mallory Panuska the setup with the current LED backStaff Writer lit displays; amortizing the cost (Jan. 20, 2023) Plans to outfit the across the six-year contract term; or resort’s Boardwalk trams with digital having the company pay for it outads are gaining traction for this sum- right and take ownership at the end mer, and if implemented could end of their contract. In response to a request for a recup flowing more cash into the city’s ommendation on the options, Sheartransportation budget. Members of the resort’s Trans- man and Public Works Director Hal portation Committee voted last week Adkins said, despite some pushback to begin the steps to transition the in the past about tram ads overall, space on the city’s eight rear tram that it is good idea pursue digital ads for the trams. They carriages to digital advertising plat- “[The company] suggested that also said they like forms. The idea was the revenue could be between the option of the company paying for floated in the fall when Gateway Out- $4,500 and $7,500 for the backs the equipment and of the trams for the month.” owning it. door Advertising Shearman said was preparing to Rob Shearman, Ocean City he was initially hestake over the contransit manager itant to make a rectract to sell ad space on city buses and trams from long- ommendation to OK the digital ads because of the resistence that has time contractor Vector Marketing. Transit Manager Rob Shearman been received, which committee said Gateway officials researched the members said came from members of concept and determined that they the Ocean City Development Corpocould replace the regular screens, ration in the past. Glenn Irwin, the executive director which have been a hard sell to local vendors, with digital ones for an over- of the OCDC, said in an email this all bigger return on investment. week that organization members Shearman likened the new ads to dig- have not yet been asked to weigh in ital displays on billboards that change on the digital ads for the trams and regularly on short intervals to show- have no comments, but that they have not always been in favor of the case different vendors. Shearman said company officials tram ad concept overall. “In the past years our Boardwalk believe they can generate three to five times the revenue currently collected Committee has not been pleased with the signage design of the boardwalk on the spaces. “We currently charge $1,500 a trams or of the type of signs,” he said. month for ads on rear facing panels “Many of the advertisers were often of trams,” Shearman said. “[The com- not from Ocean City and not local pany] suggested that the revenue businesses.” Committee members said they see could be between $4,500 and $7,500 for the backs of the trams for the the ads as a revenue generator and positive attraction and want to exmonth.” While Shearman called the projec- pand the offerings. “I think people like seeing the tion “ambitious,” he said he believes the initial startup costs can easily be ads,” Mayor Rick Meehan, who serves as committee chairman, said. recovered within a year or two. The committee ultimately voted to Gateway officials determined that the initial hardware and installment direct staff to fully research the digital will cost $37,000 and floated several ad concept and bring them final dedifferent financing options. They con- tails to review for a formal recomsisted of having the town pay for the mendation to the mayor and council equipment and owning it, similar to at their next meeting in February.
BZA gives developers more time Continued from Page 3 when the space dimensions and setbacks were requested, BZA members denied the waiver of 12 spaces in a split majority. Then later, a plan to meet the remainder of the required parking through a lease with the city for use of spaces at the nearby Whiteside Lot was met with backlash from nearby property owners and some council members, forcing the project back to the drawing board. After some revisions, Cropper said over the summer that he was able to
work out an agreement with Windsor Resorts Inc., the family corporation that owns and operates the Trimper Rides properties, to lease parking spaces from them. The agreement got the project back on track, but pushed back the timeline, forcing the need for the recent BZA extension. After Cropper explained the situation at last week’s meeting, BZA members approved the request with little discussion, calling it “a clean extension request.”
JANUARY 20, 2023
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
A tram filled with passengers drives along the Boardwalk in Ocean City. Members of the resort’s Transportation Committee have advanced plans to outfit the backs of trams with digital ads this summer.
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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
NEW PRICE!
Lynette
Bridges-Catha CRS, PMN, GREEN, SRES Licensed in MD, DE
443-497-3128 Cell Smilin4shore@comcast.net
Debora E.
Hileman
OWNER/BROKER GRI & CRS Licensed in MD, DE
443-235-5982 Cell Debbie@Hileman RealEstate.com
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Bring your expertise to make this house a home. Beautiful Hardwoods and lg rooms, high ceilings. Built in 1909. Lg parlor/sitting room on 1st floor, living room, dining room and lg wooden staircase. Driveway runs alongside home and shed in backyard. Buyers should do their own due diligence to measure property and confirm all information to their satisfaction including but not limited to schools, $139,500 sizes, tax information.
STRAY FOX WATERFRONT LOT
with a private boat pier offering stunning waterviews and access to Newport, Sinepuxent, and Chincoteague Bays! Peaceful, well-kept community with oversized lots and low fees.Close to Ocean City, Assateague Island, Historic Berlin, and many more attractions! Ready for you to build the home you've always $489,900 wanted!
Greg
Nohe REALTOR®
Licensed in MD & DE
443-413-3077 Archangelnohe @gmail.com
BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT DEAL ISLAND
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
Brenda
Nohe REALTOR®
Licensed in MD & DE
410-493-3847 BrendaSG1944 @icloud.com