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JANUARY 21, 2022
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Sunfest date pushed back to October Big-time concert weekend inserted into event’s spot to block out tuner-car rally By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2022) Ocean City’s official-unofficial summer wrap-up event is moving further into the shoulder season to make room for a Lollapalooza-style concert that leaders
hope will deter droves of motorists from bringing their small tuner cars to the resort this fall. Council members voted unanimously on Tuesday to change the date of Sunfest, which is typically held as a last hoorah of the summer season, from the end of September to Oct. 20-23. The move followed a discussion at a recent tourism commission meeting when members determined that Sun-
fest, OC Bikefest and a new C3 music festival could not coexist on back-toback weekends in September. While the transition from BikeFest on the second weekend in September to C3 on the third is not a heavy lift because many of the same elements are used for the events, Sunfest did not jive. Members recommended that Sunfest instead move to the end of October because of the difficulty of tearing
down C3 in time to set up for it. “Three days won’t cut it … to get Sunfest up and running if it were to stay on the weekend after C3,” said Tom Perlozzo, the director of tourism and business development, of the turnaround. “The only option is to move it and the best particular date recommended from special events was [Oct. 20-23].” The C3 festival dictated the See SUNFEST’S Page 8
McGean appointment officially announced Long-time city engineer signs two-year agreement to serve as city manager
GREG WEHNER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Crews began ripping up the planks near Jolly Roger at the Pier on Monday as the second phase of re-decking the Boardwalk got underway. According to City Engineer and City Manager designate Terry McGean, work is expected to continue into April, at which point they will take a break until the fall to finish the section between Fourth and 15th streets.
Boardwalk work turns south, project to go on hold in April By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2022) Delmarva Veteran Builder crews began ripping up and replacing the planks along the southern end of the Boardwalk this week, as they continue to get through the bulk of the boards before the summer season kicks in. City Engineer and City Manager
designate Terry McGean said last week that crews replaced all the boards between 27th and 22nd streets, torn up to 14th Street, and the seawall had been coated to 20th Street. He added that the wall had been sandblasted to 19th Street. “That’s all going very well,” McGean said, noting that there were See BOARDWALK Page 3
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2022) After a seemingly quick negotiation period, longtime City Engineer Terry McGean has inked his name on a two-year contract beginning Feb. 1 to become Ocean City’s next city manager. “I’m honored, I look forward to the challenge,” McGean, 58, said this week of his new post, which was announced late last week and confirmed during a City Council meeting Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the responsibility.” With more than 31 years under his belt working both behind and in front of the scenes of countless projects across the resort, McGean say he is ready to step into the bigger, more prestigious administrative role. “I’m ready to hit the ground running and looking forward to the challenge,” he said. Council President Matt James said in an email Wednesday that McGean’s salary will be $180,000 annually and that he will keep the
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
City Engineer Terry McGean was officially named the new city manager at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. He will take over for City Manager Doug Miller, who is leaving at the end of the month.
same pension plan he has as city engineer. McGean’s current salary is $159,000. Word of McGean’s hiring got out prematurely on Jan. 12 without confirmation from McGean or Council See COUNCIL Page 3
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Council formally names McGean to top post Continued from Page 1 James. But within a couple of days everything was official and McGean is preparing now to switch gears. The transition will be a pretty big one, as McGean will be going from directly overseeing about five employees in the engineering department, to being the man at the top of the entire city workforce pyramid. James said in a news release announcing McGean’s new position last week that the elected officials are “eager and excited” to begin working with him in the new role. “Terry’s efforts in the town have
shown the dedication and commitment he has to run all operations as city manager,” he said. And although McGean has not directly managed a huge number of people, his involvement with resort projects and policies is extensive. As city engineer, McGean has had a heavy hand in large projects like the beach replenishment program, flooding mitigation, public building expansions and renovations, boat ramp constructions and more road projects than one can count. He has also been an integral part of the ongoing restoration of Baltimore Avenue and
Boardwalk project heads south Continued from Page 1 some delays in the project because temperatures need to be above 50 degrees for the seawall coating to set. Work on the south end began on Monday, and crews were seen ripping the boards from their foundation next to Jolly Roger at the Pier. The Boardwalk was last rebuilt in 2012 and 2013 and was funded by bonds in 2012 for $6.1 million. Even though the life expectancy of the Boardwalk’s structure is roughly 20 years, the planks that visitors walk each year are only expected to last 10 years. Work should have started last year but the lumber was unavailable. The total cost to complete the work is expected to be close to $2.1 million, but according to McGean, a little over $1 million will come from the pier franchise. Delmarva Veteran Builders submitted a bid to do the work for $1,171,500, slightly under the official budget of $1,185,000, and started the
first phase in October. The first phase of the project was to re-deck the Boardwalk between 27th and 15th street with 41,076 boards. The total number of planks for the project reaches closer to 100,000, all of which will be provided by Long Life Treated Lumber, which submitted a bid for $503,000. Though the city only budgeted $428,000 for the construction materials, the supplies were available and the pricing at the time was volatile. In addition to wood replacement, the steel sheet pile of the seawall got recoated by another crew. To do that, boards needed to be removed and sand needed to be excavated on the seaside and landward side of the wall. Crews are expected to continue the re-decking of the Boardwalk between the inlet and pier through April 14, before taking a break until next fall, when the rest of the planks will be replaced.
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handles the capital projects list each budget year. Small projects like speed limit adjustments and cigarette butt cleanups also fall to McGean and his staff, rounding out the variety of responsibilities he has held. As for who will step into the shoes he is leaving, McGean said it is too early to talk about. “I expect to have a hand in that and we are working on the details of that now,” he said of his successor. “When we’re ready to make that announcement we will make it.” A Fairfax, Virginia, native, McGean started working for the city in 1990 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He started out simply as an engineer but moved up quickly to the highest position in the department within two years of his hire, where he has remained since. Until McGean takes on his role, City Manager Doug Miller will finish his tenure of more than six years in the position. Miller announced his resignation late last month with a final work day of Jan 31. During Tuesday’s council meeting when James officially announced McGean as Miller’s successor, he also thanked the exiting city manager for his time in the position. Councilman John Gehrig said a
few words about Miller as well. “Where you started and where the organization is when you leave that’s kind of an indication of how well you did,” he said, “We’re lucky to have you here in Ocean City.” He added that Miller has what he considers “the greatest human trait” in that he is consistently described as a good, nice guy. Mayor Rick Meehan reiterated that sentiment, along with an homage to Miller’s contributions to the city. “Doug, you brought professionalism and dignity and experience to the office,” Meehan said. “And you’ve been here during some of the most difficult times than any of us could imagine over the last three years. And helped navigate us through a pandemic and leave us in a financial position that I think most municipalities are envious of, and that’s no small task.” Meehan also officially welcomed McGean to his new position. “Your track record through the city, again like Mr. Miller, you have the respect of everybody in this room, and I think all the city employees, and I think everybody is looking forward to the time when you take over and where you take us,” Meehan said. “I think we’re all in good hands. We’ve been in good hands and we continue to be in good hands.”
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Margaritaville resort plans back on track in south OC
RENDERING COURTESY BECKER MORGAN GROUP
Plans for a Margaritaville Resort complete with hotel, conference, restaurant and retail space at the former Phillips Beach Plaza properties on 13th and 14th streets are back on after a short hiatus.
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2022) Plans for a Margaritaville resort at the former Phillips Beach Plaza property are no longer wasting away. This week, local attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents the developer of the proposed 13-story amenity-rich hotel, said his clients are now moving full speed ahead on their plans for the parcel between 13th and 14th streets on the Boardwalk. “[The developers] asked that the application no longer be placed on hold and that it move forward as expeditiously as possible,” Cropper said Monday. The plans seemed to be moving
along swimmingly in the fall, with a tentative completion and opening date set not too far into the future. However, the process came to a quick halt early last month just before the development team was set to go before the Ocean City Council for approval of a request to abandon an alley needed to make the project work. Cropper said he did not know why his clients put the plans on hold at the time, nor why they decided to revive them this week. “They made some minor revisions to the project to address … comments to the planning commission,” he said. “Some related to landscape and facade and those types of things.” The plans call for a 265-room hotel bearing the famous Margaritaville label, 20,000 square feet of upscale retail space, three restaurants, multiple swimming pools, meeting and conference areas, and other attractions on the two former Phillips lots. City staff members expect it will stand out significantly at the confluence of the more historic buildings in southern Ocean City, and newer high-rises to the north. To make a project of that scope work, the developers need to establish a planned overlay district, or POD, over the proposed development area. The zoning designation will allow for more design flexibility, with room for compromise between the developer and city officials. To make it happen, though, City Council members must allow the developer to incorporate the 16-foot alley to create a contiguous parcel. The alley, between Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk and 13th and 14th streets, is formally known as Washington Lane. Elected officials have given no indication that the abandonment would be an issue, although members of the planning commission, who are tasked with making a recommendation to the City Council, have expressed some concerns about other aspects of the project. The concerns involve parking, traffic patterns, and size of the retail area. But now, with some of the concerns addressed, Cropper said the developers are ready to bring it back to the planning commission for a recommendation. He said he asked to have the project added to the agenda of the commission’s next regular meeting on Feb. 1, but has yet to receive confirmation. After going to the planning commission, the alley abandonment request will move to the City Council for a vote. If it is approved, the developers will return to the planning commission for site plan approval. See TOO EARLY Page 5
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OC Council advances cell tower legislation By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2022) As the result of a federal lawsuit hangs in the balance, Ocean City officials are still pushing back against the construction of what they consider to be invasive cell towers. Council members have expressed concerns about the tall, at times unsightly, structures popping up across the resort, namely in residential areas such as Montego Bay in north Ocean City, and have pushed back against efforts to erect them. The efforts continued Tuesday with unanimous approval of a new utility installation agreement and first readings of ordinances that will enhance the legal tools officials have to keep
Too early to know project’s timeline Continued from Page 4 Cropper said that he had a pretty clear timeline for the project’s completion before the recent hiccup, but that he is unsure of when it might come to fruition now. “I think it’s a little too early for me to predict the timeline,” he said.
tall towers from going up in residential areas where they do not mesh with the aesthetics. For example, about 1,560 lots exist in Montego Bay. The neighborhood’s utilities are currently underground and height restrictions are in place for all new structures. Last year, Crown Castle, a company that erects cell towers, proposed installation of three roughly 30-foot 5G towers in Montego Bay, and another three on Marlin Drive, and Old Landing and Bering roads. The requests were made to bring reliable wireless service to the areas, which, according to Crown Castle, don’t have it. And while some of the residents in the areas would welcome the service, the City Council denied the applications after other community members protested what they saw as a breach of the community’s aesthetics and ambiance. The city’s zoning code also does not allow for construction of the tall towers in the districts they are proposed. “They are completely out of character with the neighborhood,” City Engineer and City Manager Designate Terry McGean said. And despite two pending federal lawsuits Crown Castle filed in an effort to erect the towers anyway, council members are developing new
A roughy 30-foot, 5G cell tower in Caine Woods looms over homes and vehicles along 142nd Street. Council members are working on solidifying regulations for erecting these types of towers around town to help protect the aesthetics and ambiance of certain neighborhoods. MALLORY PANUSKA/ OCEAN CITY TODAY
utility installation agreements and ordinances that pose strict regulations on all towers put up in city rights of way, easements or properties. The changes, which were voted on Tuesday, were proposed during a work session last month and included adding definitions, clarifying who can install what in the rights of way, and clarifying when a utility installation agreement is not necessary. Language was also added to clarify the requirement for companies to comply with city codes, among other details. The approvals are not the end-all, be-all of the debate, as Crown Castle’s lawsuits are still alive, but McGean said the approvals “enhance” the regulatory process. “The policy we had is perfectly ac-
ceptable,” he explained. “But moving forward we thought it would be better … [to] enhance this, make language a little bit stronger, solidify everything.” He said one important element of the proposed ordinances addresses the proliferation of the towers. For example, he said Crown Castle, which does not share the names of its providers, is not the only company that puts up towers around town. The changes moving through the council ranks would set minimum spacing requirements for all towers to ensure multiple structures are not put up right next to each other. The ordinance changes are up for second and final reading at a future meeting following Tuesday’s approvals.
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Waterfront home near the end of a cul-de-sac w/breathtaking Bay views. As you walk in the door you will fall in love w/the floor plan and the amazing decor of this home that is being sold furnished. The lg family area overlooks the water and is great for entertaining. The dining area flows off the family room and into the kitchen. The kitchen has all the amenities and plenty of storage space. There is also a fabulous 2nd family room w/a gas fireplace making this the perfect YR home. Off the kitchen you will find a 12X15 sunroom that overlooks the water, plus an expansive waterfront deck. There is a boat lift and pier for boating or fishing. 1st level has a full-size laundry room and a half bath. 2nd level has 3 oversized BR/2BA. All the bedrooms have stunning water views. Plenty of storage space upstairs w/lg closets and walk in attic storage. There is a 2-car garage and plenty of parking. The outdoor space is fabulous w/grass for your four-legged friends. Located in Caine Woods off 139th street w/expansive water access on the lagoon making it easy to get around by boat. Close to the beach, bay, restaurants, Fiesta Park, tennis, shops and restaurants. Come take a look before it's SOLD! This is an estate sale. MDWO2003974
Stunning home hits the market. One of the largest homes in the community boasting a 2-car garage and oversized finished loft area. This spacious home has 2730 sq ft of living space and very well maintained. Entrance way has a covered porch, and lower level gourmet chef 's kitchen with granite counters, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, breakfast nook and luxury flooring. This most desirable floor plan has family room, dining area and breakfast area flowing off the kitchen. 9 ft ceilings, crown molding and plantation shutters. Glass slider off family room leads to an outdoor oasis for relaxing with family and friends. Second level has oversized master bedroom with sitting area and luxurious master suite. Two additional spacious bedrooms and bath on this level along with full-size washer and dryer and plenty of storage, abundance of closets and storage space throughout. Third level has an additional bedroom and full bath, spacious loft area perfect for use as a home office, second family room, game room or play area. Community has a nice clubhouse and pool. Less than 2 miles to the Ocean City beach, and restaurants and shops are close by. Perfect first home or 2nd home. Come take a look today before it's SOLD. MLS MDWO200
Stunning 3BR/3BA seaside retreat hits the market! The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, plenty of storage space, breakfast bar w/lots of seating, and upgraded cabinets. Spacious dining area flows to family room w/fireplace, perfect for y/r enjoyment. Off the family room is a large glass slider leading to an oversized covered deck. Master bedroom is spacious and has a glass slider to the deck from the bedroom. Master bath has a shower, jacuzzi tub, and his and her closets. Second bedroom is large as well w/two queen beds and a private bath & upgraded tile shower. Third bedroom is off the hallway and has direct access to the 3rd full bath from the bedroom or the hallway. There is a full-size laundry room with w/d, upgraded water heater, and plenty of extra space. This condo is being sold furnished and has beautiful custom painted beach murals. The condo building has a roof top pool with decking and landscaping that provide ocean and bay views. There is a fitness center, storage locker and 2 parking spaces per unit. Close to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Units in this building rarely come up for sale. It is a very desirable building and well maintained. Come take a look today before it's SOLD
3 BR/2BA 1380 sq. ft. home w/open floor plan. Family room has a gas fireplace and flows nicely into the dining area. Kitchen is off the dining room and has plenty of cabinet/counter space. Lg master bedroom w/private upgraded bath. Lg second bathroom and fullsize w/d. Home is designed w/vaulted ceilings plenty of windows, front & back deck. Sellers have made many upgrades: fence around backyard, tree removal/landscaping, lighting, inside/outside shutters repainted, master bath renovation and custom floors. This home is in a great location in Ocean Pines w/easy access into and out of the community and its amenities. The home is close to shopping, banks and restaurants. You will love this home and the lifestyle Ocean Pines offers. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!
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36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE $2,615,000 If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential with prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These 2 parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are within the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City & Fenwick Island. Come take a look before it's SOLD! Drone photos to follow of the parcels and site location. MLS DESU185186
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $1,099,900 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. MLSDESU184528
WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $270,000 Prime 3.61 Acres Property hits the market! It's all out the location & isibility w/high traffic density. Conveniently located on Route 113 & Hamond Road. It is diagonally across from the former Emings BBQ. Owner financing is available w/acceptable contract. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! Possibilities are endless. MLS MDWO113680
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6509 HAMPTON RD #LOT 18 BERLIN $649,900 Need a home office or maybe even 2? 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? Well here it is, 5+ acres in cul-de-sac in community of Indian Creek ready & waiting for you. You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this & 2 golf courses within 2 miles and Assateague Island is 3 miles away. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk & restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO100390
13214 STONE HARBOR LN #7P10 OCEAN CITY • $924,900 DIRECT BAYFRONT 4BR/3.5BA townhome w/deeded boat slip #3 and attached garage! Spacious family area w/gas fireplace leading to a private oversized deck. Lg gourmet kitchen has plenty of counter space and huge pantry. The second level has a master bedroom that overlooks the water and a private bath, and there are two additional bedrooms on that same floor with an additional bath and another private deck. The finished third floor has a second master suite and bath. Community has an outdoor swimming pool. This townhome is close to shopping, restaurants, and the beach. Come see this home today before it's SOLD! Seller to provide buyer with AHS home warranty up to 600.00. (Seller is a licensed Realtor.)
INDIAN CREEK 7+ ACRE’S W/ POOL
11402 NEWPORT BAY DRIVE BERLIN • $1,375,000 Incredible 6BR/5Full BA, 2 Half BA estate on 7+ acres w/fabulous pool and magnificent pool house in a community close to all that OC has to offer! Now's the time to take advantage of this opportunity to own what is, in effect, your own personal high end luxury resort. You and your family will never want to leave! In the exclusive neighborhood of Indian Creek with its own private pond, oversize salt water pool & luxurious pool house. Minutes from Assateague Island & OC. Exceptional craftsmanship with astute attention to detail. This home is built for family living and has custom finishes inside and a private oasis outside. Huge in-ground pool, beautifully landscaped custom paver patio, gazebo & fully finished pool house w/kitchenette, workout lounge, full bath & office/guest suite on 2nd floor. Back yard is fully fenced and offers views of the pond. Fabulous gourmet kitchen with eat-in dining area, wet bar, wine cooler, center island & Corian countertops. Spacious great room w/wood burning fireplace. 3-season sunroom w/screened in porch off the kitchen which overlooks pool & landscaped grounds. Formal living area and study w/fireplace. 2nd level master suite complete w/sitting area & master bath. 3 car garage, hardwood floors, custom tile floors, crown moldings, tray ceilings, builtins, custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, custom window treatments and 4 zone high efficiency heat pump system. MLS MDWO2002620
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 2021 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