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OC Today-Dispaatch JANUARY 24, 2025

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COMING DOWN Half the Bo-Con Apartments remain as the demolition of it and the Beach Plaza Hotel next door continues. As local historian Bunk Mann reported in his “Vanishing Ocean City” column in 2023, the Beach Plaza was built in 1953 by Ethel Griffin Kelley and her son, Harry, who was Ocean City’s mayor from 1970 to 1985. Bought by Brice and Shirley Phillips in 1967, the Beach Plaza closed its doors in 2021. Developers plan to build a hotel on the site. Its style and scope is yet to be determined.

Wind energy order Taylor announces retirement viewed cautiously Rt. 90 project gets its funding

School superintendent says he will step down at the end of the school year, wrapping up a 41-year career with Worcester County public schools. — PAGE 53

President Trump’s executive order halting the lease of federal lands for wind farms also leaves projects with leases in hand subject to review by federal authorities. Local governments, US Wind aren’t sure what it might mean to them. PAGE 3

State Highway Administration said last fall there was no money to pay for studies to make the two-lane road a dual highway. They were wrong. — PAGE 6

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JANUARY 24, 2025

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Trump’s wind order cheered by local leaders By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Jan. 24, 2025) Local officials say they are optimistic about an executive order that effectively halts offshore wind development, but US Wind states it will not give up on its plans to build a renewable energy project off Maryland’s coast. On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order effectively withdrawing areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from any new offshore wind leasing. The order also halts the issuance of any new or renewed permits, leases or loans for onshore and offshore wind projects, pending the completion of a federal review. At the local level, the executive order could impact the 114-turbine project US Wind plans to build 10 miles off the coast, as it tasks the secretary of the interior, in consultation with the attorney general, to “conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic, and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases.” The order also requires federal agencies to review its leasing and permitting practices. In response to the executive action, US Wind’s Nancy Sopko, vice president of external affairs, said the company will work with the new administration to meet its energy goals. “US Wind’s projects are poised to de-

liver on the President’s promise of achieving American energy dominance, especially now that we have received all of our federal permits,” she said. “The energy we will produce off Maryland’s shores will help to meet the region’s unquenchable thirst for new electricity, power more than 600,000 homes, and support good American jobs. We will be at the forefront of an American manufacturing renaissance that relies heavily on American steel by establishing a new factory at the old Bethlehem Steel facility in Baltimore. This site, once used to produce the steel beams for the Empire State Building, will rise again to meet the demands of a new American industry. We look forward to working with the new administration to fully realize the potential of American ingenuity and innovation.” Local governments praise president’s Executive Order Throughout his campaign, Trump has vowed to end wind energy development. And during his first day in office, he followed through on his promise, issuing an executive order that paused leasing and permitting practices. Officials with the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County Government – who for years have fought US Wind at various stages of the permitted process for its offshore project – welcomed the news this week. Worcester County’s

chief administrative officer, Weston Young, said the county fully supported the president’s executive order. “The language in the order closely mirrors our concerns,” he said. “We will continue working closely with our state and federal representatives to put safeguards in place to protect our coast in perpetuity.” Young also touched on another executive order signed this week, one that encourages offshore oil exploration. “Whether we’re talking about offshore wind or drilling, our concerns are the same. All of these massive industrial activities would be detrimental to the viewshed, marine animals, the ocean, and our bays,” he said. “We’ll continue to press the state to pursue clean, stable energy sources, like nuclear. Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant supplies roughly forty percent of the state’s energy. If the

state brought just two additional plants online, we could meet all of our energy needs and be in a position to sell energy to surrounding states.” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said this week that the city was working with its attorneys to determine how the federal government will proceed with the executive order. However, he said he remained “cautiously optimistic.” “After almost eight years. I believe the momentum is beginning to shift with regard to the wind farms and the proposed wind farm off the coast of Ocean City,” he said at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council meeting. “The newly elected president enacted a number of executive orders. A couple of them address wind farms. We’re still trying to analyze exactly with our attorneys what they’re going to do, but it does appear that there See OFFSHORE Page 4

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JANUARY 24, 2025

Offshore wind project remains controversial Continued from Page 3 is going to be some type of moratorium on the existing wind farms, and I think they’ve at least delayed on those projects in order for the federal agencies to really take a look at these projects, which we’ve asked them to do for the last eight years. And nobody’s really listened and nobody’s really done that.” Environmental, energy advocates voice concerns In a statement issued this week, the American Clean Power Association – an advocacy group representing energy storage, wind, solar, clean hydrogen and transmission companies – said it supported Trump’s calls to increase domestic energy production but opposed measures to halt wind development. “Wind power is an essential element of our ability to serve soaring electricity demand for manufacturing and data

centers that are key to national security,” CEO Jason Grumet said. “It is also playing a growing role in our energy systems in red and blue states across the country. In fact, states voting for President Trump are eight of the top ten states in terms of reliance on wind power with many depending on wind for a significant share of their electricity use. Restricting wind development in these regions is certain to increase consumer energy bills. Wind development is also supporting more than 300,000 American jobs, many in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and plant operations. Offshore wind is also helping to revitalize America’s supply chain, bringing back U.S. shipbuilding, and creating economic prosperity and jobs, with billions of dollars in new investment.” Ocean Conservancy, another advo-

cacy group for protecting the ocean and addressing climate change, also spoke against the president’s executive actions. “Climate change is the greatest threat facing the ocean; and the only way we can prevent the worst impacts is by transitioning to clean energy, ending our reliance on fossil fuels, and protecting more, not less, of the precious shared resource that is the ocean …,” Anna-Marie Laura, senior director of climate policy, said. “Promoting offshore oil and gas while halting progress on developing our offshore wind resources in the name of protecting marine life and fiscal responsibility is irresponsible and disingenuous. Offshore wind has the potential to provide enough energy to power the entire U.S. five times over, as well as create thousands of jobs in coastal communities. As we’ve seen time and time again, oil and water don’t mix: more offshore

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drilling in the U.S. is bad news for anyone who cares about having an ocean free from devastating oil spills.” Efforts against US Wind project ramping up From the outset, officials with US Wind, as well as state and federal agencies, have highlighted the benefits offshore wind could bring to Maryland. The phased project – to include up to 114, 938-foot-tall wind turbines, four offshore substation platforms, four offshore export cable corridors and one meteorological tower – is expected to generate more than two gigawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support nearly 2,700 jobs over the next seven years. In December, the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) granted US Wind’s construction and operations plan, or COP, the final permit needed in the company’s federal permitting application. Since that time, however, the Town of Ocean City has continued to add coplaintiffs to its lawsuit challenging BOEM’s process for approving the US Wind project. And in Snow Hill, Worcester County has launched a public relations campaign against offshore wind and has announced plans to pursue eminent domain in an attempt to stop US Wind’s acquisition of two properties at the West Ocean City harbor. In response to that effort, US Wind has threatened legal action should the county interfere.

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JANUARY 24, 2025

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Start the Year with Your Dream Beach Home - Where Every Day Feels Like a Vacation! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal veriﬁcation. Real estate 2025 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

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JANUARY 24, 2025

Route 90 funds restored in MDOT capital budget plan I don’t know how long now. We finally got some money from the former governor and then that was taken right out from underneath us this year.” By Bethany Hooper It was also at that meeting that ofAssociate Editor ficials floated the idea of providing a (Jan. 24, 2025) Local officials last county match to keep the project week learned planning and engineer- moving forward. However, state reping funds for the Route 90 widening resentatives said planning and design project have been restored. would require a $2.75 million match. While county and municipal leadThe topic was revisited in Novemers were told last fall the Route 90 ber, when representatives from the project had been paused due to fiscal Maryland State Highway Administraconstraints, they were pleased to tion met with the Ocean City Council learn last week that funding for the to discuss local transportation projproject’s planning and engineering ects. phase had been restored in the Mary“Several counties have come in land Department of Transportation’s with similar requests as the state went Consolidated Transportation Pro- around to conduct its tour meetings,” gram (CTP) for fisDistrict Engineer cal years Mark Crampton told 2025-2030. the council. “Those ‘Funding for Rt. 90 has The capital are all right now been restored in the 2025 budget, released on being considered by Maryland Consolidated Jan. 15, includes [the secretary’s ofTransportation Plan funding for the fice] with no final project beginning in beginning in State FY 2027.’ decisions. So I don’t fiscal year 2027. City Manager Terry McGean really have anything “The state is to report other than aware of the imporit’s on hold until that tance of the MD Route 90 project and specific request is vetted.” how it’s our priority,” Worcester Last week, following a statewide County Commission President Ted public engagement process, the Elder said. “We’re encouraged by this Maryland Department of Transportanews. We thank Governor Moore and tion released its final CTP, with projMaryland Department of Transporta- ects totaling $21.2 billion. The tion Secretary [Paul] Wiedefeld for program included a plan to advance keeping this project moving for- design on several deferred projects ward.” throughout the state, including Route Citing budgetary challenges, 90. To stabilize the transportation Maryland leaders last fall announced system, Gov. Wes Moore’s adminisplans to pause various transportation tration has proposed an infusion of projects, including a project to im- $420 million per year into the state’s prove the Route 90 corridor, which Transportation Trust Fund, beginspans from Route 50 to Coastal High- ning in fiscal year 2026. way. The news was delivered to local “Funding for Rt. 90 has been reofficials weeks before the state was stored in the 2025 Maryland Consolset to release the draft of its fiscal idated Transportation Plan beginning year 2025-2030 CTP, which outlines in State FY 2027,” Terry McGean, city funding for transportation projects manager for the Town of Ocean City, over the next six years. said in a statement last week. “The In September, MDOT officials vis- town is extremely pleased to see that ited Worcester County, during which the Department of Transportation time Wiedefeld met with the commis- recognized the importance of this sioners to discuss the draft trans- project. Dualizing Route 90 is critical portation plan, one that focused on to the safety of the residents and visprojects and programs that maintain itors of Ocean City.” Maryland’s transportation system Mayor Rick Meehan echoed that and reduce the number of fatalities sentiment during Tuesday’s meeting and serious injuries on Maryland’s of the Mayor and City Council. roads. At that meeting, many contin“The governor presented his ued to advocate for Worcester’s top budget, and the design for the dualpriority project. ization of Route 90 is back in the gov“You say you’re about safety,” ernor’s budget,” he announced. “It’s Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. a year behind, but it’s back in the “Well, Ocean City’s safety depends on budget, and really that’s one of the Route 90 being dualized, and the most important projects that is on the Route 50 corridor being taken care horizon for Ocean City.” of. I see on here that we still have the Other transportation projects Route 50 bridge on our shortlist here listed for Worcester County include a and, to me, Ocean City, Worcester shared-use path along Route 611 and County and everybody else has been a study to replace the Route 50 asking about the Route 90 bridge for bridge, among other things.

Money for project planning, engineering incorporated in budget, beginning in FY27

JANUARY 24, 2025

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