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Annual event returns to Ocean City on Friday after year-long pause due to pandemic – Page 51

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY FREE

DIRTY SNOW

LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Unseasonably warm temperatures on Saturday that reached into the mid 60s were not enough to melt a pile of snow that once reached nearly 20 feet high. State Highway crews relocated the frozen powder from the streets to the open inlet lot after a blizzard struck the area on Jan. 29.

Schools await mask decision from state bd.

Local private schools end their requirement this week

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Feb. 18, 2022) As school districts across the country ditch indoor mask mandates at increasing rates, Worcester County private schools have jumped on the bandwagon and public schools may not be far behind.

In letters sent to Maryland Secretary of Health Dennis Schrader and state Board of Education President Clarence Crawford on Tuesday, Worcester County Board of Education President Elena McComas asked state officials to return the school mask decision to the counties.

“While we recognize the important role that face masks have played in keeping our students and staff safe during the height of the pandemic, we feel strongly that the significant improvement in statewide metrics, See SCHOOLS Page 6

Council weighs gun show proposal

Advocates say it could help fill rooms, reduce lodging availability for car rally fans

By Greg Wehner Staff Writer (Feb. 18, 2022) When Cliff Sutherland pitched an idea to host a police motorcycle rodeo with K9 training and a gun show to the mayor and City Council of Ocean City back in October, it was a way for the city to saturate the area with law enforcement officials during one of the most notorious weekends in the resort.

H2Oi is the unofficial name of an unsanctioned tuner car pop-up rally in Ocean City that has historically resulted in mostly Asian-manufactured cars with modified exhausts that emit loud popping backfires, spoilers on the trunk, cambered wheels, and bass-boosted sound systems. There is a legitimate H2Oi car rally, but it is held in Atlantic City, New Jersey and has no connection to the vehicular anarchy that has occurred in this resort.

Scenes during the event have included intersections becoming blocked off by spectators who watch cars compete in burnout or donut competitions, and racing.

Last September, the event barely happened in the resort, and some credit the city and its police force for cracking down on illegal car modifications and special event zone speed enforcement in areas where the speeds are lowered to 25 across the city.

While successful to a degree, city officials, residents and businesspeople remain concerned that the tuner car chaos will return if the city lets its guard down.

Sutherland’s plan to saturate the resort with police officers via a police convention of sorts is just one way someone wants to make a difference that weekend, while another plan is to bring in a concert like Lollapalooza See NEGOTIATONS Page 3

County OKs bonds for sports complex, other big projects

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Feb. 18, 2022) Another sports complex item, another 4-3 vote.

The Worcester County Commissioners narrowly approved proposed bond bills and official intent resolution this week to finance several projects through General Obligation Bonds.

As usual, Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder comprised the opposition.

The projects include $11.2 million See COUNTY Page 7

Continued from Page 1 within that timeframe.

C3 Presents is putting together a concert for Ocean City as the two continue to negotiate concert details. But Sutherland’s pitch for what he called, “Adventure Fest,” is still afloat in the ether of City Hall and the organizer is looking for direction from city officials.

Larry Noccolino, the executive director of the convention center on 40th Street, told the tourism commission this week that H2Oi was responsible for a dental association convention cutting ties with Ocean City in 2016.

“They left us,” he said. “We tried to get them back. They said no.”

If Adventure Fest does happen, Noccolino said it will occupy all three halls of the convention center and include police and Secret Service K9 training.

In addition to the K-9 training, police motorcycle training will take place in the parking lot of the convention center, along with a rodeo where motorcycle cops compete in slow and fast races that test their skills. Plans also call for a gun show to occupy space in the convention center.

“We really need to figure out what to do with Cliff,” Tom Perlozzo, the city’s director of tourism and business development said. “The last word of discussion was that he has his contract. [City Solicitor Heather Stansbury] is reviewing some things. We need to know…yes or no.

“His position is if there is no gun show, there is no event,” he added.

The Ocean City Police Department has concerns with the event, according to Perlozzo. First, there is stress on who will attend the show. But on top of that, he said, the department needs to assign people to inventory every gun that comes into Ocean City, and Sutherland will need to provide security from the second one gun shows up on the island to the second all guns leave.

To help matters, OCPD is requesting a complete list of vendors that plan to attend the gun show so they can be vetted.

Although the police have a handle on H2Oi, they are not at the end of the road – they’re over the hump, according to Perlozzo.

The loss of the convention center and parking lot is a concern to the police department as well because they typically use it for staging operations during car rallies.

“If the town tells them to do it, they’ll figure it out,” Perlozzo said of the police department. “If you ask the police department, honestly…it might be better to do this on a different weekend. But if the direction is to make it work, they’ll make it work.”

Noccolino has a history of dealing with gun shows. When he worked in Valley Forge for 19 years, the convention center there had four shows a year.

The detail that went into those gun shows involved FBI, Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives setting up cameras on the ceiling to follow every single transaction.

“I would think if they were involved at those gun shows, they’d be involved in this gun show if approved,” Noccolino said.

City Manager Terry McGean said the police department has legitimate concerns about the operation of the gun show and the loss of the parking lot as a staging area.

“It’s the spiking of the ball before getting over the goal line,” he said.

Councilman John Gehrig said he did not know if everyone bought into the strategy of filling the town and filling the hotels to make it inconvenient for the tuner car rally attendees. The more inconvenient and expensive they make it for H2Oi, Gehrig said, the better. “We haven’t tried the saturation plan,” he added.

Mayor Rick Meehan told Gehrig saturation was nothing new.

Gehrig disagreed.

“Speak the truth,” Gehrig said to the mayor. “You don’t ever admit the problem, so we can never fix it.”

Gehrig said that had the tuner car rally been corrected early on, it may not have jumped from a couple hundred cars to a couple thousand.

Many of the people who attend gun shows come from within the region, at least that is what Sutherland has explained to Noccolino.

So, the potential of selling out of rooms would not traditionally come from a gun show.

But some on council, like Gehrig, are banking on the idea that hotels will be filled by the C3 concert and gun show/rodeo attendees.

In the past, hotels either jacked their prices up during the car rally weekend or shut down completely.

Whether hotels plan to adjust their pricing to make it more affordable for concert goers and gun-toting police officers from all over the region who come to the resort for the rodeo and gun show remains to be seen.

Either way, Perlozzo is faced with a problem. Sutherland wants direction and before the Monday meeting, council members did not have Adventure Fest on its agenda.

Councilman Matt James said the topic could be added to a future agenda. It also was recommended during the tourism commission session to hold a closed session on the matter at the beginning of March.

“The heartache is we send a postcard to residents and owners not to come here,” he said of the car rally weekend. “I’m in favor of the saturation. I want C3 to kick butt. So, we all need to get behind it.”

‘The heartache is we send a postcard to residents and owners not to come here. I’m in favor of the saturation. I want C3 to kick butt. So, we all need to get behind it.’ Councilman Matt James

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LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY The Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street was sold recently and is expected to undergo a complete rebranding after the summer season, complete with upgrades and a new name.

LOVE IS IN THE HAIR

Clarion Hotel on 101st sold and to undergo big changes

By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (Feb. 18, 2022) Big changes are coming to the soon-to-be-former Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel on 101st Street.

Owner Dr. Leonard Berger, who bought the hotel in 1985 when it carried the Sheraton brand, sold the property to MPV OCMD Operator LLC, which will soon give the Clarion a new name.

In the meantime, the hotel will be known as the Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort.

“(Dr. Berger) is 87 and has owned the Clarion for over 35 years and I think he felt it was time to pass on the torch and kind of take it easy for a little bit,” said hotel General Manager Mark Elman, who will continue in that role under the new ownership after 17 years working at the Clarion.

Berger concurred, saying that he’s looking forward to his retirement, but he will stay on as a consultant for the next three years.

“I found the right group to take over and continue operating (this hotel) and make it even better,” he said.

A total makeover for the hotel will likely carry into 2023, Elman said, but significant components such as the new permanent name and physical signage should materialize in the coming weeks and months.

“Because we were a Clarion and Choice (Hotels) property, we are in the process of covering up current signage, which is taking place over next 15 days, to rebrand ourselves from the Clarion and Choice flag,” Elman said.

“Hopefully when we’re done doing that we can move to the new branding, logo design, and so forth, getting ready and gearing up for the summertime.”

The property became affiliated with Choice Hotels in 2001 because of its marketing prowess and fee structure, Berger said in a 2015 interview with Ocean City Today.

Under new ownership, Elman said there will be plenty of changes to come but with the spring and summer seasons right around the corner, the biggest changes will have to wait until the next offseason.

“But I know new ownership has big plans for the property — renovations for the hotel in fall of ’22 and into ’23,” he said. “We’re excited. My staff and I are just extremely excited about the change coming to the hotel and we are looking forward to going into the summer and brightening the future for this property. (The Clarion) has been a mainstay in Ocean City for a long time and we’re looking forward to maintaining that tradition and carrying it on.”

Berger added that the believes the new direction will be “big” for the hotel.

“I’m just very excited about the transition and I think it’s a wonderful company coming over,” he said. “I look forward to them continuing my tradition of making this one of the finest hotels and resorts in Ocean City.”

On Wednesday, a day after the sale, the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners approved the transfer of the Clarion’s Class B liquor license to the new ownership.

The hotel will be managed by HEI Hotels and Resorts.

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SANDPIPER DUNES 5801 ATLANTIC AVE #806 OCEAN CITY • $679,900

2BR/2BA Direct Oceanfront condo renovated and remodeled w/top-of-the-line finishes and expansive ocean views. Kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, subway back splash and white custom cabinets. Living area is off the dining area and has glass sliders to a lg direct oceanfront deck w/a completely unobstructed view of the beach and ocean. Master suite is private w/glass sliders overlooking the ocean. Master bath has a custom spa shower w/beautiful tile work. There is a spacious second bedroom that will fit two queen beds comfortably. Second bedroom has beautiful bay views. There is another full bath off the hallway and a full-size laundry room w/new w/d and water heater. You will love the lg private balcony overlooking the ocean complete w/storm shutters. You can enjoy breathtaking sunsets as well right from the unit if you leave the front storm door open. Have it all, both sunrise and sunset. The condo is conveniently located midtown, close to local favorite restaurants and shopping venues. There is a lg outdoor pool and the condo has two assigned parking spaces. This condo was professionally renovated by a licensed contractor. Permits were obtained for all work and renovations took place Oct 2021-Jan. 2022 and all work has been completed. Glass shower door will be installed on master bath shower week of 2/7. Come take a look before it's SOLD! (Seller is licensed Realtor).

NEW LISTING!

MALLARD LAKES

37862 EAGLE LANE #336 SELBYVILLE, DE • $289,700

Rarely available for sale, this unit is in Mallard Lakes is only 2.5 miles to the beach. The chef in your family will love the spacious kitchen and the dining room. The floor plan is very open. The dining room flows into the family room which has an electric fireplace for chilly winter nights. There is a sunroom off the family room w/a water view and a patio. On the second level is an oversized primary bedroom overlooking the pond. Second bedroom provides comfort and plenty of room for your guests. There is a full bath on this level. The community has two outdoor pools, tennis, volleyball, a playground, and kayak storage. It is close to everything, including restaurants, shopping, and the beaches of Ocean City and Fenwick Island. This unit is sold partially furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. MLS DESU2016032

PRIME LOCATION!!!

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

WEST HARBOUR VILLAGE

9800 MOORING VIEW LN #10 WEST OCEAN CITY • $439,900

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 COMMERCIAL

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

SEASIDE RETREAT

13700 COASTAL HWY #103 OCEAN CITY • $675,000

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 COMMERCIAL

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

OPEN FLOOR PLAN

192 OCEAN PKWY OCEAN PINES • $324,900

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 full-size 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! INDIAN CREEK

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 culde-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

DIRECT BAYFRONT

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.) CAINE WOODS

716 139TH ST OCEAN CITY • $949,995

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

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, built-ins, custom cabinetry, hardwood floors, custom window treatments and 4 zone high efficiency heat pump system. MLS MDWO2002620

Thinking of Selling? Buyer Demand is STRONG! Now is the OPTIMAL TIME TO LIST.