02/13/2026 OC Today-Dispatch by OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch FEBRUARY 13, 2026

STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT

PRICELESS

BRIAN SHANE/0C TODAY-DISPATCH

COLD ENOUGH FOR YA? It certainly was through last weekend, when the low temperatures were in the low teens and wind gusts out of the northwest went above 50 mph at the NOAA weather station down at the inlet. The evidence of the steady and bitterly cold wind coming from that direction is seen in the angle of the icicles on the fence along the bay at Third Street. See more photos on pages 84-85.

Berlin says no to sports plex After hearing constituents object to Ocean City’s plan to build a sports complex next to the schools, Berlin officials tell Ocean City they won’t support it and might complain to the state if necessary. — PAGES 10, 12

State wants its money back Maryland erroneously sent $8.47 million in unemployment to Worcester residents during the pandemic and now wants the money returned. — PAGE 4

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

OC Today-Dispatch

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BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Tony DeLuca has officially stepped down as councilman. The news comes following concerns that the former councilman did not maintain his OC domicile throughout his term.

DeLuca resigns council seat amid domicile controversy By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 13, 2026) Ocean City Councilman Tony DeLuca has resigned. City officials started off the week with one less council member after DeLuca submitted his resignation letter Sunday afternoon. The news was announced Monday, days after a motion to remove him from his seat failed to gain traction in a special meeting. “It has been an honor to represent the people of Ocean City,” DeLuca said in a news release Monday. “At this time, family must be first. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and remain confident that this community will continue to thrive.” The resignation capped an eventful week for the council, which held a special meeting last Wednesday to consider whether DeLuca had maintained his Ocean City domicile during his time in office, as required by the city’s charter. Despite allegations and evidence suggesting he lived in Annapolis, and commuted to and from his Ocean City condo on a weekly basis, a motion to oust him failed for lack of a second. “I’m kind of pissed we’re here. I think you’ve put us in a very bad spot …,” James told DeLuca during the meeting. “Even if you originally intended to be here fulltime – and maybe you do meet the letter of the law, I don’t know – I don’t think you meet the intent of the charter.” DeLuca, who moved from Annapolis to Ocean City in 2008 after retiring as the head of franchising for KFC, was first elected to the City Council in 2014 and served the remainder of a two-year term vacated by former councilman Joe Mitrecic upon his election to the Worcester County Commissioners. And in 2024, he was elected to his fourth term in office. The last weeks of his tenure, however, have been fraught with contro-

versy. Last month, former council candidate Leslie Smith – disqualified from the 2024 race after a council majority determined she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements – filed a complaint with the Town of Ocean City seeking a review of DeLuca’s residency. Smith alleged that she was singled out and discriminated against in the 2024 election cycle, and that the same review was not applied to DeLuca, whom she claimed was living full-time in Annapolis. The complaint was the subject of a special meeting held last week, during which the mayor and the remaining members of the council were asked to determine if DeLuca has met the charter’s qualifications for maintaining his council seat. A motion to disqualify him and declare his seat vacant failed for lack of a second. “The intent of the charter, is it met? I don’t think so,” Councilman Will Savage told DeLuca last week. “Do you meet what the charter says? Yes, I think you do.” On Tuesday, after reading DeLuca’s resignation letter to the public, the council voted 5-1, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed and Savage absent, to have Savage replace DeLuca as council secretary. The city will now need to hold a special election to fill the vacancy left by DeLuca’s resignation, as more than 150 days remain between now and the next general election on Nov. 3. Details regarding candidate filing requirements, election dates, and voting procedures will be announced in the coming days, the city reports. In a statement Monday, Mayor Rick Meehan commended DeLuca for his years of service to the community. “Tony has been a dedicated advocate for Ocean City and has approached every decision with thoughtfulness and a genuine love for this community,” he said. “I want to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best in the future.”

WE CANNOT SA AY Y THAN K YOU ENOUG H FOR F THE OVE RWHE LM ING SU P PORT TH I S C OMMUN ITY HA H S SH OWN US ! T HA N KS EV E RYON E FOR YOU R U N WA AV V E R I N G SU P PORT !

NOT I C E OF T E M POR A RY C LOSU R E DUE TO A RECENT INCIDENT, T, OUR EST ES ST TA ABLISHMENT A IS CLOSED UNTIL FUR RT THER NOTICE. WE ARE WORKING DILIGENTL LY Y TO REOPEN AN ND REGRET ANY DISRUPTION TO YOUR PLA ANS. TH HA ANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDER RS ST TA ANDING. A WE WILL PROVIDE UPDA DA AT TE ES S AS SOON AS POSSIBLE REG GA ARDING OUR REO OPENING. The Mushrush family would like to thank you for all the calls , messages & kind d wor rd ds.

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

State seeks to recover unemployment funds By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Feb. 13, 2026) Maryland has notified more than 1,300 Worcester County residents that pandemic-era unemployment payments issued in error were not recovered in time – and now the state is saying it needs to get that money back. About $8.47 million in individual unemployment payments for Worcester County have been flagged for recovery, as the state’s Department of Labor (DLLR) works to recoup more than $807 million in overpayments statewide through its Division of Unemployment Insurance. Out of 1,369 notices sent to Worcester County residents, the median overpayment was $2,608 and the largest single overpayment tied to

a county address was $44,830, according to the results of Public Information Act requests from OC Today-Dispatch to DLLR. Statewide, more than 180,000 claimants were notified of the overpayments in December. Notices went out electronically through the state’s BEACON unemployment system, with paper copies mailed as well. Because the bulk of that money came from federal pandemic relief under the CARES Act in 2020, most funds recovered will go back to the federal government. Not everyone who gets a notice will be required to repay the money. The state says claimants may appeal the determination, request a hardship waiver, or report identity theft. The Department of Labor also says it cannot provide a breakdown of af-

fected claimants by industry sector or worker type, leaving it unclear which job sectors were most impacted. Employers are not affected by the recovery effort. The state says unemployment insurance tax rates are unchanged, and any state-level overpayments recovered will be deposited into the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. During the COVID-19 pandemic, after being “overwhelmed” by the surge in unemployment, the administration of former Gov. Larry Hogan stopped pursuing overpayment collections, according to the Department of Labor. The state also launched a technology platform “that did not meet residents’ and employers’ needs,” according to Sabrina Steel, the department’s director for unemploy-

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ment insurance. That pause in collections was caused in part because of a lawsuit. In November 2021, the state was sued for failing to notify residents of their right to appeal overpayment determinations. That case, Gorres et al. v. Robinson, led the state to pause overpayment collections for about 20 months while it rewrote regulations and fixed its BEACON system to add appeal and waiver rights. Though the suit was settled in December 2022, the delays created a backlog of unaddressed cases. Many older claims aged out of the legal window for recovery because collection notices must be issued within three years of the original overpayment. As a result, about $760.7 million in unemployment payments are no longer considered legally collectible and cannot be recouped, according to a Jan. 6 audit by the Department of Legislative Audits. State auditors also reported systemic weaknesses in oversight that made it harder to catch fraud or improper claims. The Department of Labor says it is now addressing those issues and pursuing recoverable overpayments where the law allows. The department was unable to provide a specific figure in response to public information requests but said “a large portion” of cases “may be due to fraud, given the significant rise in fraud seen during that time period, including fraud through identity theft.” Overpayment recovery is a standard part of providing unemployment insurance, the department also said, and may occur for several reasons, including unreported wages, changes in work availability, or identity theft or fraud committed by a third party. Nationally, federal watchdogs such as the Government Accountability Office have estimated tens of billions in fraudulent payments tied to pandemic-era unemployment programs.

Inside this week Calendar ..............................59 Classifieds ..........................61 Crossword ............................56 Dining Guide ........................48 Editorial/Letters ..................86 Entertainment ......................44 Horoscope ............................57 Obituaries ............................91 Police/Crime........................23 Public Notices ......................65 Sports ..................................92

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

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OC Today-Dispatch

OVER $56,500 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2025 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203

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12971 INLET ISLE LANE ESTATES AT INLET ISLE OCEAN CITY • $2,699,900 Stunning custom 5BR/5BA waterfront estate located in the prestigious Estates at Inlet Isle Lane in West Ocean City. This exceptional home offers panoramic views of the marina, bay, canal, and ocean, with unforgettable sunrises and sunsets. Boaters will love the deep-water slip accommodating up to a 42-foot boat with easy inlet access. The modern coastal exterior features clean white lines, stone accents, and striking black details. MDWO2033522

WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON

231 N HERON DR • HERON HARBOUR ISLE OCEAN CITY • $2,200,000

Rarely does a single-family home become available in the highly soughtafter community of Heron Harbour Isle in Ocean City, Maryland. This is your opportunity to own a stunning waterfront residence featuring over $458,000 in upgrades and improvements, sold fully furnished and ready for immediate enjoyment. This exquisite, one-of-a-kind custom waterfront estate offers a truly elevated coastal lifestyle with breathtaking views. Exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout, making this home ideal for the sophisticated buyer seeking custom finishes, efficiency, and timeless elegance. Situated on one of the largest lots in the community—a 9,549 sq. ft. lot—the property boasts extensive hardscaping and lush landscaping. 4BR/2.5BA waterfront, boat lift and screened in porch. MDWO2035746

Luxury Direct Oceanfront 3BR/3.5BA Condo, 2,412 sq ft – Boutique Building with Only 4 Units! Experience the ultimate in coastal luxury living with this direct oceanfront 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath condo in one of Ocean City’s most prestigious boutique buildings. With only four residences, this exclusive property offers privacy, sophistication, and breathtaking views from every room. Wake up to the sound of waves and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic from your oceanfront primary suite. MDWO2033768

WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2.5 BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP

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6305 ATLANTIC AVE UNIT 301 OCEAN CITY • $1,495,000

3 EBB TIDE CT • WOOD DUCK II OCEAN PINES • $659,900 Beautiful waterfront single-family home located in the quiet neighborhood of Wood Duck II in Ocean Pines coming to the market very soon! This well-maintained property offers peace, privacy, and scenic water views on one of the larger lots in the community, providing ample room for future expansion. The impressive lot spans approximately 19,757 square feet. The sellers completed a renovation and expansion creating a spacious and functional layout. MDWO2035742

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT 2BR, 2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12:30-2:30PM

201 S HERON DR #8A HARBOUR CLUB OCEAN CITY $499,000 201 S HERON DRIVE UNIT 2D HERON HARBOUR ISLE • OCEAN CITY $429,900

201 S HERON DR #26B HARBOUR ISLAND • OCEAN CITY $595,000

Welcome to this 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, filled with upgrades, located in Heron Harbour Isle. You will be wowed by the remodeled chef ’s kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless appliances and upgraded countertops. The kitchen, dining & family rooms flow seamlessly with an open concept living floor plan leading to a private balcony overlooking the water, bird sanctuary & breathtaking sunsets. Relax in your spacious primary bedroom with a spa-like, en-suite. The second bedroom is freshly painted with new carpeting. Enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, sauna, indoor heated pool, lap pool, family pool, and a kiddie pool. This location is close to the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery stores & mini golf. Come experience the very best of coastal living! MDWO2034104

Wow—this stunning 2BR/2.5BA waterfront condo with a deeded boat slip #31 in Harbour Club is truly one of a kind. Completely remodeled between 2022 and 2025, this home showcases modern coastal luxury throughout and is one of the largest floor plans in Harbour Club. Deeded Boat Slip #31 conveys with the sale. The condo is being sold furnished, beautifully designed in neutral tones and ready for immediate enjoyment. MDWO2035916

2 BR, 2 BA CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP LIFT & JET SKI LIFT

MOVE-IN READY 3 BR 2.5 BA CONDO with POOL

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204 S HERON DR UNIT 202 G BAYWATCH II GRAND OCEAN CITY • $575,000

104 125TH ST #106 • LORELEI II NORTH OCEAN CITY • $575,000

Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo with Deeded Boat Slip, lift & Jet Ski Lift in Baywatch II Grand Rarely available for sale, this beautiful second-floor condo in the Grand Baywatch building (with elevator) is now on the market! This spacious unit features one of the larger floor plans and includes a deeded boat slip and jet ski lifts— perfect for the boating enthusiast. MDWO2034514

OCEAN BLOCK 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO

This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in Lorelei II offers an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen, cozy gas fireplace, and a private balcony with front-row views of Winterfest and fireworks at Northside Park. The spacious primary suite includes a walk-in closet and direct balcony access, plus there are two more large bedrooms and a second full bath. Sold fully furnished and move-in ready, full remodel in 2021. Enjoy community amenities like a pool, plus easy access to the beach, dining, shops, and year-round fun at the park right across the street. MDWO2032542

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Stunning 2BR/2BA Condo Just One Back from the Beach! Welcome to your coastal retreat! Located on 66th Street in a desirable ocean block building, this beautifully updated condo is only steps from the sand and surf. MDWO2033508

1 BR, 1 BA CONDO on CANAL

205 125TH ST #208B ISLAND OF HIDDEN HARBOUR OCEAN CITY • $499,000

Beautiful waterfront 2BR/2BA condo located in the desirable community of The Island of Hidden Harbour in the Bermuda building! As you step through the front door, you’ll immediately fall in love with the open floor plan and stunning water views. The chef in your family will appreciate the updated kitchen featuring granite countertops and a tile backsplash, with the dining area flowing seamlessly off the kitchen—perfect for enjoying home-cooked meals overlooking the wide canals. This larger floor plan offers a spacious family room off the kitchen, all with beautiful waterfront views. Glass sliders lead to an oversized deck complete with a storage closet for all your beach toys. Enjoy crab feasts on the deck as you watch the boats go by and relax with the cool summer breezes. MDWO2035812

DIRECT OCEANFRONT 1 BR CONDO

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105 123RD STREET UNIT B332 JOCKEY BEACH CLUB • OCEAN CITY $259,900 Condo – Canal Views, Community Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded top-floor condo offers the best of both worlds— peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach! Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property. MDWO2033766

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6803 ATLANTIC AVE #4H OCEAN CITY • $425,000 Beautiful top-floor, direct oceanfront condo just hit the market! This is one of the largest one-bedroom oceanfront condos available, located in a desirable midtown setting. The wellmaintained condominium complex features an oceanfront pool, perfect for relaxing beach living. This spacious condo offers a large, private oceanfront balcony—ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises and cool summer ocean breezes. MDWO2035292

PRIME WATERFRONT LOT

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $3,900,000

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 4:30-6PM & SATURDAY NOON-2PM

1 66TH ST #101 • VINTAGE OCEAN CITY • $479,000

Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA Harbour Club condo with deeded boat slip #9, sold fully furnished and move-in ready— everything you see conveys. One of the larger floor plans in the community, this coastal-style unit overlooks the canal with stunning sunset views over the bay and Ocean City skyline. Luxury vinyl flooring runs throughout. The kitchen offers ample cabinetry and a breakfast bar, opening to the dining area and spacious family room—perfect for entertaining. A glass slider leads to a large deck with canal and bay views. The primary suite features an ensuite bath, while the second bedroom offers a private bath and its own front deck, ideal for guests. Additional half bath and laundry included. Harbour Club amenities include a clubhouse, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, tennis courts, two outdoor pools, and a kiddie pool. Conveniently located near the beach, restaurants, and shopping. Don’t miss this one—schedule your showing today. MDWO2036148

32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $5,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978

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 shoppingcenter 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

10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN NOW $1,090,000 Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166

PRIME RESIDENTIAL LOT

SOUTHHAMPTON DR. LOT 46 LIGHTHOUSE SOUND BISHOPVILLE $449,000 Build Your Dream Home! A rare opportunity has just become available in the prestigious Lighthouse Sound community! This expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot - one of the largest in the neighborhood - offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Ideally situated on the corner of Fox Ridge and Southampton Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and leisure in a community recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country. The Links at Lighthouse Sound also features an elegant clubhouse and a highly rated restaurant - perfect for relaxing after a round of golf.

COMMERCIAL C-1

MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT $2.1 MILLION EACH $4.2 MILLION TOTAL This is a prime location in sought-after Fenwick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C-1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932

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 2026 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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FEBRUARY 13, 2026

OC Today-Dispatch

D.A. Kozma Jewelry & Coins Since 1978

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FEBRUARY 13, 2026

OC Today-Dispatch

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

LUNCH & DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY. With Homemade Sodas & Other Soda Fountain Treats

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

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OC Today-Dispatch

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Flower Street community is opposed to sports complex Berlin residents sour on Ocean City’s proposal for project in their backyards

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall listen to a resident during a public meeting Feb. 7 at Stephen Decatur High School to discuss the proposed sports complex.

WE CAN NOT TELL A LIE ... WE’RE STILL THE BEST PLACE TO BE IN WEST OC!

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 13, 2026) It’s not the facility. It’s the location. That’s the message community members delivered Saturday during a contentious meeting on the sports complex the Town of Ocean City proposes to build west of Stephen Decatur High School, on a parcel of land owned by the Harrison family. While city officials told attendees they were seeking comments and suggestions that they could incorporate into a site plan, those along Flower Street and in adjacent communities were quick to share their opposition to the proposed project. “This will only benefit Ocean City – not Berlin, not Briddletown – so why would this community be in favor of it?” resident Greg Purnell said. “It’s not the facility that they don’t want, it’s the site where you want to build it.” Mayor Rick Meehan began Saturday’s meeting by declaring Ocean City’s desire to work with the Flower Street community in developing a sports complex on the 95-acre site, which he said was selected after evaluating multiple properties throughout Worcester County. However, he also acknowledged some of the concerns with the project, particularly how it would be funded and accessed. Meehan promised that the sports complex would not use taxpayer dollars but would be paid for with room tax revenues the city collects from its visitors. Officials this week were also joined by representatives of the Maryland Stadium Authority, a partner in the project’s development. “This will not affect your tax rate in Worcester County,” he said, adding that any services that may be provided for the project by either the county or the Town of Berlin would be reimbursed by Ocean City. For his part, Ocean City Business and Tourism Development Director Tom Perlozzo said he wanted to hear the community’s questions and comments regarding the sports complex, which he said was about “building our community” and giving kids and families access to local sports facilities. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said he – alongside Berlin councilmembers and colleagues on the city’s sports complex task force – wanted to hear directly from the affected neighborhoods should any project come to town. “I think oftentimes when we get ready to have a meeting like this, people think that ideas are already done, things are set in stone,” he told the audience “I will say in working with

Mayor Meehan and the task force, that is not the case here.” Tyndall also referenced a 2022 referendum, in which the county’s electorate voted down legislation authorizing the county commissioners to issue a bond to construct the sports complex at the property. “That was not a ‘no’ to this site, that was not a ‘no’ to a sports complex,” he said. “That's why we’re having this discussion here today.” The public was invited to Saturday's meeting as a way for “residents along Flower Street and surrounding areas to attend, ask questions, and share their thoughts,” a letter signed by Meehan and Tyndall said. However, the meeting soon turned sour after it was announced that attendees would not be addressing the room, but representatives stationed at informational posterboards. “These people are here to speak to you today, and I’m asking you to do your due diligence and give them the same respect of them showing up here today and allowing them to voice their concerns about what it is you are planning here,” Berlin Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said. Agreeing to change the structure of the meeting, city officials then heard from several community members, most of whom opposed the proposed location. Purnell noted that most other facilities in Worcester County, including the recreation center in Snow Hill and the YMCA in Pocomoke, were built outside of communities, not in them. “This is right in the heart of town, in the heart of our community,” he said. “And you are hearing from the community that we do not want it in our community.” Many also talked about the way the Flower Street, a predominantly African American neighborhood, has been marginalized over the years. Among the slights the community endured were a landfill placed along their road (and eventually closed) and the Route 113 highway that cut off their access to downtown Berlin. Purnell argued the proposed sports complex was another project that did not benefit surrounding residents. “Let us enjoy Flower Street …,” Hazel Purnell, another nearby resident, told officials this week. “We do not need that.” Berlin resident Gina Velong also expressed her opposition to the proposed location, noting that it would add traffic in an already congested area. She added that placing a sports complex in another nearby area would still benefit Ocean City’s tourism industry. “These people will only be able to stay at the hotels that are approved by their competitive sports teams. So See CONCERNS Page 12

FEBRUARY 13, 2026

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OC Today-Dispatch

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