OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
MARCH 3, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Capital improvement plan pending for FY24 in OC as sports complex, Balt. Ave. funds nixed – Page 7
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Close vote advances fire station Council splits 4-3 to OK constructing new 65th St. facility for nearly $10M
MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
SAFE KEEPING
The question is whether these creatures are penned up to protect the public from them or vice versa? They’re in temporary storage in the corner of a 19th Street lot while their home, a new Nick’s Jurassic Golf, is constructed. The mini golf course is moving from a block over.
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (March 3, 2023) Construction of a newer, bigger midtown Ocean City fire station could begin as early as next month after the project cleared a familiar hurdle with the City Council. “I can tell you this station is needed, it’s not wanted,” Fire Chief Richard Bowers said at a work session Tuesday of the new Fire Station 3 planned for construction in front of the public safety building on 65th Street. Council members voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James and Councilmen John Gehrig and Peter Buas opposed, to approve a maximum price contract with Delmarva Veteran Builders for more than $9.8 million for the project. With the approval, City Manager See NEW Page 4
OCDC director Irwin to retire Over 23 years, downtown program grew into major influence in resort By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (March 3, 2023) When a younger Glenn Irwin trekked up from South Florida in the year 2000 with hopes of becoming the first director of the Ocean City Development Corporation, it was his professionalism, knowledge and experience that tipped the scales in his favor. “His professional attitude. He knew where to look for money from the state and the county and
he had the foresight to go out and find the grants. And that’s what we were looking for,” then-OCDC Board President Buck Mann said of Irwin, who is ending his long tenure as head of the downtown organization at the end of this month. “He showed all of the signs of that’s what we were looking for, and boy has he proved it,” Mann said. The news of Irwin’s retirement plans began circulating publicly last week after the OCDC’s annual presentation to the Worcester County Commissioners. Within the report, Irwin and current board See IRWIN Page 3
MALLOY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Glenn Irwin stands in front of a 55-bed employee housing building at 104 Dorchester Street that OCDC helped bring to fruition.
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Ocean City Today
MARCH 3, 2023
MARCH 3, 2023
Irwin to step down March 31 from OCDC leadership post Continued from Page 1 President Kevin Gibbs touted the successes of the nonprofit, which incorporated in February 2000 and welcomed Irwin in June of that year. While recalling the members of the original 15-member board, Irwin described them as “a who’s who of Ocean City,” with big names such as Granville Trimper of Trimper’s Rides, Macky’s Bayside owner Macky Stansell and real estate company owner Terry Hough joining Mann,, who still serves as founder and chief executive officer of Mann Properties. “So, it had a really good initial board,” Irwin said. “And it’s continued to have very good boards and presidents.” But while the group was public and powerful, it was Irwin who did the legwork that steered the organization through its years of success. Starting out as a one-man show, Irwin had a knack for finding money to get things done, Mann said. And over the years the efforts paid off as funds became available to give Irwin a small staff, create numerous public art and renovation programs, and move the organization to a dual purpose downtown building. The renovated house on Dorchester Street today contains the OCDC offices on the bottom floor with seasonal Beach Patrol housing above. According to the information presented to the commissioners last week, through renovations programs spearheaded by Irwin and his staff, 270 buildings have been revitalized and renovated downtown. The work includes everything from facade improvements to green building initia-
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MALLORY PANUSKA/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Ocean City Development Corporation Executive Director Glenn Irwin in front of the organization’s office on Dorchester Street.
tives and have resulted in improved aesthetics and higher property values. “He found in working through the state there was money available for extra renovation projects that we could grant individuals that were going to be a certain amount of work,” Mann said of the programs “And that took off like gangbusters. So many places were rehabbed, painted and spruced up, and it was just incredible.” Irwin told the commissioners that the resort has renovated more exteriors through OCDC’s facade program than the city of Baltimore, which he considers a big accomplishment. Besides encouraging building façade upgrades, OCDC also issues grants to help property owners replace fences, lights and roofs, and complete other renovations. See IRWIN Page 6
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Ocean City Today
MARCH 3, 2023
New station will replace 74th Street facility Continued from Page 1 Terry McGean said groundbreaking can begin “quickly,” or as early as next month, and should take 12 months to complete. The project carries a total ultimate $10.6 million price tag and will be funded with bonds issued last year. In the same 4-3 majority that approved the contract Tuesday, council members voted in November to allocate $10.5 million for the project. The 23,500 square-foot building will replace the smaller station at 74th Street. In summarizing the current station’s age, size and setup, Bowers called the working and living conditions“deplorable” for the paid and volunteer firefighters who use it. He also told the council that having a bigger station with more storage and living space would be an obvious benefit, and added that response time to midtown streets is also expected to improve. And while Councilmen Will Savage, a volunteer firefighter, Tony DeLuca and Frank Knight and Councilwoman Carol Proctor agreed that the project needs to be funded now, the rest of the group was skeptical. James, who is also a member of the volunteer company, has expressed concerns about the project
RENDERING COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
A rendering shows the look of a new Ocean City Fire Station 3 planned for 65th Street. Council members voted in a slim majority on Feb. 28 to approve a contract to begin construction on the project, which will replace the old, waning station on 74th Street.
after the price more than doubled from initial estimates last year. He suggested nixing the new station plans in exchange for renovating the old one and focusing on staff. James said Bowers’ reports that the firefighters experience operational challenges, face human resources issues and are exposed to health and safety threats at the existing station were “a little misleading.” He said he spoke to members of the International Association of Firefighters and did not get the same
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feedback. “You’ve got a very active union and I’m of the opinion that if the people that work in these stations were uncomfortable or felt that they are not being taken care of that we’d know about it,” James said. He added that he confirmed there were no formal human resources complaints and addressed Bowers’ statement about the response times. While James said the move to 65th Street may improve accessibility to several midtown blocks, he pointed out that the nearby intersection with the Route 90 bridge is one of the busiest in the city and expressed concerns about slowed response times to dense northern neighborhoods in the peak of summer. And the icing on top, the cost of the new building is higher than renovating the old one. “I think 11 million is a lot of money for this building,” James said, rounding up the $10.6 million figure. “I think it is a want, I don’t think it’s a need.” McGean ran the numbers and other details on renovating the old station versus building a new one and determined that they could probably save a few million dollars for a set of concessions that he ultimately did not recommend. “In my opinion, if you go that route you are throwing good money after bad,” McGean said of renovation. “You’re spending 6 to 7 million dollars for a fire station that you’re not going to be able to expand, still doesn’t have adequate storage, still doesn’t have adequate decontamination areas, and is half the size of what we can build at 65th Street.” James also expressed concerns about staffing within the department, which has been an issue for a while. He said any extra money should be used to ensure that the roster is filled instead of using it to pay for a new fire station. Councilman John Gehrig was skeptical about that as well, and voted against the contract for the new
station after expressing a desire to hold off and ensure staffing needs are met. “Ultimately, I’m not inclined to renovate,” Gehrig said during Tuesday’s discussion. “At the same time, I don’t feel good about voting for this today when I don’t know what we’re doing with staffing when staffing is the number one priority.” Buas said he did not make the same correlation between staffing and infrastructure, but still thought the cost of the new building came in too high. McGean said he has been working with members of the department and looking at budget numbers and believes he can provide eight to 12 fulltime firefighters in the fiscal 2024 budget. “I think this year we can do eight. I fully expect assessments to be up in FY 25,” he said. “ … My goal would be this year we’re going to take some money out of fund balance to spend for some one-time equipment costs and things like that and in FY 25 with assessments that’s how I believe it’s affordable.” Under ideal circumstances, he said, he would bring on 12 positions, as that is the number needed to cover the needs if part-time employees remain at the current level. Bowers also said the department could receive as much as a million dollars this year, and for years to come, from a federal Medicaid reimbursement program that could help offset some of the department’s costs. Also on Tuesday, Ryan Whittington, the president of the IAFF, asked council members to look into creating a committee to discuss department issues such as the new fire station and staffing to ensure needs are met and everyone communicates properly. “We have a committee for parking, we have a committee for bikes, we have a committee for everything except your fire department and public safety,” Whittington said. “I’ve asked See IAFF Page 7
MARCH 3, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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10615 POINT LOOKOUT RD • OCEAN CITY • $5,599,900 Custom 6BR/6BA/3HBA/ new construction west facing bayfront estate designed and built by David Bradley of Bradley Construction w/ views of both Assawoman Bay and skyline from the property’s L-shaped pool and swim-up bar. Features exceptional craftsmanship w/astute attention to detail, custom finishes/woodwork, and architectural details. A welcoming orange crush bar made w/Port Rush quartz and 1st-floor Den/bedroom ensuite complete w/Murphy bed. Expansive family room has a wall of windows and glass sliders overlooking the bay. Gourmet chef 's kitchen just off family room includes plenty of bar seating w/endless bay views. Kitchen boasts GE monogram ss appliances including 6-burner gas range, expansive center island, custom farm sink, w/vegetable sink, hone marble and quartz countertops. White custom Fabuwood cabinets w/undercounter lighting, appliance garages and custom pull outs for easy storage. Floating shelves in kitchen made w/reclaimed wood, and a designer tile backsplash. An expansive butler’s pantry, mud room w/custom shelving, laundry room, half bath on the main floor. White oak stairs, and custom-made glass elevator. 2nd floor spacious ensuite Bayfront bedrooms, each w/its own private balcony. A 4th ensuite bedroom which has been designed as a bunk room w/custom bunk and trundle bed complete w/a port hole. A coffee bar, refrigerator, and full-size laundry on 2nd floor. 3rd floor primary bedroom ensuite w/bay views, cathedral ceilings, turret cupola, coffee bar, fireplace, exquisite tile work, two enormous closets w/wood detailing and shiplap, and expansive covered porch. Primary bath has insulated tub w/jets and faces the bay w/a 6’x6’ circular Anderson window. Bonus room w/soaring ceilings and cupola; separate refrigerator, bar seating, a private deck, half bath, and laundry. A saltwater pool and spa, cabana area complete w/2 outdoor TVs, 2 refrigerators, custom cabinetry/countertops, fire pit area, permits for three lifts and a transient boat, a 50ft pier, dock and ramp. Parking for 6 cars. MLS MDWO2012190 THE ESTATES OF INLET ISLE
COMMERCIAL
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528 NEW LISTING!
12980 INLET ISLE LN OCEAN CITY $2,999,900
6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 • BERLIN $649,000
Waterfront 6BR/3BA custom estate w/marina, bay, canal views, sunrises, and sunsets. There is a deep-water slip that can accommodate a 42’ boat providing easy access to the ocean at the inlet. Built by JN Custom Homes, known for fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Close to world class marinas, fishing, multiple golf courses, Assateague Island, the Ocean City Boardwalk, and many restaurants. Come take a look at this dream home that has stunning, unmatched architectural style and a wonderful waterfront location. Contracts are being accepted now, in time for you to personalize this home and select your finishes. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO2010644
Waterfront home site hits the market! 5+ acres on a cul-de-sac in the tranquil community of Indian Creek ready and waiting for you.You dream it... You build it... You Live it! All this and two golf courses within two miles and Assateague Island’s 3 miles away where you can enjoy the ocean and beautiful white sand beaches. You can be in downtown Berlin or Ocean City in 15 minutes to enjoy the boardwalk and restaurants. So close, yet such a peaceful setting. The possibilities are endless... Do you need a home office or maybe even two? How about a workout room, or maybe a playroom? Are you dreaming of kayaking or paddle boarding off your dock? How about a boat or jet skis? Would you like a nice yard to play in or grow your own vegetables? Come take a look today before it's SOLD!! MLS MDWO2011146
LAND
LAND
COMMERCIAL
GEORGETOWN RD BERLIN $160,000
1303 MCHENRY CT BERLIN $145,000
Build your dream house! If you are looking for some Are you looking for a acreage look no further, 2BR/2BA condo at the beach? This this property is 3.016 beautiful unit is loacres. This property is just cated off 120th St. in off Route 113 and close to Ocean City, Maryland, conveniently located close to Berlin, America's coolest restaurants shops, and the beach. The condo is in Club small town. The property Ocean Villas 1 which has a community outdoor pool. is conveniently located Would make a great second home or a vacation rental near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey property. The unit has been freshly painted and just has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA needs your special touches to make it your own and furto worry about let's start the process and get exactly what nishings. Come take a look today before it’s sold. you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248
Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large cul-de-sac (11,566 Sqft.) home site in the very desirable Colonial Village location in Ocean Pines. Close to the Yacht Club, Yacht club pool and marina and Mumford's Landing Pool, and located only a few miles from Ocean City’s famous beaches. Ocean Pines is an amenity rich community w/restaurants, shops, tennis, recreational facilities, golf, ball fields, pickleball courts, basketball court, playground, 12 parks, 6 trails, indoor and outdoor pools, 2 marinas, beachfront beach club at 49th Street in Ocean City, and the farmer's market. There is also police protection, fire protection and excellent management. MLS MDWO2008616
108 120TH ST UNIT 76 OCEAN CITY $299,900
MLS MDWO2011736 OCEANFRONT
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WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $270,000 8 75TH ST UNIT 106 • OCEAN CITY $429,900 Recently renovated 1BR/1BA direct oceanfront condo w/beachfront balcony. East side corner unit w/an abundance of light, extra windows, open floor plan. Spacious family room w/fireplace. Upgraded kitchen has beautiful breakfast bar, quartz countertops, new ss appliances. Sold fully furnished. Ground level storage for all your beach toys. Schedule your appointment today to see this great condo before it's SOLD. Upgrades include New flooring, New HW heater, New HVAC Heat Pump, and the Wi-Fi allows you to check on the unit and change settings remotely. There is also a Newer W/D, New Appliances, New Furniture, Updated bathroom, Italian marble tile hearth, New Lighting, New doors and all New cabinets. MLS MDWO2012140
Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
LAND
36992 DUPONT BLVD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,615,000 Prime Location!!! If you are an investor, builder, or developer looking for the optimal location look no further! This choice commercial property has unlimited development potential w/prime frontage on Rt 113 and Rt 54 in Selbyville. These two parcels totaling 47.5 acres are being sold together and are w/in the town limits. Located 1 mile from the Maryland State line and 10 miles from Ocean City and Fenwick Island. Offered at $2,615,000. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MLS DESU185186
LAND
0 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $490,000 7.29 acres hits the market! Minutes from the beaches, shopping, and restaurants. This piece has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028756
WATERFRONT LAND
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TAXID 533-17.00-156.07 S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $990,000 Commercial land 3.94acre prime location served by water and sewer from Selbyville. This land is across from the new development of Coastal Villages. 1,000 feet of road frontage. Also available for sale is Tax ID 533-17.00-156.04 which has 7.29 acres for $490,000 (MLS- DESU2028756) this has a density of 16 lots. Both pieces are served by water and sewer in Selbyville. OWNER FINANCING IS AVAILABLE! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS DESU2028754
BERLIN
13010 WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE $370,000
Are you looking for that commercial piece with high visibility? Look no further this commercial tract is 14.33 acres on the corner of Route 113 and Route 610 across from Emings BBQ. This is your opportunity to establish a foothold in this increasingly desirable area on the Eastern Shore. The possibilities are endless! Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MLS MDWO113678 BAYSIDE WATER
218-4 N. HERON DR OCEAN CITY $799,900
6226 KNOLL HILL DR • BERLIN $995,000 This stunning 4BR/4BA home has OPEN WATER VIEWS and is in a wonderful neighborhood. A recently renovated Cape Cod w/a spacious backyard off South Point Road in Berlin, overlooks the water and Assateague Island. Home has open floor plan and an abundance of natural light. You will love the character of the hardwood floors, the upgraded baths and the lighting. There is an enormous composite deck in the back, 2-car garage, and storage area. 1.5 miles from Ocean City Golf Club, 1.5 miles from the Public Boat Ramp, 2.4 miles from Rum Point Golf Course, 6 miles from Assateague Island, 8.5 miles from Ocean City Airport, 9.4 miles from Sunset Marina and 10.5 miles from the Ocean City Boardwalk. MLS MDWO2007874
Luxurious direct waterfront living with breathtaking bay views. This is a 3BR/2.5 BA two level direct waterfront end unit townhouse in the amenity rich community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home is in the Sanctuary section of Heron Harbour and comes with a deeded boat slip directly out the back door. This spacious townhome is bright and airy and has been upgraded. As you walk in the front door you will fall in love with the open floor plan. The dining area is large and the upgraded kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, breakfast bar, white cabinets and a deck off the front of the breakfast nook. The family room flows off the dining area and is perfect for entertaining. There is also a fireplace making this a cozy year-round getaway. The decks have been upgraded as well with composite decking. There is also a storage closet on the back deck for beach chairs and bikes. On the second level is the waterfront master bedroom with upgraded master bath, beautiful tiled shower and a private deck. The other two bedrooms are spacious and perfect for family and friends. This lovely townhome is being sold furnished and shows pride of ownership. The deeded boat slip is directly in front of your unit. This is a perfect home to make memories that will last a lifetime. Heron Harbour Isle is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. The association has approved a siding replacement project the seller has paid the first $2,500 due in February the second installment is due May 1st which is $2,500 that the buyer will be responsible for paying. In addition, the seller has prepaid for many of the windows to be replaced. The buyer will get the benefit of all these improvements for years to come! MLS MDWO211464
HERON HARBOUR
305 S HERON GULL CT OCEAN CITY $2,399,900 Stunning coastal custom recently renovated 6BR/6BA/2HBA waterfront estate. Property features exceptional craftsmanship. First-floor primary bedroom overlooks the water and has a luxurious master bath. Spacious kitchen features granite countertops, two sinks, high end appliances, and upgraded cabinets. Dining area is off the kitchen and overlooks the water. Family room is off the dining room and also overlooks the water. Family room has 22-foot ceilings and a gas fireplace making it the perfect place for y/r enjoyment. There is a sunroom or office area off the front of the house which could also be used as a separate dining room. On the third floor you will find a movie theater room w/kitchen. You will enjoy watching the boats go by and the breathtaking bay views and sunsets. Additional enhancements include upgraded lighting and flooring, 2- 75-gallon water heaters and 3 zone heating and air conditioning. Enjoy outdoor living w/extensive composite multi-level decks. There is a private pier w/a deep-water dock, 10,000 lb. boat lift, two jet ski lifts, a davit hoist and vinyl bulkhead. Home was professionally landscaped and has an irrigation system. This estate offers a fabulous open floor plan that maximizes spectacular views. A short distance to the beach, shops and restaurants. Boasting over 5200Sqft, this home is in the amenity rich community of Heron Harbour. The community amenities include an indoor heated pool, outdoor family pool, Olympic size lap pool, kiddie pool, fitness center, library, social room and two lighted clay tennis courts. This is more than a luxurious home, it's a wonderful lifestyle. MLS MDWO2008958
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2023 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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Ocean City Today
MARCH 3, 2023
Irwin ‘semi-retiring’ after building up OCDC Continued from Page 3 Public art is a big part of OCDC’s mission as well. While the building improvements are focused on downtown from the inlet to 17th Street, the organization’s artistic contributions are everywhere. Irwin said the group’s first project, the white marlin sculpture at the end of the Route 50 bridge on North Division Street, was completed in 2002, and everything else took off from there. Today, art can be found at the convention center on 40th Street, an eagle sculpture sits close to the edge of the Delaware line in north Ocean City, and a dolphin statue is on display near the Route 90 bridge. “We say we’re downtown but public art kind of goes all over,” Irwin said. “We work closely with the Art League of Ocean City too.”
Under Irwin’s purview, OCDC has also helped develop and plan multiple small employee housing projects downtown, including a proposed multi-purpose building for the Ocean City Police Department that includes storage, housing and public space. The organization is working as well on finding a solution to parking problems across the city, with a potential plan to implement a Fee In Lieu of Parking, or FILOP, program presented at a City Council work session this week. And it was all under Irwin’s guidance and efforts, which colleagues and officials say will be difficult to follow. “Everybody you talk to … the biggest thing they say is, ‘You’re not going to be able to replace him. He’s hard to replace,” Mann said.
Mayor Rick Meehan, who worked closely with Irwin during his tenure, said in an email that Irwin has been “a tremendous asset” to both OCDC and the town as a whole. “As the first, and to-date, only executive director of OCDC, he helped to build that organization by building relationships and establishing credibility within the community,” Meehan said. “He has been an outstanding spokesperson for the organization and his greatest asset has been his ability to bring people together, find common ground and make decisions and recommendations that have improved the downtown area.” Meehan added that Irwin goes “goes above and beyond” in his position. “He has the respect of the [mayor
and City Council] and the entire Ocean City community,” Meehan said. “On top of all of that he is just a great guy.” County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who also sat on the original OCDC board, said last week that he met Irwin his first night in Ocean City back in 2000. “I think I remember him saying he was only going to be here for a couple of years … four years, and he’d only guarantee us four years and here he is, so many years later,” Mitrecic said. “He’s still active and still doing a great job and I just want to thank you personally for the Town of Ocean City and for the county for what you’ve done and how you’ve served and helped redevelop Ocean City and make it a better place. And you can always put that in your hat that you made Ocean City a better place.” Gibbs had similar comments about Irwin’s work, which he has witnessed not only as president of the board but as a resident. “You ride your bike or go into the town … you look a little bit and you realize the environment of the town you’re in and it’s because of this guy behind the scenes,” Gibbs said of Irwin. “We’re going to miss him.” Irwin contended that OCDC has its “fingerprints on everything downtown,” whether it’s obvious or not. “Anything happening downtown, including the Boardwalk, we’re involved,” he said. And although Irwin is hanging up the hat he has worn for nearly 23 years on March 31, he is not going far. “I live in Ocean City. I’m semi-retiring, only because if I don’t work doing something I’ll go crazy … I’ll find something, volunteer work, maybe work part-time somewhere,” Irwin said of his plans. “If I continue to work at OCDC on a part-time basis is to be determined. But I won’t be working full time.” Gibbs also said he expects Irwin to have some kind of hand in the community after he leaves OCDC, because “you can’t take Ocean City out of his blood.” Irwin said a new director has been chosen from another part of the region, but he did not name the individual because the details of the contract are not yet finalized. Irwin expects the new person to come on board while he’s still working so he can help with the transition. Irwin added that OCDC has been “a great place to work” and he believes he is leaving the organization in a good place that will be easy for the new director to pick up and run with. “I think leaving the OCDC, I think it’s in a very good position.” Irwin said. “The ultimate strength of leadership with the board, our relationship with the city and county, and financially we’re pretty good too, I think.”
MARCH 3, 2023
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
pres. pushes FY24 capital projects list reduced IAFF for fire committee
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (March 3, 2023) While the details are not yet finalized, the removal of funds for land acquisition for a planned sports complex and upgrades to Baltimore Avenue will significantly reduce the amount of money Ocean City officials hope to obtain from the bond market in fiscal 2024. At a work session Tuesday, council members were supposed to approve the final capital improvement plan for the coming budget year, but the
vote was held off with the request to remove the two expensive projects. “I prefer to pull the sports complex and Baltimore Avenue out,” Council President Matt James said of the respective $8.1 and $18 million line items. City Engineer Paul Mauser presented the the total proposed fiscal 2024 capital improvement plan, which council members and staff helped formulate by ranking the 49 big-money projects in order of importance. The total came out to more than
$65.4 million, with the most critical projects determined to be street paving, convention center upgrades, golf course flood remediation, and renovations to public bathrooms and the Ocean Bowl Skate Park. At a work session on Feb. 14, the majority of council members determined that an $18 million allocation for Baltimore Avenue in fiscal 2024, which was set to come from the sale of municipal bonds, was no longer a need right now and opted to put the project on pause. See BALTIMORE Page 8
Continued from Page 4 for it over and over again to help with these types of issues so when we leave here you have updates of what the fire department is doing, on the progress of new building, updates on staffing.” After the vote on the contract, Buas suggested that officials look into Whittington’s request by creating a committee, adding a public safety and fire element to the Police Commission meetings, or creating some other similar solution.
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