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APRIL 14, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Assembly tough on OC Offshore wind wins big support from legislature, calls for lots more of it By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (April 14, 2023) Opponents to the expansion of wind energy off the coast of Worcester County received a clear message from Gov. Wes Moore last week with the passage of the POWER Act at the state level. Wind energy isn’t leaving. It’s going to keep growing.
On the heels of an announcement in late March that initiatives were in place to increase offshore wind energy output, the Maryland General Assembly passed the POWER Act, which gives legislative backing to Moore’s intentions by quadrupling the state’s wind energy output from 2 megawatts to 8.5 megawatts. “(Moore’s) administration wants to make Maryland a leader of wind in the country,” Del. Wayne Hartman said. “This bill will expand the potential for offshore wind off the coast of Ocean City (to) potentially hundreds
of turbines. It’s a very egregious bill.” Both Hartman and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza tried bringing attention to the potential impact on marine life by proposing amendments that would slow construction until the possibility of adverse impacts caused by wind energy installations could be definitively ruled out. Neither was successful. In recent months, officials from both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission See OFFSHORE Page 6
Room tax increase dies quietly Bill gets little support from tax-wary legislators, who say wait until next year By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (April 14, 2023) At the end of the 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly, the message out of Annapolis for Ocean City’s aspira-
tions to raise its room tax turned out to be the same as it was in 2022: Wait ‘til next year. Though the room tax bill that would have enabled what are known as code home rule counties on the Eastern Shore to increase their room tax from 5 percent to 6 percent failed to cross the finish line, elected officials are encouraged about what the 2024 session could hold.
“I understand that there will be some promises next year and more momentum behind it,” Del. Wayne Hartman said. “I’m sure we’ll be trying again next year.” Sen. Mary Beth Carozza clarified that Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) has committed to moving the bill forward next session, but also took aim at her colleagues See ROOM Page 6
Transit ad sales could top last year’s By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (April 14, 2023) The resort’s new transit ad contractor is on track to make as much or more money off of bus and tram advertisements this year as they tweak the selling process and prepare to welcome a new medium. Representatives from Gateway Outdoor Advertising, who took over the contract to sell ads on the backs, sides and tops of Ocean City transit vessels in September, updated memSee TRAMS Page 8
Drawings show how wraps planned for the resort’s eight Boardwalk trams will look when they begin running next month. Different colors will be incorporated that complement the city’s new logo and brand. DRAWING COURTESY TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
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Ocean City Today
APRIL 14, 2023
APRIL 14, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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Crews perform construction work in front of the new ABC Liquors building in front of Seacrets on 49th Street. Planning commissioners recently approval a request to prepare the property to turn a portion of the large building into an event venue.
Planning commission clears way for Seacrets event venue By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (April 14, 2023) An event venue planned for a section of the threestory structure taking shape at the site of the former ABC Liquors in the Seacrets parking lot is getting close to reality. Your Beach, which is set to join liquor sales and storage space inside the 49th Street building, will host wedding receptions and other events as part of a full renovation of the small island-themed store that stood in the northern section of the lot for years.
The project is set for site plan approval in May. In anticipation, city planning staff presented a request to approve the installation of underground utilities and planter box walls to planning commission members at a meeting April 4. “This is a building permit that is of necessity to build a bridge, if you will, between the ABC Liquor store that they are already in process of building with the second and third stories that had been approved as storage,” Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy explained during the meeting. See PROJECT Page 8
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Ocean City Today
APRIL 14, 2023
‘Literally chaos erupted’ as legislature ends in shouting By Jack Chavez Staff Writer (April 14, 2023) The 2023 session of the Maryland General Assembly finished on Monday, and like a minor league baseball game on Saturday night, there were plenty of fireworks at the end. “Session ended like I’ve never seen it end before,” said Del. Wayne Hartman on Tuesday. With less than 15 Wayne Hartman minutes left until the midnight deadline, the House of Delegates had on the floor a bill that makes the odor of marijuana insufficient evidence to stop and search someone. House Republicans did not support the measure. “Our minority whip (Del. Jesse Pippy) and our Republican Leader (Del.) Jason Buckel tried to stand up and get the speaker’s attention,” Hartman recalled. “They both sit right and front of them. They ignored them. Steamrolled right over (Buckel).” According to the nonprofit reporting service “Maryland Matters,” Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) and Minority Whip Jesse T. Pippy (R-Frederick) said they wanted to explain their votes against the bill and were given two minutes each to do so. Following that, other members of the House wanted to speak, but House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County called for the vote. Members of the Republican caucus attempted to use House rules to challenge her, to no avail, said Hartman. “So, chaos, literally chaos erupted and the Republicans started (leaving) the floor because, let’s face it, we’re there to debate legislation and when we don’t have a voice, what’s the sense of us being there? We gathered towards the front of the chambers and never did leave. But it was the most chaotic ending of a session I’ve ever seen and, talking to other people, the most chaotic end to a session in many years.” Though not a member of the House, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said that with a supermajority, like the Democrats have in Maryland, they can do what they want, when they want. “What’s very disappointing is how some of these major bills at the last minute, when there are still legitimate concerns to be worked out, were still jammed through before that midnight Sine Die deadline,” Carozza said. “The issue that I consistently brought up during the reform debate was the impact of public smoking of marijuana and the need to get local jurisdictions like Ocean City the ability to increase those penalties to keep control of areas like the Boardwalk, public
parks, state parks, overall protecting our families and the general public health from the impact of public smoking of marijuana.” Carozza attempted to pass an amendment but was narrowly defeated, still an eye-opening outcome considering the supermajority. But to add insult to injury, on the last day a bill came through that decreased penalties. Carozza said her intention moving forward is to work with municipalities and counties, with Ocean City included, to ensure that local jurisdictions “have tools they need to keep families, residents and visitors safe from the effects of public smoking of marijuana.” But the end of session wasn’t all bad for the Eastern Shore dele g a t i o n . Carozza heaped praise on the Ocean City Mary Beth Chamber of ComCarozza merce and the HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, as well as many employees and employers, for the pressure they applied on legislation that would have given tipped employees minimum wage, resulting in the bill not moving forward. Oppositional testimony also assisted in the Consumer Price Index’s removal from the bill that raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour, starting on Jan. 1. Its addition would have meant that wages rise with inflation. “It goes to show that when local communities and business leaders make their voices heard (it makes a difference),” Carozza said. “The people who come up and testify in person have such a major impact with that combined advocacy.” Carozza also touted the funding coming to Atlantic General Hospital and TidalHealth Trauma Center, the only trauma center on the Eastern Shore, which she said has been woefully underfunded since 2017. “(The trauma center) serves 500,000 locals and regional residents, but it also serves the 8 million people that come to Ocean City in the summer,” Carozza said. “Every county and jurisdiction in the state has had patients come through TidalHealth Trauma Center over the years. Our point is, as that volume increases and services of care increase, the reimbursement rates have not kept up at all and it has put it in a very precarious position.” And the ultra-controversial HB119, which would have reformed Maryland’s sex education curriculum to include terminology that upset many parents in Worcester County, fell before the pressure it faced. See SCHOOL Page 7
APRIL 14, 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
12980 INLET ISLE LN OCEAN CITY $2,999,900 Waterfront 6BR/3BA custom estate w/marina, bay, canal views, sunrises, and sunsets. There is a deepwater 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
11604 COASTAL HWY UNIT 1506 • OCEAN CITY $789,900
144TH ST • UNIT 202 OCEAN CITY $489,900
2BR/2BA Fountainhead Towers condo is now available for sale! This unit is absolutely stunning and its direct oceanfront. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises to start your day with the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand. From the minute you walk in the door, you’ll fall in love with the stunning decor. The kitchen is sure to delight like the chef in your family and has a breakfast bar. The dining room is off the kitchen and makes a great gathering place to enjoy home cooked meals with friends and family. The large living area is off the dining area and has four glass sliders leading to a large ocean front deck with completely unobstructed views of the beach and ocean. The balcony is one of the largest balconies boasting 30‘x 9 feet. There’s also a Bayside balcony which is approximately 14’ x 7‘to watch the sunsets night after night. This is one of the few buildings that comes complete with two balconies. The primary bedroom overlooks the ocean with glass sliders for endless views of the ocean. Unwind, relax, and get away to decompress, mesmerized by the ocean views. The primary bath is off the bedroom and has a shower, closet, and double vanity. There is a second spacious bedroom which has two queen-sized beds with another full bath that has been upgraded. There is a washer and dryer in the unit. The flooring has been upgraded in the unit to Italian porcelain. There is also Travertine marble in the bathroom and carpet in the two bedrooms. In the family room, and the primary bedroom there is a remote control for the drapes. The family room has surround sound and a large Sony TV for entertaining guests and family. The water heater was replaced in October 2019 to a 50-gallon water heater. The 2.5ton HVAC with large chaise air handler was also replaced in 2019 for optimum cooling and heating. On the bay facing balcony there is also a separate owners closet just for the use of unit 1506. This condo is located at 116th St. The condo has an outdoor swimming pool on the beach side, which you’re sure to love after a hot warm day on the beach. The condo also has tennis and pickleball courts. The condo is conveniently located close to restaurants, shops, entertainment and has easy access in and out of ocean city. The condo is sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment.
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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
Beautiful 3BR/2BA end unit condo in the Baywatch III Building overlooking the water with breathtaking bay views, in the fabulous community of Heron Harbour Isle. It comes with boat slip #84 and a 7,500 lb. lift. This unit is being sold furnished, is in pristine condition and has lovely beach decor. The chef in your family will love the kitchen that was remodeled in 2022. The Quartz countertops are the focal point on the kitchen. Imagine yourself in this beautiful condo in one of the nicest communities in Ocean City. The building has recently been redone with new siding, new decking, new windows and new sliders. Heron Harbour Isle is amenities 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 and make memories that will last a lifetime. Come take a look today before its SOLD! This unit is in Building D work has been completed. New siding, windows, doors, etc. from association is done.
349 WALNUT HILL DR BERLIN • $759,000
Ocean block beauty 2BR/2BA steps from the beach and priced to sell! Rarely is there a condo for sale in this building. There are two large balconies, one has breathtaking ocean views and the other is very spacious as well in front of the unit door. As you walk through the front door you will feel the warmth of this open layout. The kitchen has been upgraded, it's sure to delight the chef in your family. The dining area flows off the kitchen into the family room. There is plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. The master bedroom is spacious and has its own private bath. The other bedroom is large as well. Both bathrooms have been upgraded and the condo is freshly painted in nice beach colors. The unit is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. The building is well maintained with low condo fees and is only steps from the ocean. This fantastic condo is close to restaurants and shopping. Come take a look today!
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $2,900,000
203 S. HERON DR UNIT 304D OCEAN CITY $615,000
COMING SOON
Stunning newly constructed 4BR/3.5 BA home by RBR Homes has just been completed in "America's Coolest Town". The minute you walk in you will fall in love with the custom finishes and abundance of light and outdoor space this home offers. The gourmet kitchen will delight the chef in your family with its center island and upgraded cabinetry. The family room and dining room flow off the kitchen. You will love entertaining family and friends over dinner. On the first floor there is also a wonderful bedroom with private bath. On the second floor you will find a luxurious primary bedroom and bath, and two additional bedrooms and another full bath. The outdoor space has a great patio, and the backyard is perfect for pets and little ones to play. There is a two-car detached garage and above the garage is additional space that could easily be finished off for a home office. This home is located only a short distance to restaurants and shops in downtown Berlin. You will enjoy the small town feel and way of living. The home is situated on a quiet circular street and has small town charm and curb appeal. The home is minutes from Ocean City and Assateague Island. The association fee is only $250 per year. Professional photos to follow house will be completed and ready for showings soon!
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14008 WIGHT ST UNIT 14 OCEAN CITY $1,200,000 Townhome hits the market with no HOA fees! This is a large ocean front townhome with direct access to the beach. It is perfect for making family memories that will last a lifetime, or as an excellent investment property. Walk a few steps to the beach, sunbathe and swim in the ocean, then walk back to your home. Then enjoy a crab feast on the large deck and go fly a kite on the beach after dinner. The large living area overlooks the ocean and has plenty of space for family and friends. The kitchen is off the family room and has white cabinets and lots of storage space, tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and radiant heat flooring. The large dining area is off the kitchen making it the perfect place for enjoying family meals together. There is also a primary bedroom with full bath on this level. On the next level you will find a second bedroom which overlooks the ocean that has a private deck so you can watch the sunrise while enjoying your morning coffee. This townhome has its own private covered parking, NO HOA FEE, and there are no restrictions against adding an entire additional floor, as some neighbors have done.
6509 HAMPTON RD LOT 18 • BERLIN $649,000 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
COMMERCIAL
WORCESTER HWY BISHOPVILLE, MD $270,000 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
GEORGETOWN ROAD BERLIN • $150,000
1303 MCHENRY COURT BERLIN • $145,000
Build your dream house! If you are looking for some acreage look no further, this property is 3.016 acres. This property is just off Route 113 and close to Berlin, America's coolest small town. The property is conveniently located near Ocean City Beaches and Assateague Island. Survey has been done and soil samples are completed. No HOA to worry about let's start the process and get exactly what you want in a home. MLS MDWO2009248
Why not build? There's nothing like building the house of your dreams! Large culde-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
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
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
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
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
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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APRIL 14, 2023
Ocean City Today
Offshore wind wins big in General Assembly Continued from Page 1 have said there is no evidence to link marine wildlife deaths to wind energy activity. Ørsted and US Wind, the two companies spearheading wind energy development off Worcester County and lower Delaware, met the bill’s passage with enthusiasm. “We applaud the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of the POWER Act and commend Governor Moore for his bold vision to make Maryland an offshore wind leader,” Ørsted’s Maddy Voytek, deputy head of government affairs and marketing strategy in Maryland, said in a statement. “Ørsted is proud to be making significant commitments to develop supply chain, manufacturing, and operations capabilities across Maryland as we develop Skipjack Wind. We look forward to a strong and lasting partnership with the state as we help it achieve 8.5 gigawatts of offshore wind power and 100% clean energy by 2035.” The Skipjack project is situated off Fenwick Island, while US Wind’s development site is off Ocean City. US Wind also saluted the move and expressed excitement about the direction the state is taking. “The POWER Act is a real game changer for Maryland,” Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO, said in a statement. “It
sets a path for the people of Maryland to reap the benefits of huge amounts of clean energy in the coming years. It also tells the entire offshore wind industry globally that Maryland is back big time as a major player. Companies looking to invest in offshore wind have to seriously consider Maryland.” But locally, the tenor is much darker in the wake of Moore’s precedent-setting bill. “I was extremely disappointed that a bill of this magnitude would be introduced with no consultation of the impacted state delegate, senators and the local elected officials and our citizens that are impacted by a bill of this magnitude,” Carozza said. “That was extremely disappointing and obviously gave the proponents and sponsors of that bill a great advantage.” She did, however, credit the Town of Ocean City for its efforts to assemble talking points for the bill’s hearing in Carozza’s assigned committee — the Energy, Education and the Environments Committee — which she said were effective in ensuring that the laying of cable lines and landfall of those cables does not affect the town itself. “That’s significant,” she said. She pointed to the problems that Rhode Island experienced off Block Island, a tourist hotspot that lies about nine miles south of the state’s coast,
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where, in less than a year, “poorly installed” underground high-voltage cables came to the surface. According to the Providence Journal, the cables weren’t buried at the recommended depth of eight feet, but at four feet because of difficulty boring through the rocky seabed. The $31 million cost of repairs wasn’t borne by the developer, Orsted, but by National Grid, the company that brought the power ashore. That company then applied a surcharge to Block Island consumers, and then found itself in trouble with the state public service commission, resulting in a partial reimbursement to ratepayers. “I ... have been trying to educate my colleagues that the concerns with offshore wind development in Ocean City go way beyond a visibility issue, Carozza said. “I totally support our ef-
fort to continue to move those offshore wind turbines further off. I believe that if Virginia and North Carolina can do it, certainly the state of Maryland can do it.” Carozza would also like to see the impact of wind energy on local fisheries examined, but no amendments aimed at that goal could pass. Though no one would ever construe Carozza as an ally of wind energy companies, she did push for accepting the House version of the POWER Act over the Senate version due to language that included more opportunities for public engagement and comment with officials. “(That language) is consistent with the Eastern Shore Delegation’s call for congressional hearings as they held in New Jersey (and potentially) having one held in Ocean City.”
Room tax bill dies quiet death Continued from Page 1 who sank the bill for this session. “I find it extremely disappointing and frustrating that a local and enabling-only hotel and tax rate bill was not given local courtesy,” Carozza said. “I pointed out that over 65 percent of the tax would be paid by out-of-state visitors and that half of Maryland counties have a rate of 6 percent and above, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County that have 9.5 percent (each) and all this bill did was enable a maximum ... of 6 percent.” At one point the bill seemed like a slam dunk. Last year, it failed to pick up steam because Worcester County officials didn’t realize until it was virtually too late that they needed the support of the other counties on the Eastern Shore with a home rule form of government — Caroline, Kent and Queen Anne’s —
before it could even be brought up in Annapolis. This year, they got that support. It seemed that all that was left was dotting every “i” and crossing every “t.” But the bill met some pushback in the House. After making it through, it met even more resistance in the Senate, enough to stop the bill altogether. It was an ironic twist of fate as Republicans — the party of small government and limited taxes — found themselves defending a bil against Democrats — the party more associated with government regulation — who saw the bill as a tax hike on their constituents. Not even Hartman and Carozza saying that 65 percent of the tax would be paid by people vacationing in Ocean City from out of state could budge the See TAX Page 7
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Great Menu, Quality Food Call Ahead-Ready In Minutes Sandwiches & Dinners • Seafood & Chicken • Homemade Soups 1/3 lb. MD Crab Cakes • Steamed Shrimp NO TAX • PACK FOR TRAVEL • FREE COOLER & ICE Oceanside Md./Del. Line, 37085 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware
Open Daily @ 11:00am 302-537-5882 • BahamasCrabShack.com
Cell: 443-614-6286 • kstory@mainstreethl.com
https://mainstreethomeloans.com/loanoriginator/kari-story/ This is not a guarantee to extend consumer credit as defined by Section 1026.2 of Regulation Z. All loans are subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Main Street Home Loans NMLS ID #71603 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Licensed in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Kari Story, NMLS#476369.
APRIL 14, 2023
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
Tax change could happen in ’24 Continued from Page 6 Democrats. “It seems to me extremely hypocritical that those who were opposing it actually have hotel tax rates that exceed Worcester County’s. The bottom line is it became political and a decision was made by (Ferguson) not to move it at the end of session.” Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan concurred, saying the bill’s failure was nothing more than a “political issue” that had nothing to do with its contents. “It became an issue between Republicans and Democrats,” Meehan said, referring to the Senate Democrats who took a stand against the bill in committee at the eleventh hour. “And I think that was … something that caught us off guard. Because this was a local issue. It
was something that affected the four code counties here on the Eastern Shore. All four counties supported it.” Meehan said he spoke with Ferguson on a couple of occasions, and most recently at 4 p.m. Monday, just hours before the end of the session. Meehan said Ferguson told him that there was too much opposition to get the bill through committee and that it created such a debate that it would not happen this year. “But we did talk about next year,” Meehan said. “And I’m confident that we will be able to bring it back next year, hopefully, avoid some of the political issues and have it addressed as what it should be addressed as — a local issue.” Staff Writer Mallory Panuska contributed to this report
School health bill fails to pass Continued from Page 4 “I want to thank the constituents who weighed in. That’s another bill that came through my committee (the Energy, Education and the Environment Committee),” Carozza said. “I challenged the state superintendent on it. I didn’t understand why the state superintendent would push for a bill that his local superintendents oppose, that
local boards of education oppose, that thousands of Maryland parents oppose.” That bill did, however, pass out of the House of Delegates with much less resistance, suggesting that support for it is still nevertheless strong. Does she think the bill will make a comeback in the 2024 session? “I hope not,” Carozza said.
12601 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City MD (Across from Northside Park)
443-664-2896 • Bourbonstreetonthebeach.com RESTAURANT WEEK MENU
3 For $35 Starter, Soup Or Salad, Entrée • 4 For $40 (+ Dessert)
• STARTER •
Char-Grilled Oysters • Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Crab-Stuffed Mushroom Caps Boudin Balls w/Remoulade Sauce • Muffuletta Dip
• MAIN ENTRÉE •
Bourbon Street Steak (Served blackened w/Bourbon Mushroom Glaze)
Lobster Ravioli w/ Crab Alfredo Sauce Chesapeake Chicken w/ Lump Crab (Served w/Mushrooms & Onions in an Old Bay Wine Sauce w/Mozzarella)
Broiled Maryland Crab Cake (6oz) Honey Bourbon Glazed Salmon Paella Jambalaya (Shrimp, Chicken, Mussels, Andouille Sausage) served w/ spicy saffron rice
Cochon de lait (NOLA Pulled Pork served w/slaw & cornbread)
Open 7 Days During Restaurant Week Accepting Reservations for Dining Room
• SOUP OR SALAD • Select either:
House salad, Caesar salad, or Spinach salad OR: Gumbo, Red Beans & Rice, or Maryland Crab
• DESSERT •
Strawberry Shortcake Blueberry Crisp Bread Pudding w/ Bourbon Caramelized Glaze Key Lime Pie
ENTERTAINMENT
4/16: IDENTITY CRISIS 4pm
4/17: ENDLESS EMBER 6pm 4/18: SHORTCUT SONNY 4pm 4/19: REFORM SCHOOL 6pm OPEN MIC 8pm 4/20: BRYAN CLARK 6pm
4/21: DAVE SHERMAN 4pm FIRST CLASS 7pm 4/22: CHRIS BUTTON 4pm RISKY BUSINESS 8pm 4/23: CHRIS BUTTON 5pm