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OC Today-Dispatch MAY 1, 2026
STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT
Spring Cruisin weekend now underway in Ocean City — Page 30
PRICELESS
Meehan going for two more as mayor Long-time Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan says he’ll seek another twoyear term in the fall, when he faces a new challenger, City Council President Matt James. — PAGE 13 BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
FLAGSHIP COMES DOWN It was out with the old over the last couple weeks in Ocean City, as the former Flagship Oceanfront Hotel on 26th Street has been razed. Over the next year or so, the site will be redeveloped into an eight-story, 135-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott.
Two seats, five candidates That’s what makes next Friday’s City Council special election not just special but unusual as well, since it will be seating two members of the resort’s governing body. That could mark the beginning of major changes that will culminate in November, when three more seats are available. — PAGE 12, 76
Ward Kovacs, Beach Patrol stalwart, dies The full-time, year-round Beach Patrol lieutenant was considered by many among the best of the good guys. — PAGE 18
PAGE 2
OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 1, 2026
Newly Renovated Space A fresh new look at one of Ocean City’s go-to dining destinations. Same flavors you love, now with an updated feel designed to elevate your dining experience. Come see the difference for yourself.
New Menu Available A Premier Atlantic seafood and raw bar showcasing creative, locally sourced seafood and steaks in a refreshed modern setting filled with natural light.
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MAY 1, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
District 3 candidate facing questions over bankruptcies Incumbent challenger Eric Fiori voices concerns about vanVonno’s financial issues By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 1, 2026) Worcester County Commissioner candidate Tim vanVonno is facing questions about past bankruptcies that involved millions in debt and a federal judge’s finding that he made false statements about his finances. VanVonno, a former construction comTim vanVonno pany owner running for the District 3 seat representing West Ocean City, addressed his issues directly in an interview this week. He said his financial collapse stemmed from disruptions to his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and was compounded by what he described as bad legal advice. Public records show Karl Timothy vanVonno, 57, reported more than $7.6 million in personal liabilities in a January 2021 filing with U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. But a federal judge denied his request to discharge those debts after a court-appointed investigator said he had “knowingly and fraudulently” made a false oath about his financial situation. Because the discharge was denied, the debts were not wiped out and remain legally enforceable. The filings included claims from homeowners and contractors tied to unfinished or disputed construction projects. The issue has been brought up on the campaign trail by District 3 inc u m b e n t Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori, who said vanVonno’s financial record Eric Fiori raises questions about his fitness to help oversee a county budget of roughly $300 million. “This is about who in the hell you want to put in this office,” Fiori told OC-Today Dispatch this week. “It’s heartbreaking to me, as someone who loves Worcester County and has put my blood, sweat, and thousands of hours into moving this county forward,” he added, “to see the financial record of a challenger that’s this poor.”
The campaign between vanVonno and Fiori is a rematch of the 2022 election, when both men ran as firsttime candidates with two other candidates. Fiori, a small business owner, defeated runner-up vanVonno by 37 votes in the Republican primary and went unopposed in the general election. VanVonno, in response, told OC Today-Dispatch that his remaining debts have been settled or can no longer be legally pursued. He asserted that most liabilities were business-related and asserted some claims against him were false. He also said he had been transparent about the matter in 2022 by mentioning it in campaign ads. When asked about allegations of fraud – including court findings that he earned more than $200,000 prior to filing for bankruptcy despite claiming zero income – he said that “there is truth to that,” adding that the discrepancy stemmed from how his income was reported on the filing. “Unfortunately, I think I had bad legal advice to even file Chapter 7, to be honest,” vanVonno said. “What they said is, ‘What was your net income?’ And my tax base and my tax returns were less than zero. So, the lawyer told me to put zero.” VanVonno’s personal bankruptcy filing listed multiple claims against him, including more than $2.3 million tied to litigation involving a Virginia man, Reade Bush, and various credit card debts included $10,800 to American Express. The claims also include roughly $840,000 in business debt owed to John and Todd Burbage. VanVonno said this debt stemmed from disputes during the company’s collapse and was not ultimately pursued – and that he’s back on good terms with Todd Burbage. One outstanding claim of $257,000 from Ohio supplier Carter Lumber won’t be settled, according to vanVonno. “I don’t really know if they’re ever going to come after me or not. I’ve talked to the lawyers, I don’t think they will, but they could always,” he said. VanVonno also said few of the nearly two dozen creditors in the case have pursued him personally in the years since the filings, which he argues reflects the disputed nature of many financial claims. The case was closed in August 2022. Prior to bankruptcy, vanVonno had been in the construction business for four decades and had operated VP Construction, LLC, for 13 years. After a decade of steady growth, he said business at the Arlington, Virginia, firm was “booming” when the COVID-19 pandemic See ISSUES Page 4
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OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 4
MAY 1, 2026
Issues stem from business collapse in ’20 Continued from Page 3 hit. He described a collapse that unfolded quickly as pandemic lockdowns and supply chain breakdowns upended dozens of projects already underway and sidelined work crews. “We went home for 45 days… some customers didn’t want our guys back in the houses. I couldn’t get materials,” he said. “I drove to Ohio to get windows just to finish some of these projects.” In one home build, the owner objected when lumber prices spiked the
cost of framing from $48,000 to more than $200,000. “Right there, all the money was gone in the project,” he said. Combined with the stigma of a Chapter 11 filing that limited new business, vanVonno said the pandemic left him unable to recover financially, though he was ultimately able to complete unfinished home builds. He is no longer in the construction business. “If it weren’t for COVID,” vanVonno said, “I wouldn’t have found myself in this situation.”
The Maryland filing wasn’t his only bankruptcy. Six weeks earlier, in December 2020, vanVonno also had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Virginia, this time for his business. That case listed more than $2 million in outstanding debt for VP Construction and was later converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation before the business was dissolved in 2025. Because vanVonno had personally guaranteed some of those debts, they carried over into his personal bankruptcy. A Virginia regulatory board on
Feb. 24 of this year approved a $30,000 claim against VP Construction through the state’s contractor recovery fund, finding sufficient evidence that the claim met statutory requirements for reimbursement. Under Virginia law, that payout carries consequences: the contractor license tied to the claim is automatically revoked, and vanVonno is required to repay the state the full amount plus interest. He is also barred from obtaining a new contractor’s license in Virginia until the debt is satisfied.
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OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 1, 2026
PAGE 5
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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TOP LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY OCEAN CITY & DE BEACHES JUST LISTED 4BR/3 BA DIRECT OCEAN FRONT PENTHOUSE UNIT!!!
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6201 COASTAL HWY UNIT 806 • CALYPSO • OCEAN CITY OFFERED AT $1.8 MILLION Own the top of the world in Ocean City. Introducing the premier penthouse, Unit 806—a breathtaking 4bedroom, 3-bath direct oceanfront masterpiece. This is the Southeast corner end unit. This is the best view in the building! Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views stretching all the way to the Boardwalk and Ferris wheel. Watch stunning sunrises over the ocean and sunsets from your private perch. MDW02037456
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, 2.5 BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP
WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2.5 BA CONDO with BOAT SLIP
ICE ! PR NGE A H C
ICE ! PR NGE A H C
201 S HERON DR #26B • HARBOUR CLUB OCEAN CITY • $574,900 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
OCEAN BLOCK 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO
201 S HERON DR #8A HARBOUR CLUB OCEAN CITY
$499,000 Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA Harbour Club condo with deeded boat slip #9, sold fully furnished and movein ready—everything you see conveys. One of the larger floor plans in the community, this coastalstyle unit overlooks the canal with stunning sunset views over the bay and Ocean City skyline. MDWO2036148
2 BR, 2 BA CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP LIFT & JET SKI LIFT
1 66TH ST #101• VINTAGE OCEAN CITY • $479,000 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
PRIME .45 ACRES OCEAN VIEW, DE OPPORTUNITY
42 WOODLAND AVE OCEAN VIEW, DE $365,000 Prime Ocean View Opportunity: 0.45 Acres + Updated Garage - 2 Miles to Beach! Unlock the potential of this exceptional Ocean View property, perfect for investors, contractors, or those looking to build their dream coastal getaway! Situated on a spacious half-acre lot, this offering includes a detached garage that has been recently updated - ready for your vehicles, workshop, or storage needs. Garage updates include new framing, new roof, new windows and doors. While the property is being sold strictly AS-IS, providing a blank canvas for your vision, the property boasts incredible bones in an unbeatable location. Enjoy the best of Delaware coastal living with public water and public sewer already connected! Unbeatable Location: Only 2 miles to the white sands of Bethany Beach! Convenience: A short walk/golf cart ride to Harbour View Marina for boating enthusiasts. Recreation: Just 1 mile to premium golf courses. Space: Rare half-acre lot in town, offering privacy and room to expand. Bonus: Recently updated, versatile detached garage/workshop. Don't miss out on this rare chance to own a versatile, high-potential property in one of Delaware's most desirable locations. Seller's will finance up to 65% of purchase price. Schedule your viewing.
204 S HERON DR UNIT 202 G BAYWATCH II GRAND OCEAN CITY • $565,000 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
PRIME WATERFRONT LOT
OCEANFRONT 1 BR CORNER CONDO
OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 11:30AM-1:30PM
OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 2-4PM
ST JU TED! S LI
11324 RIVER RUN LANE BERLIN, MD OFFERED AT $627,900 Stop searching—this is the ONE!! Located in the prestigious River Run Golf Club, this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath single-family home offers the ultimate relaxed lifestyle. All one level (Ranch-style living!) Spacious, modern, and incredible open floor plan! Close to Ocean City Beaches! 11324 River Run Lane Berlin MD MDWO2037276
ICE ! PR NGE A CH
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
COMMERCIAL
SOUTHHAMPTON DR. 10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN LOT 46 • LIGHTHOUSE SOUND GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. This BISHOPVILLE • $449,000 is a rare commercial development opportunity on the NOW $1,090,000
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.
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
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
Chic Coastal Corner Retreat – Stunning Oceanfront Views in North Ocean City! Experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle in this stunning one-bedroom, one-bathroom oceanfront sanctuary. Located in the sought-after Breakwater I building on 134th St, this elevated corner unit offers the privacy and height of a second-floor condo with breathtaking, views of the ocean. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a fresh "Blue and White" designer aesthetic that perfectly mirrors the Atlantic horizon. The expanded family room serves as the heart of the home, bathed in natural light and flowing effortlessly into a charming dining area and kitchen. This turnkey gem comes fully furnished with new, high-end designer pieces and a soothing nautical palette that brings the serenity of the sea indoors. MDWO2037918
COMMERCIAL
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
DIRECT OCEANFRONT 1 BR CONDO
13410 MADISON AVENUE NORTHWEST OCEAN CITY $585,000
Discover coastal living at its best in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5bath single-family home, ideally located less than one mile from the Ocean City and Delaware beaches. Offering 1,820 square feet of living space on a 5,270 sq ft lot, this home provides the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and beachside charm. The property features a spacious yard - perfect for kids, pets, or simply relaxing with a cold drink while enjoying the refreshing summer breezes. Inside, the home boasts numerous upgrades throughout, including a large kitchen and dining area, a welcoming family room, and a second living space that can be used as a sitting room or home office - ideal for entertaining family and friends. Enjoy the coastal lifestyle with multiple decks where you can relax and watch the boats go by. The home is within walking or biking distance to the beach, mini golf, Harpoon Hanna's, and many popular local restaurants and attractions. MDWO2036794
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $3,900,000 32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE $5,900,000
13307 WIGHT ST #101 • BREAKWATER OCEAN CITY • $435,000
3 BR, 2.5 BA HOME with NO HOA or CITY TAXES! ST JUTED! LIS
105 123RD STREET UNIT B332 JOCKEY BEACH CLUB OCEAN CITY • $258,900
PRIME WATERFRONT LOT
Experience true beachfront living in this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath direct oceanfront condo located on the 18th floor of the highly desirable Atlantis building. Unit 1808 offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Atlantic—endless blue water, refreshing ocean breezes, and a front row seat to every sunrise. MLS# MDWO2037926
WATERFRONT CUSTOM 3 BR, 3.5 BA ESTATE
1 BR, 1 BA CONDO on CANAL
ICE ! PR NGE A CH
10300 COASTAL HWY #1808 ATLANTIS • OCEAN CITY • OFFERED AT $435,000
BUILD YOUR DREAM ESTATE LOT
10168 RABBIT RIDGE LN BISHOPVILLE $199,900
OWNER FINANCING AVAIABLE!! Build Your Dream Estate on 4+ Acres in Picturesque Bishopville! Discover the perfect blend of country privacy and coastal convenience with this stunning 4.07-acre parcel in desirable Bishopville, Maryland. Featuring a mix of open, cleared land and serene, wooded areas in the back, this property is the ideal canvas for your custom dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of Eastern Shore living with plenty of room for a pool, and expansive gardens, all just a short, easy drive to Ocean City beaches and West Ocean City amenities. No builder tie-in—bring your own builder and create the life you've always wanted. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Worcester County paradise. MDWO2036750
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 well-maintained 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
CUSTOM-BUILT 4 BR, 2.5 BA HOME SOLD FURNISHED
13905 LIGHTHOUSE AVE CAINE WOODS OCEAN CITY $849,900 This stunning coastal custom home, located just blocks from the beach in Caine Woods, has recently been listed and offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Built by Piney Island Builders, the spacious home features an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light and numerous upgrades throughout. MDWO2037570
WATERFRONT 2 BR, 2 BA CONDO
COMMERCIAL
201 S HERON DRIVE UNIT 2D HERON HARBOUR ISLE OCEAN CITY
MOBILE HOME PARKS FENWICK ISLAND, DE OFFERED AT 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 C1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932
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 spalike, 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
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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OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 6
MAY 1, 2026
Oasis Travel Night
REVISED DATE
Featuring
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Atlantic Pedicabs to launch service near Memorial Day
Waterman’s Seafood Company in West Ocean City, 2nd Floor
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (May 1, 2026) A new pedicab service is coming to the Ocean City Boardwalk. On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council awarded a newly created Boardwalk pedicab franchise to Atlantic Pedicabs LLC, a New Jersey company currently operating pedicab rides at the Jersey Shore and in Brooklyn, N.Y. The vendor was one of three bids city staff reviewed and accepted during a proposal opening held April 21. “Upon review of the accepted submissions it was clear that the submission by Atlantic Pedicab LLC scored the highest marks in the evaluation criteria matrix that we developed, as well as the highest on an aggregate score basis,” Procurement Manager Matt Perry told the council this week. In February, the council voted to solicit bids from operators interested in entering into a franchise agreement for Boardwalk pedicab services. The service would replace the Boardwalk trams, which were pulled from operation in 2024 after a police investigation into a tram fatality revealed a series of motor vehicle violations. The council’s decision to pursue a pedicab franchise follows pleas from community members and requests from the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) to find a replacement for the Boardwalk tram service. In a letter sent to the council in December, the OCDC called for an alternative that meets the demands of visitors and businesses, which they report have “felt the difference” of not having the tram carrying patrons up and down the boards. “We are asking the mayor and council to strongly consider alternaSee PEDICAB Page 10
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Inside this week Calendar ..............................57 Classifieds ..........................59 Crossword ............................54 Dining Guide ........................46 Editorial/Letters ..................86 Entertainment ......................44 Horoscope ............................55 Obituaries ............................89 Police/Crime........................23 Public Notices ......................63 Sports ..................................92
OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 1, 2026
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OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 8
MAY 1, 2026
LUNCH & DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY. With Homemade Sodas & Other Soda Fountain Treats
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BOARDWALK: CAROLINE STREET, WICOMICO STREET & SOUTH DIVISION STREET
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ICE CREAM MADE DAILY IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Ice Cream Our Specialty. Stop By Any Dumser’s Location For A Wide Variety Of Homemade Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Sundaes, Floats And Much More.
MAY 1, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 9
OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 10
MAY 1, 2026
Pedicab company to replace Boardwalk tram operations
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
A New Jersey-based company will run pedicabs, shown above, on the Boardwalk this summer as part of a franchise agreement with Ocean City.
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302-539-2607 IN THE M OF FENWICK ISLAND
Continued from Page 6 tives to bring back some kind of service similar to the Boardwalk Tram,” the letter reads. “We have the infrastructure already built to bring back a smaller, safer, purpose-built tram. We will also continue to have the need for the tram, which include individuals with disabilities, elderly patrons and families; not to mention visitors who simply have nostalgic memories of riding the tram.” According to the project scope issued this winter, the city’s objective in developing a pedicab program is to provide a transportation service to Boardwalk visitors outside of the normal bike hours. The program will feature one company, which would start with at least 20 vehicles, 10% of which having the ability to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs and walkers. Officials say the program will operate as a demand-response system, and that pedicabs would use the existing tram lane. Operations are expected to begin around Memorial Day and end on or about Labor Day of each year, although the city will reserve the right to allow operations for special events outside of that timeframe.
Deputy City Manager JR Harmon told city leaders Tuesday that Atlantic Pedicabs would begin Memorial Day weekend, starting off with 10% of its fleet and growing to a full complement of pedicabs by July 1. When asked if operations could be adjusted if any problems arise, Harmon said the company’s willingness to share data and feedback would allow the city to do so. “Because it’s app driven, they have openly, and without prompting, offered to share their data …,” he said. “So this will be a very transparent vendor.” In its 39-page submission to the city, Atlantic Pedicabs outlined its operational model for the Boardwalk pedicab services, calling it a “demand-response (on-demand), appdispatched, cashless service that prioritizes pedestrian safety, route compliance, operational accountability, and a consistently high customer experience throughout the peak summer season.” In addition to furnishing the pedicab fleet – an investment estimated between $255,000 and $275,000 – the company will also be responsible for paying the city the required franchise fee – $25,000 in the first year and $50,000 per year for the four years that follow. Atlantic Pedicabs says it will operate from 2 p.m. to midnight each day and will employ its own staff, which will work in shifts. The company also outlined its pricing structure, which ranged from $10 for a half-mile ride to $30 for a full 2.2-mile ride. “After operations stabilize – anticipated in late 2026 or during the 2027 season – Atlantic Pedicabs may evaluate optional customer programs such as a senior rider discount, firsttime user incentives, loyalty programs, and frequent rider incentives,” the proposal reads. With no further questions this week, the City Council voted 4-0, with Council Secretary Will Savage absent, to award the franchise to Atlantic Pedicabs. City Manager Terry McGean said an ordinance to formally create the pedicab franchise will be presented to the City Council next Monday.
Correction Last week’s article, “OC council president to run for mayor this Nov., he says” incorrectly stated the year Councilman Matt James was named council president. He was nominated in 2020. We apologize for the error.
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OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 1, 2026
PAGE 11
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