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JULY 14, 2023
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Tram driver incentives show results City approaches full roster, because of signing bonus
STEWART DOBSON/OCEAN CITY TODAY
The curtains closed on the Sun & Surf Cinema Tuesday morning as what was left of the structure was ripped down by Absolute Demolition to make way for a residential project. The theaters sold the last tickets in September, after 51 years of showtimes in uptown Ocean City.
Sun sets on Sun & Surf Crowds trekked uptown to see ‘The Godfather,’ ‘The Poseidon Adventure’
By Remy Andersen Staff Writer (July 14, 2023) The walls of the Sun & Surf Cinema are coming down, as the complex enters its final
stages of demolition. The eight-plex movie theater at 14301 Coastal Highway was an iconic staple of uptown Ocean City, reeling in moviegoers for more than 50 years. Built in 1972 by Muriel and Reba Schwartz, of Dover, the Sun & Surf began as a twin theater, with two more screens added in 1974. Ac-
cording to Deadline, in the year that Sun & Surf first opened, the average cost of a theater ticket was $1.70, which would amount to $9.41 today once adjusted for inflation. The top 10 highest grossing movies that year, according to “The Numbers” website, included “The Godfather,” “The Poseidon AdvenSee THE GODFATHER Page 4
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (July 14, 2023) Ocean City Boardwalk tram employee totals have jumped up since last month thanks to a $250 bonus offered to drivers and conductors. “Staffing has increased markedly since last we spoke, directly as a result of the recently enacted signing bonus,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the city’s Transportation Committee at a meeting Tuesday. Last month, the numbers were looking dismal, with just 18 drivers and 17 conductors on the payroll. The annual employee goal for the trams, which run regularly from Memorial Day to Labor Day with some one-off weekends before and after, is 25 of each. During the committee’s last meeting in mid-June, members pushed to offer some type of incentive to draw more applicants, with the effort resulting in a $250 employee signing bonus. As of Tuesday, Shearman said See NUMBER Page 4
June crime stats decline from last year Police calls continue to fall from 2021, as compliance becomes more prevalent By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (July 14, 2023) Total calls to service in the month of June have continued to decline for the Ocean City
Police Department over the past three years, with 9,285 in June 2021, 7,921 in June 2022 and 7,812 in June 2023. While citizen calls for service went up by 346 calls compared to June of last year, officer calls to service went down by 455, according to June statistics presented at the Ocean City Police Commission monthly meeting.
Both categories combine to create the total calls to service. “In terms of (the) recap from June, I think we fared very, very well,” Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said. Buzzuro broke down the OCPD’s top 25 calls to service: • Traffic stops rose to 1,469 this June, while the total last year was 1,133 and 1,002 two years ago.
• Hang-ups during 911 calls more than doubled this year with 1,089 in June 2023, 495 in June 2022 and 476 in June 2021. Buzzuro said these can be attributed to misdials. “I don’t know why the number has doubled with people accidentally (dialing) 911 on their phones, but that’s See JUNE Page 3
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June crime statistics show continuing decline in calls Continued from Page 1 what we’ve kind of come to the conclusion of, so the good news is it’s not that true calls for emergency, but otherwise they’re still dialing the number,” Buzzuro said. • City ordinance violations dropped to 839 this year from 1,441 in June last year and 1,685 the year before. • Calls to assist Ocean City Emergency Services rose to 306 in June 2023, while there were 216 last year and 237 in June of the year prior. • Alcohol violations have gone down this year to a total of 299 for this June, 406 in June 2022 and 648 in June 2021. • Police had 199 calls for welfare checks this past June while there were 252 last year and 270 the year before. • Police were called to 40 fewer vehicle collisions this June compared to June 2021, when there were 231. There were 319 calls to car accidents in June 2021. • Calls involving controlled dangerous substance violations went down to 119 for June 2023, after being at 255 in June 2022 and 190 in June 2021. • Noise complaints went down to 117 this year compared to 155 last year and 230 the year before, but animal control complaints went up to 108 this year while there were 94 in June 2022 and 86 in June 2021. • “Be on the lookout for..,” or BOLO calls, dropped to 90 in June 2023, with 116 in June 2022 and 161 in June 2021. • Calls for domestic disputes and assaults went down to 59 this past
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Ocean City Today
June, after totaling at 78 last year and 118 in June 2021. • Civil disputes have dropped over the past three years, with 33 this year, 51 in June of last year and 71 the year before. • Warrant arrest calls were at 28 in June 2023, while it was 35 in June 2022 and 47 in June 2021, and all weapons violations calls followed a similar path with 26 this year, 36 last year and 49 the year before. “Producing the numbers that you just saw are pretty impressive,” Buzzuro said. The OCPD’s number of custodial arrests has gone down over the past few years with 487 this past June, 519 in June 2022 and 773 in June 2022, while criminal citations remained mostly average. “You (Buzzuro) made a good point when you said it’s not because we’re decreasing enforcement, it’s compliance,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. • Drug arrests also trended down with 28 in June 2023, 48 in June 2022 and 78 in June 2021. • Drug citations for marijuana dropped to 15 in June this year, compared to 142 in 2022 and 152 in 2021. Adult possession and use of Cannabis became legal July 1. • Weapon arrests have gone down over the past three years with 111 in June 2021, 79 last year and 59 in June this year. Both firearms and weapons followed a similar consistent downward trend, but knife arrests were always higher. The “other” weapons category remained between 24-28. All three of these categories combined make up the See COMPLIANCE Page 3
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Ocean City Today
JULY 14, 2023
Number of drivers, conductors now near goal Continued from Page 1 the division had 22 drivers and conductors. The number of supervisors, techs and sellers were also at or above the stated goal. Shearman added that more trams have been deployed this year compared to last year at this time and that ridership is up about 6 percent. “Again, with additional staffing, we’re seeing a return on that already,” he said. Currently, seven trams run up and down the Boardwalk at staggered times from noon to midnight. The city has eight, but Transportation Operations Manager George Peake said one is currently out of service. As of now, four trams start at noon, with the rest coming on later, both overlapping and relieving the early drivers. Councilwoman Carol Proctor, who serves on the Transportation Committee, and Mayor Rick Meehan, committee chairman, inquired about possibly staggering the shifts differently so more trams are available at night. Proctor said she recently rode a tram the length of the Boardwalk around 9:30 p.m. and noticed some large groups getting turned away because there was no room and no more trams were coming.
“By the time I got off at 15th Street it was full. And I noticed people waiting,” she said. Shearman said that while the employee numbers are looking good, the division is still not fully staffed and some of the drivers do not want to work at night, which makes staffing the trams during later hours challenging. He said, though, that he would look into trying to move some of the staff members to later shifts to accommodate the crowds at those times. In the bus division, Shearman said ridership for this June compared to last June is “pretty much lock and step.” “It’s pretty much what we predicted and expected with the rate increase,” Shearman said, referring to a $1 bump in the ride-all-day cost instituted before the start of the summer. “And the deployments, so far that is panning out the way we envisioned it.” He also said the number of drivers is about steady with where it was last year. “Overall morale is better now than this time last year,” Shearman said of the bus drivers. “So far it looks like bus staffing is where we want it to be.”
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A tram drives along the Boardwalk downtown on Fourth of July weekend. Transportation officials reported on July 11 that a $250 signing bonus offers for driver and conductors is paying off with an upswing in the number of employees hired since last month.
‘The Godfather,’ ‘Deliverance’ led box office sales in 1972 Continued from Page 1 ture,” “What’s Up Doc,” “Deliverance,” “Jeremiah Johnson,” “Cabaret,” “The Getaway,” “Last Tango in Paris,” and “Lady Sings the Blues.” “Ocean City saw its first high-rise condo being built in 1970, and the opening of the Route 90 Bridge in August of 1971,” said Bunk Mann, the author of “Vanishing Ocean City, Ghosts in the Surf” and “Ocean City Chronicles.” “This gave rise to major growth in the northern part of town,” he continued. “Enough was developed so that this area could have importance to the community.” The annexation to the Delaware line occurred in 1965, along with a sewer placement. “This gave the Sun & Surf its market, bringing people into town who were looking for something to do,” Mann said. “Ocean City could now see its season becoming year-round, as previously the season ended on Labor Day.” Fox Theatres claimed ownership in 1980, with the theater seeing an-
other extension of four more screens in 1982. In 2015, Sun & Surf underwent a renovation that saw the addition of new luxury recliners. The theater’s final day of operation was on Labor Day of last year, with its immediate closure proceeding the day after. The 2.73-acre site, which includes the theater and surrounding property, was listed for sale with a price tag of nearly $7 million earlier in 2022. Soon after, the developers of the Cambria Hotel downtown began planning construction of an eightbuilding complex with 56 three-bedroom townhouses at the site of the shuttered theater. The demolition will pave the way for groundbreaking of the project. Fox Theatres, which runs theaters in Ocean City and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, still owns the four-screen Fox Gold Coast Theatre on 113th Street, beside the Gold Coast Mall, which still honors Sun & Surf passes and gift cards. The theater underwent a renovation in 2018 that included updating the restrooms and adding heated recliners.
Compliance means fewer calls Continued from Page 3 total. “It’s interesting, the correlation between drug arrests and weapon arrests,” said City Council President Matt James. • Smoking citations were 57 this year while there were 352 last year. The last time smoking citations were
below 241 was in June of 2019, which had 41 citations. “We’ve already had a couple instances where noncompliance has led to a physical interaction,” Buzzuro said of smoking violations. “That’s unfortunate but that comes along with that type of enforcement, so we just have to be cognizant of that.”
JULY 14, 2023
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Ocean City Today
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11604 COASTAL HWY UNIT 1606 OCEAN CITY $749,900 This beautiful 2BR/2BA Direct Oceanfront Fountainhead Towers condo is now available for sale! Wake up to incredible 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 breathtaking views and open floor plan. The kitchen with breakfast bar opens up to the family room. 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 huge, boasting 30 feet x 9 feet. There’s also a Bayside balcony which is approximately 14 feet x 7 feet, perfect for watching Ocean City's amazing sunsets. 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 beach and ocean. The primary bath has been redone and has a shower, closet and double vanities, and there is a second spacious bedroom and additional bath. The hot water heater and HVAC were replaced in 2018. The hurricane shutters were just replaced in June of 2023. There is a washing machine and dryer in the unit. On the bay facing balcony there is a separate owner's closet just for the use of unit 1606. This condo is located at 116th St. The condo has an outdoor swimming pool on the beach side, which you are sure to love. The condo also has tennis and pickleball courts. The condo is conveniently located close to restaurants, shops and entertainment, and has easy access into and out of Ocean City. The condo is being sold fully furnished. The condo association is on site and there is also on-site year-round security. Come take a look today before it’s sold! MDWO2014856 NEW LISTING OPEN HOUSE • SAT 11AM-1PM
111 NEWPORT BAY DR UNIT D OCEAN CITY • $479,000
NEW CONSTRUCTION - PRICE REDUCED!
THIS HOME IS A SHOW-STOPPER!
OPEN HOUSE • SAT 2-4PM SUN 10AM-1PM
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
NEW LISTING
Professional pictures to follow: Stunning 3BR/2BA condo with deeded deep-water slip and lift hits the market! This condo was completely renovated down to the studs in 2015. As you walk in the front doors you will fall in love with the beautiful hickory floors throughout. The kitchen has white cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The dining area is off the kitchen and flows into the family room with glass doors overlooking the water.You will love entertaining family and friends all year long. The primary bedroom also now has a primary bathroom. The primary bedroom overlooks the water and has glass doors to the deck to enjoy morning coffee. The primary bath has a custom tile shower. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and the second bath also has a tile shower. This condo comes with a deeded deep-water slip with a boat lift that was just purchased last year. The condo is located on the wide part of the canal. The condo is close to the beach and many restaurants. The condo association common areas have undergone major renovations that are now completed, and there is an outdoor swimming pool for relaxing or swimming after a day at the beach. MDWO2014872
Highly desirable 2BR/2BA first floor end unit waterfront condo hits the market! From the minute you walk in you will fall in love with this condo and all of the extensive upgrades. The kitchen is wonderful with granite countertops, white cabinets and a beverage cooler. The kitchen flows into the dining area which has plenty of room for the entire family. The family room has beautiful flooring and an electric fireplace for Fall nights. There is a glass slider off the family room to the balcony where you can enjoy entertaining while watching the boats go by. The primary bedroom is spacious and also overlooks the water, and the primary bath has a large custom shower. The second bedroom is large and there is a full second bath as well. Other upgrades include flooring, new hot water heater, upgraded barn door, new composite decking with stairs to the water, upgraded lighting fixtures, and upgraded kitchen and bathrooms. The condo is being offered furnished with only a few exclusions. The condo complex has assigned parking and spaces for visitors. There are boat slips available for rent for $150.00 a year. The condo association is well run and professionally managed. The condo is located off 94th St close to restaurants, shopping and a short walk to the beach. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! MDWO2014990
COMMERCIAL
RESIDENTIAL LOT
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. MLS MDWO2012960
NEW LISTING
OPEN HOUSE • FRI 9:30-11:30AM
714 MOORING RD #C105, OCEAN CITY • $419,900
349 WALNUT HILL DR BERLIN • $724,900
NEW - COMING SOON! 733 BRADLEY RD OCEAN CITY $3,200,000
11 123RD ST • UNIT 303 OCEAN CITY • $649,900
Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends.Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level.You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home.Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714
Beautiful ocean block 3BR/ 2.5 bath two story condo hits the market in North OC! This condo is located on 123rd St. in Ocean Block, steps from the ocean. This condo building is an Ocean Rise and is a wellmaintained building. There is a pool to enjoy on hot summer days. There is an elevator and plenty of parking. As you walk in the door, you will just love the amount of space it has to offer. There are two bedrooms on the first floor and one and a half baths. Plenty of room for family and friends. The spacious kitchen has quartz countertops with center island seating, the cabinets have plenty of storage and the flooring is luxury vinyl plank. I’m sure the cook in your family will love preparing family meals and entertaining. The family room is off the kitchen and has high ceilings. Off the family room is a glass slider leading to a spacious deck with views of the ocean. On the second floor is the oversize primary bedroom providing plenty of privacy with primary bath and a private spacious balcony. You will love the location of this condo, conveniently located close to Northside Park, restaurants and shops. This would make a great rental property or second home. Come take a look today before it’s sold. MLS MWDO2014690
RESIDENTIAL LOT
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 DIRECT BAYFRONT
LAND - JUST REDUCED!
GEORGETOWN RD BERLIN $150,000 TERRAPIN BAY 115 73RD ST. #402 OCEAN CITY • $949,000
Direct Bayfront gorgeous 3BR/3BA condo boasting over 2000 ft. hits the market! This home is absolutely stunning, looks like a model and is being offered fully furnished! From the minute you walk in the front door you will fall in love with the open floor plan and the amazing view. The chef in your family will fall in love with the upgraded kitchen, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and abundance of cabinets. The kitchen opens to the well-appointed dining area. The spacious family room is perfect for entertaining, overlooks the bay and includes a gas fireplace for year-round enjoyment. You will be mesmerized by the sunset night after night. Thereisalargeprivatedeckoffthefamilyroomandprimarybedroomtoenjoythecoolsummer breezes and sunsets. There are two additional spacious bedrooms in this condo in the front of theunit,leavingseparationbetweentheprimarybedroomandtheothertwobedrooms.There is a full-size laundry room with full-size washer and dryer as well. This condo is located in Terrapin Bay off of 73rd St. in Ocean City and is one of the only condos that has a built-in Viking grill on the balcony. There is a strong condo association that only has 12 units in the building, theassociationalsopurchasedthelotnexttothecondoprovidinggreenspacewhichmakesfor a beautiful setting. There is a swimming pool that is ample size for swimming or laying out on hot summer days. There’s also a storage locker for your beach toys, undercover parking and additional parking for family and guests.
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
WATERSIDE DR • BERLIN • $475,000
Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie-in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDW02014122 LAND
WATERFRONT CONDOMINIUM
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 LAND
LAND
TAXID 533-17.00-156.07 • S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE • $990,000 Commercial land 3.94-acre 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 OCEAN BLOCK BEAUTY
COMMERCIAL
1303 MCHENRY CT BERLIN $145,000 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
201 S HERON DRIVE UNIT 25B HARBOUR CLUB • OCEAN CITY • $464,900 Indoor Professional photos to follow: This beautiful 2BR/2.5BA condo is in Harbour Club in the fabulous community of Heron Harbour and is directly on the water. Larger corner model is rarely available for sale. 2 primary BRs each with its own full bath and it has an additional half bath. Comes furnished ready for your immediate enjoyment. You will fall in love with the floor plan. There is a large breakfast bar and a dining room directly off the kitchen that flows into a spacious living area. This makes for great family time and entertaining w/friends. This condo has an oversized primary bedroom that overlooks the water. The second bedroom is spacious as well. Each BR has a slider with a deck. You will love the large deck overlooking the water and the Ocean City skyline. Heron Harbour 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.
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
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
2 144TH ST • UNIT 202 OCEAN CITY • $459,900 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!
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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Ocean City Today
JULY 14, 2023
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HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Since the legalization of cannabis on July 1, local dispensaries have been enjoying new customers, but the conversions fees required to update licenses has placed a heavy burden on cannabis business around the state. Pictured is Hi Tide Dispensary in West Ocean City.
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Cannabis businesses receive new customers, and new bills By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (July 14, 2023) Business might have gone up in the legal cannabis market since July 1, but so did the cost of doing business. With the legalization of cannabis use for anyone 21-and-over on July 1, dispensaries were subject to a conversion fee that, once paid, allowed them to sell recreational cannabis along with prescription marijuana they had been providing since December 2017. The cost: 10 percent of the business’s total gross revenues for 2022, which must be at least $100,000 but not more than $2 million. Dispensaries that became operational after Oct. 1, 2022 must pay a flat rate of $25,000.
Such a price placed a “tremendous burden” on every dispensary in the state, said Robert Davis, co-owner of Hi Tide, a dispensary on Marjan Lane in West Ocean City. Davis is also the pharmacist and clinical director there. “We were given a very short period of time, and then also we’re trying to remodel our stores and increase our capacity all at the same time, so there’s a tremendous amount of capital needed for that.” Cannabis businesses can pay the fee in installments as long as it’s finished by Jan. 1, 2025, according to the Fiscal and Policy Note for HB556, the law that legalized adult use and possession. The money from conversion fees goes to the Maryland
JULY 14, 2023
Ocean City Today
Dispensaries across MD still face advertising constraints Cannabis Administration and is credited to the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. Businesses that don’t convert their medical license to include recreational sales would no longer be allowed to operate under the license after July 1. Even with extra bills, Hi Tide is enjoying the expanded market. “I think the community is very excited that it’s finally able to be purchased without the stigma of what it was,” Davis said. “I mean, as a medicine it did very, very well in helping people, but now it’s available to people that might not have went through the trouble of getting their card and now it’s much more open that way.” The long lines outside dispensaries on July 1 were not all that unusual, Davis said. For Hi Tide, medical patients lined up outside the business’s doors even before legalization. “We open at 10 a.m., people want to move through their day, so they usually get here a little bit early in the morning anyway,” Davis said. Usually about 30 minutes after opening, the line dissipates and business levels-out, Davis said. With recreational cannabis now available to the entire over-21 population, including out-of-state visitors (although it’s still illegal to transport cannabis across state lines), Hi Tide’s customer base is still about 50 percent recreational, 50 percent medical, Davis said. Medical card holders, however, are exempt from the state’s 9 percent tax on cannabis products, and patients get to jump to the recreational customers in line when they enter Hi Tide’s queuing system. There hasn’t been a situation yet where Hi Tide runs low on their Cannabis inventory, and Davis doesn’t anticipate the situation arising, but the business does reserve 20 percent of their product for medical patients only. “The state of Maryland has a very good system in place. All the products grown in the state and processed in the state and sold in the state in the closed network that they have,” Davis said. “They have tremendous production capabilities and we’re not having any shortcomings whatsoever.” Hi Tide does business with every cannabis grower and processor in Maryland, which helps the business create a variety of choices for customers and patients, Davis said. Before July 1, medical dispensaries were subject to advertising restrictions, and even after the passage of legal recreational cannabis, restrictions continue. HB556 states that dispensaries, growers and processors of cannabis may not advertise “through specified forms of media unless at least 85 per-
cent of the audience is reasonably expected to be at least age 21,” according to the law’s “Fiscal and Policy Note.” The Maryland Cannabis Administration’s website still only provides advertising FAQs for medical cannabis, and it states that dispensaries can place signs on their properties, but billboard or advertising signs cannot be placed within 500 feet of public parks, libraries, or primary and secondary schools, among other places. “The advertising restrictions are pretty over the top. With the state they don’t allow us to put signs or to promote our business through signs and certain types of advertising, so (it’s) kind of extreme, but the state does what it does,” Davis said. On June 28, Hi Tide posted a disclaimer on Facebook telling customers that the site is constantly sending the business warnings, and that if information on the page isn’t up to date, the dispensary’s profile might have been suspended or shut down. “Facebook and Instagram do not allow any kind of cannabis businesses to do any kind of anything, and that also seems to be true of banking,” Davis said. “All these companies have chosen to keep cannabis companies as if they don’t exist.” Facebook’s hemp and related products advertising policy page says that the site doesn’t allow ads that promote THC products, cannabis products or CBD products. CBD is another active ingredient in cannabis that has been shown to help treat diseases like some childhoodepilepsy syndromes, according to Harvard Health Publishing. “We are a very regulated business to begin with, so I’m not sure why they would have such restrictions against us since we are a U.S.-based business, fully licensed,” Davis said. Davis assumes, like any other business requiring age identification, the dispensary will at some point find people trying to purchase recreational cannabis with fraudulent ID’s. “We do have VeriScan here, which is actually a scanning system that checks for the birthdate obviously, but more importantly it checks to make sure that’s not a fake ID,” Davis said. Davis said that Hi Tide has felt a strong reception from the public for recreational cannabis, and that the company has faced no backlash. “We’re just thrilled that the traffic flow and the flow of patients has been very manageable, and we’re just very happy that we’re able to keep our customer service levels high,” Davis said.
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