OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
NOVEMBER 10, 2023
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
VET DAY
NOV. 11 EVENTS
Veterans Day ceremonies, celebrations set for Sat. in Ocean City, Ocean Pines – Page 11
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HUNTER HINE/OCEAN CITY TODAY
WINTERFEST PREP
Ocean City’s Winterfest, a season-long celebration of the holidays and all things frosty, begins next Thursday evening, with light displays like the frog outline above nearly ready for the opening. Story on page 14.
County digs in to school financial issues Buckingham Elementary’s funding to be decided by BOE, but no figures yet By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 10, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a draft of the
county’s five-year capital improvement plan, which includes the replacement of Buckingham Elementary School, but not the project’s financial numbers. Commissioner President Chip Bertino said the commissioners removed the board of education’s capital improvement plan at the board’s request, since board members must
still vote on their own capital improvement plan. Once the board approves its plan and the Buckingham school project, the commissioners can merge that into the county’s overall capital improvement package. Since the county plan is still a draft, and will be scheduled for a public hearing, it can be changed and modified before final approval, Bertino
said. The commissioners expect school board members to vote on their improvement plan and finalize Buckingham’s funding at their meeting on Nov. 21. Bertino said the school board asked the commissioners on Monday to pull the Buckingham improvement See COUNTY on page 3
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NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
County remains committed to new school Continued from Page 1 plan from the agenda, because of the question of state funding. At the commissioners Oct. 17 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young discussed how board of education members had known since February that the state wouldn’t fund the Buckingham project. Commissioners Eric Fiori and Bertino said the county is still committed to the replacement project, but Bertino expressed frustration at school board members’ failure to notify the commissioners about the funding problem. At that meeting, commissioners voted to pause the Buckingham Elementary School replacement project and send a letter to Gov. Wes Moore asking for his support on state funding. Later in Tuesday’s meeting, Young led commissioners through a presentation about funding formulas for Worcester County Public Schools in regard to the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The county has funded Worcester County’s Board of Education through a “maintenance of effort” formula, which is calculated with two criteria, Young said. First, county funding per student from the previous year sets the minimum required funding per pupil for the following year. Five-year statewide averages also influence the funding formula, he said. “If several counties overfund maintenance of effort, and the statewide average went up, it would then drag all the, let’s say, now underfunded, below-average counties forward,” Young said.
The blueprint added another school funding formula called combined local share. Local share is phased in over time, and its calculated amount is the estimated costs to implement the blueprint, Young said. “Counties have to fund the greater of the combined local share and the per pupil based MOE (maintenance of effort), so whichever number ends up higher is what we fund,” Young said. Worcester County’s combined local share was calculated at about $70.7 million, and the maintenance of effort was calculated at around $100 million, so the county is required to use the maintenance of effort funding, Young said. The maintenance of effort funding is what the county contributes to school funding. One graph that Young presented showed the state’s Blueprint fund balance. It projected the state falling into a structural (as opposed to actual) deficit of up to $460 million, Young said. A structural deficit means the entity is spending more than it is taking in, whereas an actual deficit means the entity has emptied its accounts and is in the red. Maryland’s constitution prohibits it from operating at a loss, so the state must make up that structural deficit through more revenue, reduced spending, or both. In the case of the Blueprint’s aggressive spending, “The state has shown in the past that it’s more than willing to pass these costs down to the counties,” Young said. Another graph compared Worcester County’s per-pupil funding to the eight other Eastern Shore counties. Worcester County had the lowest state contributions of all eight coun-
ties, but it also had the highest local contribution and the highest overall per-pupil funding. Worcester County’s local contribution per pupil is about $5,000 higher than the next highest local contribution, which is Talbot County. State and local contributions only make up about $19,500 of per pupil funding, according to the graph. The total county’s per-pupil funding comes out to about $27,300, when including things like state and federal restricted grants and county paid debt service.
Young said that while attending a recent Maryland Association of Counties Conference, he had the chance to meet with Rachel H. Hise, the executive director of the Blueprints Accountability and Implementation Board. Young said that Hise stressed several times that the blueprint and its policy changes are not meant to be added on top of what school boards do now. She said that blueprint policies are meant to be replacements or reconfigurations of how things are done, Young said.
Worcester GOLD gears up for season (Nov. 10, 2023) Worcester County GOLD is accepting donations and shoppers for its Helping Hands for the Holidays program. The program provides holiday gifts for more than 500 local children every year. All families are referred to GOLD by their community partners to verify needs and to prevent duplication of services. Supporters can donate toys by shipping or dropping them at GOLD’s office at 201 River St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, or donate money by mailing a check to Worcester GOLD, P.O. Box 335, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
Those who wish to donate online or sign up to shop for local children can do so at WorcesterGOLD.org. The deadline to donate or sign up to shop is Dec. 1. The Greene Turtle in West Ocean City will also host the 25th Annual Chili Cook-Off to support the program. Attendees will provide $10 or a new unwrapped toy and gain access to drink specials and unlimited chili samples from 12 of the best local restaurants. The event is set from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3,
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Ocean City Today
NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Crowd marches in support of new Buckingham school Parents, teachers, students, others came out in droves in Berlin last Friday evening
CINDY HOFFMAN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Parents, students, staff and others listen to a speaker during a protest over the state's decision not to fund a new Buckingham Elementary School last Friday in Berlin.
By Cindy Hoffman Staff Writer (Nov. 10. 2023) Main Street in Berlin was filled with marching parents, teachers and students chanting “Build the bear!” last Friday evening during a protest over lack of state funding for the construction of a new Buckingham Elementary School. Hundreds of people attended the march, carrying signs reading “It’s time to use our outside voices,” and “teachers, staff and students are not political pawns.” Buckingham Elementary School,
which was built in 1978, with no major renovations or additions in 45 years. It is the largest Title I school in Worcester County, with 60 percent of students coming from homes of poverty and qualifying for free and reduced-price meals. It is currently using five portable classrooms and four instructional spaces in its media center. The bus parking area is not designed for bus traffic, making for a growing safety concern at the school, according to a letter to Gov. Wes Moore from State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38). Last October, a capital improvement program was submitted to the state for the 2024 fiscal year. The package asked for and received funding approval from the Interagency Committee of School Construction for planning and design costs. But later the Buckingham project was declared ineligible for cost-sharing because additional classroom space is available at other county schools with small class sizes. On Oct. 17, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to pause the new Buckingham Elementary School construction project due to the lack of funds. “The commissioners were unaware, even as plans moved forward, that no state funding was available,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “The loss of state matching funds places a significant burden on county taxpayers, who would shoulder one hundred percent of planning and construction costs if the county proceeded with the project as currently proposed.” The county allocated $1.6 million in FY22 surplus funding for the project. The board of education reallocated the county funding to cover design costs, and the project was set to go to the bond market in FY25. Bertino said that the school board needed to talk with the state and see how the project might proceed, stressing that the county taxpayers would not pick up the bill for the entire cost of Buckingham. “We’re already disadvantaged because of the lack of funding that the state provides to us for the ongoing operation of education here,” Bertino said. “I don’t see how we can go forward with the lack of state funding.”
Correction In a story printed in the Nov. 3, 2023, edition about the Maryland State Highway Administration’s presentation to the City Council about local projects, it was reported that crosswalks that do not have a continental design will be replaced inkind as the streets are repaved. This is not exactly correct. The crosswalks will be restriped and the ladder style crosswalks will switch to the continental (piano keys) style once they are repaved.
NOVEMBER 10, 2023
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Ocean City Today
OVER $36.5 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2022 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203
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#1 LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY MID ATLANTIC REGION WATERFRONT DREAM HOME This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional 310 S. HERON GULL COURT storage. Off the kitchen is the OCEAN CITY • $2,499,900 dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Off the screened-in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area. The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath. On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wraparound porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today. This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDW02015676 HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP This single-family 4BR/4.5BA home with deeded boat slip is located in the sought after community of Heron Harbour Isle. This beautiful home has an open floor plan with a spacious family room with a 2-story stone fireplace. The family room flows into the kitchen which has plenty of cabinet space, a center island, breakfast bar and additional storage. Off the kitchen is the dining area where you will love having meals with your family and friends. Off the family room and dining area there is a screened-in porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Off the screened-in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab feasts and grilling your favorites. Also on the first level of this home is the spacious primary bedroom with walk-in closets and a large bathroom with shower and soaking tub. There’s also a study on the first floor making remote work possible in a nice quiet area. The first level also has another full bath, laundry room and a half bath. On the second level there are three additional bedrooms and two more full baths. This home has lots of room for everyone to visit and there’s also a bonus room over the garage which could be used as a fifth bedroom or game room. The home also has a wrap-around porch, two-car garage and a deeded boat slip. The seller belongs to the Heron Harbour recreation association, which has tennis courts, indoor heated pool, fitness center, sauna, Olympic size outdoor pool, and a kiddie pool. The home is located very close to restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Come take a look today. This home is being offered partially furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDW02015676
304 S. HERON GULL COURT OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900
WATERFRONT WITH BOAT SLIP 2.03 ACRES! OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY NOON-3PM Breathtaking 5BR/4.5BA waterfront estate on 2+ acres is coming soon! If you are looking for an incredible home on a beautiful piece of property with breathtaking views overlooking Assateague Island, look no further. This home boasts 6,482 sq.ft. of lux11602 S. HILLS DRIVE • BERLIN MD ury. The family room over$1,699,900 looks the water with soaring ceilings and a beautiful custom fireplace. The chef's kitchen is amazing, with lots of room for prepping food and enjoying home cooked meals, and the spacious breakfast area is off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for family and friends. The kitchen has lovely granite countertops, a butler's pantry, mini bar, and plenty of cabinets for storage. This home also has a formal dining room and formal living room, perfect gathering space for everyone to enjoy for years to come. The large primary bedroom suite is on the first floor with beautiful views overlooking the water. There are hardwood floors throughout the home. On the second floor you will find four additional spacious bedrooms and three baths, and a home theater/game room. There is also an additional room over the garage with a full bath. Off the back of the home there is a 40'x12' brick patio facing the water, which is perfect for outdoor dining and grilling. This home also comes with a Community Dock area with assigned boat slips. Slip number three is the owners. If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle, but you still want to be close to Ocean City, golf courses, and everything Assateague Island has to offer, this is the perfect home for you. Come take a tour today, put your finishing touches on it, and turn your dream of owning a Waterfront estate into reality. Your family and friends are sure to make memories that last a lifetime here. Come see for yourself. Schedule your showing today and consider making this dream home yours. MLS MDWO2015282
OCEAN MID-TOWN CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON Professional photos to follow: Come take a look at this spacious 1BR/1BA Ocean Block beauty! This one-bedroom unit is over 700 sq. ft. and is on the ocean block side of coastal highway. This is an elevated building so there's a very nice view from the large deck off the family room. This is your 7704 COASTAL HWY #102 chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make memories that OCEAN CITY • $310,000 will last a lifetime. As you walk in the front door, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful dining area and kitchen. The family room flows off the kitchen and provides plenty of room for entertaining. There is a large balcony off the family room with access by a glass slider. The bedroom is very large and can accommodate two queen beds. There is one full bath as well. This condo located midtown Ocean City, close to plenty of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Come take a look today and own your slice of Ocean City. This building is professionally managed and has low condo fees. The condo is being sold fully furnished and is ready for your immediate enjoyment. MDWO2015968
RESIDENTIAL LOT
DIRECT BAYFRONT OCEAN CITY! 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 733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY foyer with marble flooring $3,200,000 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
SINGLE FAMILY HOME Stunning 4BR/3BA coastal home with garage in North Ocean City has just been listed! This home is located six blocks from the beach and across the street from Fiesta Park, which has walking trails and a pavilion. After walking through a gracious covered front porch, you are welcomed into this fabulous home. The first level of this beautiful home has two spacious bedrooms, one full bath and a den/study area perfect for working remotely from home. Beautiful hardwood floors lead to the second level where you will find a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and stainlesssteel appliances. There is a bright and airy dining room directly off the kitchen where you will enjoy making family meals and memories that last a lifetime. Adjoining the kitchen and dining room is a spacious family room with impressive cathedral ceilings. The second level also has the primary bedroom and the primary bath with shower and soaking tub. The second level also has a 12x16 composite deck with vinyl railings. On the third level you’ll find the fourth bedroom and another full bath. The fenced back and side yards have lots of grass for the dogs and kids to play. There is also a patio and grilling area. The home is being sold furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. The home also has a garage and multiple additional parking spaces and street parking. Come take a look at this very rare find before it’s sold! MDW02016242
4111 FIESTA RD OCEAN CITY • $739,900
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! MDWO2014122 OCEAN PINES
32 FORT SUMTER S. THE PARKE @ OCEAN PINES $389,000 Absolutely Stunning home in The Parke at Ocean Pines hits the market! This home has 3BR/2BA with one level living.As you walk to the front door, you’ll be welcomed with a beautiful array of flowers leading to a nicely covered porch area. When you enter this well-kept home, you will see a bright airy table space kitchen with plenty of cabinets, perfect for having friends and family over for dinner. As you walk down the hall there are two bedrooms and a full bath. Continuing down the hallway you enter the living area which opens to the back yard. Off the living area is the beautiful primary bedroom suite with another full bath. Then there is a fullsize laundry room with washer and dryer and a very convenient oversize garage. This home is located in the awardwinning community of The Parke, a 55 and older community in Ocean Pines. The Parke has a fitness center, library, sauna, nature trails, clubhouse, indoor pool and billiard room. So there are plenty of activities to enjoy. This home has been meticulously maintained. The HVAC was replaced in 2023, new carpet was also recently installed as was a new dishwasher in 2022. This home is shown by appointment only, so please schedule your appointment today for a tour and make this beautiful home a reality. MDWO2016462
34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $2,500,000 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 LAND
1303 MCHENRY COURT BERLIN • $120,000 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
Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172
1 66TH ST UNIT 101 OCEAN CITY • $499,900
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
WATERSIDE DRIVE BERLIN • $475,000
OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 1-3PM
32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $4,500,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
THIS HOME IS A SHOW-STOPPER!
10615 POINT LOOKOUT ROAD OCEAN CITY • $5,599,900 JUST REDUCED! $4,899,900 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
COMMERCIAL
TAXID 533-17.00-156.07
S ROUTE 54 SELBYVILLE, DE $890,000 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
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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NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Ocean City Today
City Council to discuss air rights, right-of-way policy Proposed draft document would require appraisals for development projects SATURDAY – Rockaholics 8:30pm
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By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Developers who want to obtain air rights and rightsof-way for future projects may soon have more hoops to jump through as City Council members prepare to view a policy that could put a price tag on the currently unvalued assets. “We’ve had a couple of recent projects that have requested air rights over alleys,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week. “And apparently this had come up a number of years ago and the council had asked for a policy on how to handle that and it was never done.” In response, McGean said he developed a draft of a policy that addresses both air rights and rights-of-way that he plans to present to council members at their work session next Tuesday. “It essentially lays out that we should have appraisals done whether it’s the actual alley or the air rights,” McGean explained. “But the council can waive having the appraisals done if they believe they are getting an
equal amount of property in exchange. That’s the draft we are submitting to council.” Air rights refer to the space above a piece of property that would be occupied by constructing a tall building. Historically, council members have relinquished air rights for projects, usually hotels, without any appraisal or compensation. Recently, developers planning a Margaritaville resort, or similar smaller hotel project, proposed for the former Phillips Beach Plaza property between 13th and 14th streets downtown, requested air rights to build multiple stories high. The new owner of the former Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk made a similar request for air rights over an alley. A couple of members of the public complained that the council was giving away the land, or air, too easily when they could be profiting from it. McGean explained that the city’s existing property sale policy also does not specifically address rights-ofway, only real property. Rights-ofway are usually alleys and streets that connect or accompany properties, and many times are simply given away for free if it is proven the city does not need them.
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NOVEMBER 10, 2023
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Ocean City Today
City staff reiterates political speech laws Despite complaints, flags on beach protected by U.S. Constitution language By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 10, 2023) Complaints over the flying of pro-Trump flags on the beach have forced Ocean City staff members to reiterate details of a federal law that protects all political speech — regardless of how egregious or offensive some people may find it. “I want to make it clear this is not a city policy, it’s the Constitution,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week in response to a complaint from a resident about political flags she recently saw flying on the beach downtown. “The beach and the Boardwalk are public ways, they’re like public parks,” McGean continued. “Political speech is protected by the Constitution. Those flags are considered political speech, essentially.” The resident, Estella Santos, attended a council meeting Monday where she shared a story about coming across the flags and attempting to remove them with the belief that they were posted illegally. “Last week, I went on a walk on the Boardwalk,” Santos said. “I noticed many flags flying on the beach. I no-
ticed that some flags had been wired to the wooden railing on the steps on the Boardwalk leading down to the beach. I know no one can simply decide to place banners or flags or signs on public property. So I walked over and put the flags on the sand. I then walked away.” Santos said a man confronted her and told her she had no right to touch the flags and that he was within his rights to fly them. Santos said the conversation proceeded to get heated, and she claimed that the man and others who showed up cursed at her and called her names. Santos shared photos of the flags, which depict them flying on the public beach. She said she wanted council members to address the flying of the flags and cited the city’s sign ordinance, which places permitting and insurance regulations on many public displays. However, the city’s sign ordinance does not supersede the federal Constitution, which, as McGean pointed out, protects all political speech in public places. McGean added that the flags cannot be attached to the Boardwalk or beach stand operator boxes and are required to be moved at night to not impede the beach tractors. But every-
PHOTO COURTESY ESTELLA SANTOS
A row of political flags flap in the wind on the beach near Eighth Street. Despite one resident’s complaints, city staff said this week that the federal Constitution protects all types of political expression, including these flags, on public property.
thing else is fair game. “With what we can and cannot do in terms of regulating something like that is very, very, very restricted by the Constitution,” he said. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said during Monday’s meeting that political speech “possibly gets the most protection under the First Amendment,” and that there is noth-
ing that city staff can really do. She gave an example of a vulgar political sign that someone was holding up on the Boardwalk recently that had to be endured because of the federal protection. “It’s protected speech and been fought and fought and fought throughout the years well beyond you or I,” Stansbury said.