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NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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WINTERFEST BEGINS
Ocean City’s 31st annual Winterfest of Lights lit up on Nov. 16 after a countdown from Mayor Rick Meehan. Pictured are the lights and tram from that first night. More photos on page 46.
County must rush to redistrict
Bon voyage to Black Eyed Susan
that time the county Board of Elections will be hard pressed to file the information before Board of Education candidates register for election on Feb. 9. Following a discussion with Jennifer Keener, director of development, review and permitting, and Election Director Patricia Jackson at the commissioners meeting on Tuesday, members voted unani-
By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Nov. 24, 2023) Lingering hopes that the Black Eyed Susan would one day become seaworthy and host elegant dinner cruises and scenic tours from Snow Hill to Pocomoke City were shot down for good last week as the See VESSEL Page 4
New districts need OK’d in time to meet deadline for 2024 election registration By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 24, 2023) The Worcester County Commissioners are rushing to pass an emergency redistricting bill by the end of December, but by
mously to vote on a new district map at their next meeting on Dec. 5. If approved on Dec. 5, the map and accompanying legislation would go to a public hearing at the commissioner’s Dec. 19 meeting, where commission President Chip Bertino said they could pass it with a supermajority and put the redistricting into immediate effect. See REDISTRICTING Page 6
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NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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Ocean City Today
City buys Little Salisbury playground for cheap By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 24, 2023) The Ocean City Council approved the purchase of new playground equipment at a highly discounted price to replace the old one at Little Salisbury Park on bayside 94th Street. In October, Director of Recreation and Parks Susan Petito received an offer from the playground-building company GameTime to purchase their “Adventus Tower” model for the “show price” of $114,398, a cost reduced from the normal price of $177,208. With the added costs of surfacing, delivery, installation and other aspects of the playground, the total cost came out to about $215,500. Rec and Parks budgeted $216,000 for the project. “Approval today will not only save us a lot of time, but most importantly it’s going to save us about 30 percent of the overall pricing cost as equipment pricing increases tomorrow, which is why we tried to get it on tonight’s agenda,” Petito said at the council meeting. Petito said that, at 20 years old, the playground was scheduled for replacement due to its age and wear. Council members voted to approve the purchase unanimously with councilman Tony DeLuca absent. When Petito attended the National Recreation and Parks Convention in October, representatives of GameTime offered to sell the playground to the city at the discount. The structure is based on a model that business exhibited at the convention. Parks Superintendent Gary Collier worked out all the additional pricing with GameTime staff for extra play-
ground elements, including swings, signs, curbing and delivery. Collier did so through a cooperative purchasing program offered by OMNIA Partners, a purchase consultation company from Tennessee. For installation service and other pieces of the playground, GameTime went on to offer greater discounts than what was priced in the OMNIA contract, according to the meeting agenda. “Procurement Manager Scott Wagner reviewed the Gametime OMNIA Partners contract … and concurs this contract is a viable purchasing method for this project, and that it meets the Town of Ocean City’s purchasing guidelines,” according to a staff report. Councilman John Gehrig said that at the Nov. 14 Recreation and Parks Committee meeting — he’s the committee chairman — the committee unanimously voted to recommend the purchase to city council. “Gametime equipment has been used frequently in Ocean City playgrounds for over 25 years and has held up very well,” according to a staff report. Rec and parks also added a swing set to the layout, which includes an “expression” swing, Petito said. An expression swing is two swings facing one another so that children and parents can face each other while they swing together. Because of the “challenging space dimensions” of the playground area at the park, staff also adjusted the structure’s design. “It’s got a big visual impact. It’s a tall structure. It has a lot of play value, and as a modular structure it can be tweaked to kind of fit our footprint,” Petito said.
PHOTO COURTESY GAMETIME
The Ocean City Council approved the purchase of a new playground to replace a 20-year-old playground at Little Salisbury Park on 94th Street. Pictured is a rendering of the new structure.
The playground will be placed slightly farther to the west relative to the current playground’s location to create more space for when the nearby water tower gets a periodic paint job, Petito said. Along with the playground, Little Salisbury Park also includes tennis
courts, a basketball court, a playground for dogs and the Ocean City Center for Arts. “We are very confident that the final product will give Little Salisbury Park a new and exciting playground for expanded community enjoyment,” according to the staff report.
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Ocean City Today
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
Vessel settling in at new Taylor Island home Continued from Page 1 paddle wheel boat slowly sailed away from the shores of the Pocomoke River to its new home in Dorchester County. “The opportunity arrived to be able to bid on it and it was a perfect fit for what we were looking for,” John Butz, the owner of Slaughter Creek Marina in Taylor Island, said of the decision to buy the 111-foot vessel and turn it into extra seating for the marina restaurant. The waterfront, American seafood eatery has been a staple at the marina for 15 years as Palm Beach Willies, and for another more than 15 prior as other restaurants. Butz said the addition of the Black Eyed Susan, which will replace Palm Beach Willies’ floating bars off the marina dock, will likely seat about 100 people and be ready for patrons in March. “There’s some domestic stuff that has to be done to it, some minor cosmetic work that has to be done,” Butz said. “Then it’s going to be moored in place and used as indoor seating for our restaurant.” Butz said crews picked up the boat from Snow Hill on Nov. 15, stayed overnight in Crisfield, and arrived at the marina the next night on Nov. 16. He said the vessel, which needed re-
pairs to the tune of $600,000 to become licensed to carry passengers, sailed under its own power, with help of calm conditions. “We just had really good tides, had really good tides and currents,” Butz said. “And the wind was in our favor, so we made decent time.” The marina’s purchase of the boat was a surprise of sorts, after another bid of $75,000 that Snow Hill Town Council members accepted on Oct. 10 fell through. The Black Eyed Susan arrived in Snow Hill at the tail end of 2020. Worcester County and Snow Hill staff members pushed for the town to buy the boat to bring more year-round tourism and economic activity to both Snow Hill and Pocomoke City. They said at the time that the vessel would cruise the Pocomoke River that connects the two towns, and could be used for excursions, dining entertainment and events such as high school proms. There was also talk of Ocean Downs Casino bringing gaming to it. The Worcester County Commissioners agreed to loan the Town of Snow Hill nearly $400,000 to buy the boat. At the time, officials estimated between $250,000 and $3 million in revenue, depending on the number of people at events, the pro-
Berlin - The Little Town That Can 302 WILLIAMS STREET BERLIN Hard to find a home so close to downtown Berlin. It is just a walk away. Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Living Room and area for laundry room and another bath are located on the first floor. The second floor has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Full walk-up attic. Two outbuildings on the property. One was believed to be a schoolhouse. Sold "as is". $239,500 Cam Bunting, Broker Bunting Realty, Inc. 24 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811 Office: 410-641-3313 • Cell: 410-713-2065 • www.buntingrealty.com
PHOTO COURTESY SLAUGHTER CREEK MARINA
The Black Eyed Susan riverboat churns its way into the Slaughter Creek Marina in Dorchester County on Nov. 16 after a two-day trip from Snow Hill.
moter, and the town’s involvement. Upon arrival, the Black Eyed Susan underwent repairs and upgrades in Salisbury before taking her maiden voyage out of Snow Hill in August 2021. But less than eight months later, the boat was officially docked again after a U.S. Coast Guard inspection revealed the $600,000 price tag of bringing the vessel up to the standard that would allow it to transport passengers.
The effort that followed ended up with Butz’s winning bid, which he would not reveal, and the official last voyage out of the Pocomoke River. People who want to enjoy the Black Eyed Susan still can, though, when it opens as part of Palm Beach Willies in March. Until then, Butz encourages members of the public to follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram to see progress updates.
Shore Gives More campaign underway for Giving Tuesday (Nov. 24, 2023) This year’s lower shore Giving Tuesday event, the Shore Gives More, will feature a record-breaking 128 nonprofits during the 24-hour online period. Held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, the event falls on Nov. 28, but donors could begin scheduling gifts Nov. 2. According to a news release, the Shore Gives More is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists nonprofits serv-
ing Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties with fundraising efforts. The online donation portal allows donors to learn about the individual nonprofits and make as many or as few donations as they like in one online checkout. “The campaign has grown greatly since 2015 when we started with 23 nonprofits and raised just under $7,500,” Community Foundation President Erica Joseph said in the reSee FUNDRAISING Page 6
NOVEMBER 24, 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
NANCY REITHER-SMITH
#1 AGENT COLDWELL BANKER Realty 2022 Sales Volume, Listings & Closed Units Ocean City and DE Beaches
Realtor® • Licensed in MD & DE Office: 410-524-1203 Direct: 410-723-8574 / Cell: 410-603-5050 Email: nreither@cbmove.com
#1 LISTING AGENT FOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY MID ATLANTIC REGION MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS! OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 11/24 & SATURDAY 11/25 FROM 2-4PM Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. 121 81ST STREET UNIT 706 The kitchen is sure to delight OCEAN CITY • $815,000 the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a nonrental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698
WATERFRONT WITH BOAT SLIP 2.03 ACRES! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11/25 11AM-1PM 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$1,674,900 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
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
HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP
OCEAN MID-TOWN CONDO
SINGLE FAMILY 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 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
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 7704 COASTAL HWY #102 is your chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make OCEAN CITY • $310,000 memories that 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
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 stainless-steel 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
304 S. HERON GULL COURT OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900
RESIDENTIAL LOT
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 310 S. HERON GULL CT OCEAN CITY • $2,499,900 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
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
WATERFRONT DREAM HOME
4111 FIESTA RD OCEAN CITY • $739,900
OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11/25 11AM-2PM
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
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 full-size laundry room with washer and dryer and a very convenient oversize garage. This home is located in the award-winning 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
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
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 RD 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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Ocean City Today
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
effort Redistricting faces tight timeline Fundraising sees 128 groups Continued from Page 1 Jackson told the commissioners that even then, the elections board would have less than two months to work out the redistricting before residents of districts two, three and five must register for board of education candidacy. Jackson said that candidates will have to know ahead of registration if their home district is about to change. Keener prompted the Tuesday discussion with a memo that asked commissioners to clarify the timeline for adopting new districting maps that would reconfigure Worcester County’s seven districts to reflect the 2020 census and to ensure that the population of each district is relatively equal. A four-week comment period regarding the redistricting closed on Nov. 14, and Keener said they received 11 comments. Two responses related to the maps and nine related to the timing of the approval process. Noting the time crunch that the elections board would face if the districts became effective for 2024, Bertino asked Jackson and Keener what would happen if commissioners tabled the decision until January 2025, which would be after primary voting in May and November’s general elections. Keener said that if people are
voted into offices in 2024 and district maps are changed in 2025, then some of them would likely be removed from the districts they represent. Jackson said that kicking the decision down the road could require the county to shorten terms for certain officials elected in 2024. Commissioner Caryn Abbott said some positions are four-year terms, and changing districts mid-term could require special elections. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic asked if they could show candidates the preliminary redistricting maps so they could know whether they will later be transplanted from one district to another. Jackson also said that the deadline to have a voting precincts for 2024 elections submitted to the state passed on Nov. 14, and even with an expedited redistricting approval, the board of elections would need to get special permission from the state to set up a new polling station ahead of upcoming elections. Jackson said after the meeting that if county district lines cross legislative district lines, a new precinct would be created, which requires another voting station. Commissioner Eric Fiori said that the negatives of pushing the approval down the road outweighed the positives.
Bertino asked Jackson if the filing and preparation could be done in time were the commissioners to approve the new districts by the end of December, and Jackson said it would be difficult, but it would have to be done. Keener’s memo said that staff is finalizing requested map revisions using redistricting Draft Map A as the basis. On Oct. 17, commissioners approved Map A, which was one of five potential map options presented to commissioners, Jackson said after the meeting. Of particular concern to county officials is maintaining the validity of the Central District or District Two, which has a majority minority population. In the revised version of Map A, District Two would maintain its majority minority population by a margin of 478 people. District Two’s minority-majority margin was found to be 395 people in the 2010 census, but in the 2020 census, the minority population held its majority by only one person. Map A’s reconfiguration would leave the configuration of Ocean City’s District Seven unchanged, and it would remain the district with the smallest population with fewer than 7,000 people.
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join campaign Continued from Page 4 lease. “Since then, the campaign has raised over $1.5 million for local nonprofits. It is exciting to see 128 organizations in the campaign this year.” The release said the gifts donorsmake will go to the charities of their choice and make a local impact. The campaign vets each participating organization to ensure current tax-exempt status and service to the lower shore area. “Each gift made to a nonprofit on Giving Tuesday makes a difference for the area we call home,” Joseph said. “With such a diverse range of nonprofits participating, everyone is sure to find a cause to support that is important to them.” Nonprofits are given access to online fundraising platforms, marketing campaigns and incentive prizes. Software the community foundation bought allows donors to schedule their gifts in advance of the event and allows supporters the option of donating to multiple nonprofits at once. The Community Foundation provides the services at no-cost to the nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits cover standard credit card processing fees. “The campaign is truly a collaborative effort,” Joseph said. “Each nonprofit works hard to make their fundraising goals a reality, and months of preparations are put in before the big day. Our primary sponsors, Shore United Bank and 47 ABC, provide invaluable support which allows the event to be a success.” To learn more about the Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign visit ShoreGivesMore.org.
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NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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Ocean City Today
Convention center gets new look and booking priorities Money-makers might oust traditional events at Ocean City’s midtown event venue By Hunter Hine Staff Writer (Nov. 24, 2023) As the Ocean City convention center undergoes interior improvements, the facility’s managers are giving scheduling priority to events with high economic impact rather than long-standing clients that produce less. At the Ocean City Tourism Commission on Nov. 13, Kim Mueller, director of sales for Ocean City’s Tourism Department, said that over the past few months staff has implemented new booking criteria that would likely boot out traditional events for new proposals that are expected to create a greater financial benefit for the community. “It’s no longer ‘you’ve been doing business here for twenty years so you can come back and book it three years out,’” Mueller said. “It’s a hard conversation but it’s really about bringing that impact into town.” Mueller said the booking window for consumer-level shows is going to be shortened to six-months ahead of time, which, she added, could be challenging. She said the staff will also look at seasonal factors, room nights and a range of other variables when considering booking an event, she said. This doesn’t include Cruisin’ or Bike Fest, which are technically consumer-level shows, but “drive room nights like crazy,” said Larry Noccolino, executive director of the convention center. “It is a difficult thing with those home and garden shows that have
been here for a long time,” Mueller said. Noccolino said that Mueller is working with Jeannette Trimper, owner of Ocean Promotions, regarding the Home, Condo and Outdoor Show with Arts & Crafts, an annual event that Trimper promotes. “It’s difficult but it’s got to be done,” Noccolino said. Mueller said that some “top accounts” are already being booked for the convention center for 2026 and 2027, including the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), the Maryland Fireman Convention and a Varsity cheerleading competition. Over the last few months, the sales staff has been adding new events to the 2026 and 2027 calendar, including the Future Business Leaders of America, the Maryland Child Care Association and a Strong Man Regional Qualifier competition. Mueller said that the inaugural Ocean City Run Fest at the convention center hit 3,000 participants, surpassing its goal of 2,000. She noted that 1,933 runners were not from the Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland. The attendance goal for next year is 5,000 attendees and then, possibly, 10,000 in 2025, Mueller said. Baltimore Run Fest had a reported drop in attendance, so Ocean City is looking to be the largest marathon in Maryland, she said. The festival is set to return Nov. 2, 2024, and Nov. 1, 2025. The booking policy changes and new scheduled events come as the venue receives some aesthetic updates. At a Tourism Commission meeting in December, designer Abbi Custis presented detailed plans to spruce up See NEW Page 9
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