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DECEMBER 8, 2023
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CHAMPIONSHIP Coverage of Decatur’s Seahawks’ unblemished run to the title appears on page 3 and page 52
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DECEMBER 8, 2023
Ocean City Today
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Ocean City Today
Parades, fire drill mark Seahawks title run Win last week in Annapolis first for Bayside Conference team in nearly 30 years By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Dec. 8, 2023) The Stephen Decatur Seahawks could not have imagined a better ending for their season: impromptu parades, hundreds of well-wishers, a record untainted by defeat and, of course, the school’s first 2A division football state championship. Had anyone asked Coach Jake Coleman or his players at the beginning of the season whether all this was possible, chances are they would have agreed that it was, given the team’s solid performance last year, but they most likely would have shied away from making predictions. They would have been justified if they had, gaining the title as they did by defeating the Huntingtown Hurricanes, 21-13, last Thursday at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis. Coleman’s team had an impressive 10-3 record last season but ultimately lost to Milford Mill Academy in the state semi-finals, but this year they edged out their nemesis 35-34 in the semi-final a week earlier to make the 2A championship round. The game was played at Decatur on the Robert G. Knox Field at Louis H. Taylor Stadium, where Principal Tom Sites said 2,500 spectators cheered on the Seahawks as they won their ticket to Annapolis and then gathered for a memorable departure a week later. “We had a fire drill right before the championship send-off,” Sites said.
“We need to get a certain number of those in a year. We got a drill in, and then our students and staff made their way from the fire location to Seahawk Road, where they could send the team to victory. There was a lot of support from parents and the community.” Many moments propelled Decatur to triumph, but one in particular stands out, Coleman said. “Careen Bolden had a big pass on fourth down to Trybe Wise that was huge, that led to another touchdown by Brycen Coleman. That was a big play in the game,” the coach said. The school organized fan buses with mostly sports groups to take them to the game. Community members showed up in droves as well to support the Seahawks. Sites said it seemed like the school delivered three enthusiasts for every Huntingtown fan in attendance at the Annapolis contest. The celebration continued on the way home when, once they arrived in Worcester County in the early morning hours of Dec. 1, the team received a police and fire escort. But it was not just Berlin and Ocean City residents who were proud of the players. “This team galvanized the entire Eastern Shore,” Coleman said. When the team passed through Cambridge, his hometown, they were met with supporters in the Walmart and McDonald’s parking lots with signs congratulating the Seahawks on their victory. Sites, who was on the sidelines of the Annapolis match-up, said he was privileged to present the trophy to the team. “It was wonderful,” he said. “The amazing thing to me was to see the
TARA FISCHER/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Posing with the trophy this week at Stephen Decatur High School are, from left, players Brycen Coleman, Gavin Solito and Careen Bolden, and Coach Jake Coleman
volume of fans on our sidelines. We filled the entire lower section of the stadium, and it’s a pretty big stadium.” The title victory came four years after Coleman was named the Seahawks’ head coach. He joined the team in the fall of 2019 as the offensive coordinator but was promoted the following season after the retirement of the beloved Coach Bob Knox. “Getting to see behind the scenes
what is Decatur football, and it starts first and foremost with Coach Knox,” Coleman said in 2020 after accepting the job. “He is Decatur football, and seeing the way he goes about things, the types of relationships he builds with players and the community was something that I’m glad I got to experience.” Coleman graduated from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School See RUN Page 4
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Ocean City Today
Council pres. rejects ‘in the pocket’ remark Gillis issues public apology for comment made during parking code discussion By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 1, 2023) Ocean City Council President Matt James refused to sit idly by this week after learning Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis publicly said the council is “in the pocket of the builders and developers and the real estate agents” in reference to a proposed parking code amendment decision. “In response to learning about the Council’s decision to return a set of proposed code amendments to the Planning Commission for further review, Mr. Gillis made allegations suggesting that the Council members are unduly influenced by external parties,” James said in a letter to the editor sent Tuesday regarding comments Gillis made at a planning commission meeting Nov. 21. “Specifically, ‘They’re in the pocket of the builders, and developers, and real estate agents,’” the letter continued. “With this lack of discipline, and professionalism, and Mr. Gillis’ loose talk, he has undermined the integrity of the Planning Commission and has soured the relationship with the City
Council.” James’ added in the letter that Gillis’ “baseless” claims regarding the council’s decision are “unacceptable” and called for Gillis to apologize. James said by phone Tuesday afternoon that he sent a similar message directly to Gillis and that Gillis responded by stating that he was not aware of the Google definition of the phrase. “He said he had to Google it to understand my interpretation of it,”
James said. “It doesn’t make his comments any better even if he didn’t know what he was saying.” James added that he was skeptical of Gillis’ explanation, and said he plans to bring the matter up during the council’s next public work session on Dec. 12. “I’m planning on letting the council at least discuss it. I don’t think it would be right to just ignore it,” he said. “… I didn’t want people to think about what Palmer said and then
point out, ‘Well the council never addressed it and never denied it.’ I wanted to get ahead of it and I wanted to address it. I don’t want people to think that Palmer is the one that’s telling the truth on this topic. I just wanted to address it.” As for Gillis, he did issue a public apology during the planning commission’s meeting Tuesday. “I would like to offer a public apology for the hasty statement I made See GILLIS Page 7
Run to title quicker than expected Continued from Page 3 in 1998, where he was an all-state player in football and baseball. He has since been inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He also played both sports at Salisbury University, where he went on to coach for two seasons before going back to Cambridge in 2004 to take over the program at just 23 years old. He then came to Stephen Decatur after 13 years at his alma mater. “Jake had some big shoes to fill. Coach Knox was a staple and had a lot of winning teams. But Jake handed me a binder with all his
ideas,” Sites said of their interview four years ago. “I was impressed, especially with how he outlined his relationship-building and how he brings the whole community together. I told my assistant principal he would win a state championship, maybe in 10 years, and I wouldn’t be here anymore, but he would do it. I was shocked to see him do it in four, but it’s a testament to him and the players.” Some players have plans to continue their football careers beyond high school. According to ESPN, that includes Coleman’s son, Brycen, a
senior, who has committed to signing with the Southeastern Conference school Vanderbilt University, where he’ll go from a Seahawk to a Commodore. The Decatur Seahawks are now focused on celebrating as the first Bayside Conference team to win the state championship in 27 years, which included appearing in the Berlin Christmas parade Dec. 7. They are also fundraising to ensure each player receives a championship ring. The GoFundMe can be found on the Stephen Decatur High School’s football page.
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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 MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-1PM 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! 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 luxury. The family room over11602 S. HILLS DRIVE • BERLIN MD looks the water with $1,674,900 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
HERON HARBOUR ISLE HOME WITH BOAT SLIP
OCEAN MID-TOWN CONDO
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 screened304 S. HERON GULL COURT in porch is a deck with a barbecue grill for crab OCEAN CITY • $1,499,900 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 is your chance to own a slice of Ocean City and make memories that will last a 7704 COASTAL HWY #102 lifetime. As you walk in the front door, OCEAN CITY • $310,000 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 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 1 66TH ST UNIT 101 is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and OCEAN CITY • $499,900 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
RESIDENTIAL LOT
COMMERCIAL
COMMERCIAL
WATERSIDE DRIVE 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! MDWO2014122
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
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 foyer with marble flooring greets you as you 733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY enter with your eyes drawn to the $3,200,000 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
OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 2-4PM
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
SINGLE FAMILY HOME
THIS HOME IS A SHOW-STOPPER!
4111 FIESTA ROAD • OCEAN CITY • $739,900
10615 POINT LOOKOUT ROAD • OCEAN CITY • $5,599,900 JUST REDUCED! $4,899,900
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
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
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
DECEMBER 8, 2023
Ocean City Air Show to coexist with Jeep Week Event moves to August date due to scheduling conflicts for desired military planes By Mallory Panuska Managing Editor (Dec. 8, 2023) Two historically separate Ocean City event weekends will come together next summer in a full takeover of both land and air. For years, the Air Dot Show Tour has dominated the Ocean City skies in June with crowd-pleasing military aerobatics. But next year, the planes will join the barrage of Jeeps that populate the beach and inlet in late August. “In June we weren’t able to get any of the military jet teams,” City Manager Terry McGean said this week of moving the air show to Aug. 24 and 25. “In August, they will be able to get the Raptors and another military jet team.” For the past three years, and other years before, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the show, which was typically held in June, minus a one-off year in 2020 when it was held in mid-August due to covid. In 2019, the Blue Angels were the headliners, which was the last time the U.S. Navy team came to the resort. This year, the lineup will look a lit-
PHOTO COURTESY AIR DOT SHOW
Italian Air Force Frecce Trocolori planes fly through the sky during a performance. The team, along with the Air Force F-22 Raptor Team, will be headlining Ocean City’s air show this year, which is moving to Aug. 24 and 25.
tle different, with Frecce Tricolori, known as the the Tricolour Arrows in English, and F-22 Raptor Team listed
SATURDAY – Shortcut Sunny 7:30pm
25
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as the show runners. The Frecce Tricolori team is the aerobatic demonstration of the Italian Air Force and the Raptors are the U.S. Air Force flight demonstration team stationed at the home of air combat command at Langley AFB in Hampton, Virginia. McGean said this year will be a one-off for the date move, with the show set to move back to its regular June date in 2025. As for coexisting with Jeep Fest, Live Wire Media CEO Brad Hoffman, who organizes the event, is optimistic. “A lot of times I understand the
dating of these air shows revolves around when the air show teams are available,” he said this week. “So to me, Jeeps and jets can be a good fit this summer.” Jeep Fest typically lasts from Wednesday through Sunday during the last weekend in August, and consists of early morning parades on the sand near the inlet and displays downtown. Hoffman said he does not anticipate any issues coexisting with the air show, as most of the activities happen further up north around 15th Street, See HOFFMAN Page 7
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FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Jeeps gather on the beach for the a sand crawl during this year’s Jeep Fest. The event is set to coexist next year with the air show, which will move from June to the end of August due to scheduling of the headliner planes.
DECEMBER 8, 2023
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Ocean City Today
Gillis withdraws statement, though frustrations remain Continued from Page 4 suggesting that the council is in the pockets of the builders and developers and the real estate agents,” Gillis said during the meeting. “I would also like to extend that to my fellow commission members. I would like to withdraw that statement for the record. It was wrong for me to have suggested that.” The commissioners did not make any public comments in response to Gillis’ statement Tuesday, which was made before a discussion and vote on the parking code amendment request that spurred the original comments. Before the meeting, Gillis explained by phone that he was unaware of the Google definition of the statement he made about the council members. “Google says that term, or that statement, means that they’re seeking or they’re getting financial reward for something, something for something, quid pro quo,” Gillis said. “I didn’t mean it that way but that’s the way I said it.” As for how he meant it, Gillis said his statement was intended to be more generalized. “I meant it that I think that the City Council appears to make decisions that benefit the developers and the real estate industry over top of the existing residents, existing neighborhood and existing taxpayers,” he explained. He said that is how he feels not only in reference to the council’s decision on the parking code amendment, which was shot down before it even made it to discussion, but other amendments that planning commissioners have recommended to council members. He gave a recent example of a code amendment that addresses habitable attics. Council members voted last week in a 6-1 majority, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to forward the request to a first reading but
Hoffman vows to be team player Continued from Page 6 with the Jeep events going on further downtown. “I just feel like we can always push through any of these kind of concerns and make it work the best way possible,” Hoffman said. “I’m a team player when it comes to the Town of Ocean City. If they decide to have the air show that weekend, I’m here to support them.” McGean said council members are set to talk logistics of the air show date change at their next work session on Dec. 12.
only after taking out a requirement that the addition of a habitable attic, or bonus room, come with a halfspace parking requirement. Gillis said he is frustrated with spending time, money and effort to recommend code amendments to help improve development, only to get shot down with little to no acknowledgment. “I would like to think we’re supposed to be their experts on the subject,” Gillis said. “Especially when you take so much time to scrutinize it, create language amongst yourselves, create debate, to come up with a code change, only to have it thrown out the window by the City Council.” Gillis also said, both by phone and in his email to James, that he did not mean to offend the council members and did not want to add to the scrutiny they regularly receive as elected officials. As a former councilman in Salisbury, Gillis said he knows firsthand what it is like to be reprimanded, and said he has been forced to let similar comments roll off of his back. James, however, said later that Gillis’ comment came off differently than a simple criticism of a decision, which is why he sent the letter to the editor. “He said it as a matter-of-fact,” James said of Palmer’s comment. “It wasn’t his opinion on it, he didn’t speculate.” This is not the first time members of the City Council and planning commission have publicly disagreed. The disconnect between the groups dates back years, and late last year, members tried to address some of the issues with joint meetings. They met twice for two hours each session and seemed to come to some consensus and conclusions on several matters. Another meeting between the groups is tentatively set for some time after the first of the year, but Gillis does not think much will come of it. “I have very low expectations for that based on the track record, based on what we’ve been through before,” he said. As for the code amendments, planning commissioners are doing what they can to recommend changes that the council will approve. After the planning commission’s approval Tuesday, the parking code amendment will go back to the City Council for discussion. This time, the recommendation only addressed the size of the parking spaces in the garages, which commissioners agreed should be 12-by-24-feet wide. Similarly, the proposed amendment regarding attics is headed to a first reading without the parking requirement.
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