May-Early June 2013
Vol. 9, No. 2
410-641-6029
www.issuu.com/oceanpinesprogress
Residents blame drainage woes on poor maintenance
THE OCEAN PINES JOURNAL OF NEWS & COMMENTARY
Snagged COVER STORY
Permitting issues pose challenges to OPA constrution projects
Uncertainty rules in Hingham Lane drainage, Yacht Club pool and marina gasoline sales By TOM STAUSS Publisher nyone who thought that the major construction projects under way in Ocean Pines would proceed smoothly and precisely on time without a glitch or two probably is not too acquainted with the real world. Ocean Pines Association General Manager Bob Thompson delivered a dose of reality to the board of directors at its April 24 monthly meeting, mixed in with his usual sunny optimism about outcomes and some short term victories. One thread that seemed to link all three major projects – Hingham Lane drainage, Yacht Club pool reconstruction, and the new Yacht Club and marina project – is that the OPA and its construction partners as of that date in time were lacking key permits from state regulators. Needed permits, of course, can arrive anytime, dependent on the whims and work loads of state officials less concerned about construction timelines than OPA officials. A fourth major project, golf course green replacement, has been completed. Drainage improvements on holes 11 and 12 have been installed, fairways on the two holes have been resodded, and the course reopened May 1 with all 18 holes playable. Thompson is effusive with optimism about To Page 10
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While Ocean Pines Association General Manager Bob Thompson is working toward additional structural improvements to the stormwater management system in Section 3 to augment recent improvements completed by Worcester County, local residents there are suggesting that the best way to further improve conditions is for the OPA to do a better job of keeping ditches free of debris. Steps are in motion on both tracks. ~ Page 12
Budget committe proposes relaxed investment policy Even as its chairman is resigning out of frustration that many its recommendations are falling flat with the board of directors, the Ocean Pines Association’s budget and finance advisory committee is taking on two potentially controversial proposals that suggest its members are not quite ready to fade into the proverbial woodwork. In a meeting dominated by a discussion over why committee chair Dennis Hudson was resigning from that leadership position while continuing as a committee member, the panel in a rather abrupt shift of focus began discussing the possibility of developing a policy recommendation to ease somewhat what most committee members regard as an overly restrictive investment policy. ~ Page 18
County’s septic tier vote could prompt estate rezonings Despite a plea to move forward with the proposal from the only representative to speak on behalf of property owners who would be directly affected, including those with a large tract on Route 589, the Worcester County Commissioners decided not to approve a four-tier system governing and restricting the use of private septic systems for new subdivisions. In a 6-1 vote, the commissioners rejected the proposed septic tier maps, which were included in the Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act of 2012 adopted by the Maryland General Assembly, following a public hearing on April 16. ~ Page 33 To Page 18