Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
Officials think again about what to charge if customer rejects utility smart meter By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) Berlin officials are rethinking their approval of an opt-out fee for residents who choose not to participate in the municipality’s advanced metering system for electric utilities. Nevertheless, halting the process now could be costly… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) Berlin officials are working to pass a new ordinance that would end the town’s cost-share program for sidewalk repairs and instead require the town to fix hazardous walkways itself, provided funding is available. This week’s discussion followed an Aug. 10 meeting when council members directed Town Attorney… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) Berlin officials have approved the town’s guidelines for accessory dwelling units, establishing requirements for their size, occupancy, design, and construction ahead of a state-mandated Oct. 1 deadline. The Town Council approved the ordinance unanimously at its meeting Monday following a joint work session with the Berlin Planning… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) Berlin government is offering payment plans to about 20 property owners whose water consumption exceeds the amount the municipality allocated to them. The Town Council this week approved a policy that gives property owners exceeding their water allocation a way to come into compliance without paying the… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) The Ocean Pines Association is proceeding with a roughly $260,000 drainage improvement project at 903 Ocean Parkway, continuing an effort that staff said has brought the community’s investment in major pipe work to nearly $1 million over the past six years. The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s vehicle raffle has returned for another year, but this time with a twist and better odds for participants. For this year’s annual car fundraiser, rather than offering a specific automobile, the Ocean Pines rescue department is giving the winner the choice… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s On What Grounds? has officially transitioned to Cafe Berlin with new ownership and new items, like macarons. Christina and Michael Ewing, who moved to Worcester County from Carroll County in the fall of 2022, officially purchased On What Grounds? on Main Street last month. The couple… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 3, 2024) A new plant nursery has opened in Berlin. String and Petals Nursery, a gardening venture located at 9040 Worcester Highway (Route 113), officially welcomed flora enthusiasts on Saturday, Sept. 14. The shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed… Read more »
At last, Ocean Pines will get its cell tower Finally, after plans were discouraged, dismissed and derailed for nearly a decade, a cell phone tower is about to go up in Ocean Pines, with improved service to be delivered in 2027. Why it’s been so difficult to install this vital equipment in the community depends… Read more »
Ocean Pines facing police hiring problem Signing bonuses and higher starting salaries — sounds like the competition for free-agent athletes. In reality, it is what small communities like Ocean Pines and Berlin must offer to attract applicants to their police departments. More accurately, it is what they must do simply to get noticed in an… Read more »
