Sports complex site needs transparency

Why is the sports complex so important to Ocean City?

It’s a question that needs a clear answer with an explanation that connects with everyone in Worcester County.

The reality is the sports complex has been pushed for more than a decade because there are concerning trends being seen in tourism, and something big needs to be done to keep Ocean City moving forward in a competitive marketplace. Sports tourism is viewed as a meaningful opportunity to bring new business to the area not only during the shoulder months but also in the summer season.

Before another site is proposed, Ocean City needs to be honest with itself as well as those outside the area. When people ask why a sports complex needs to be built, it needs to be explained with sincerity – tourism is too slow and needs a shot in the arm. Why everyone in the county should care is a point that needs explaining.

The heart of the matter is Ocean City’s importance to our local economy from an employment and tax revenue perspective. Ocean City is the revenue king for Worcester, thanks largely to second homeowners, and we should all care subsequently about its health. The revenues linked to tourism help support county services, including our public school system.

Ocean City’s tourism industry needs additional opportunities to attract visitors, now even in the summer months, and our entire county benefits when Ocean City’s tourism economy is strong.

We are seeing concerning signs with tourism, and all of us in Worcester should be concerned if business is soft in Ocean City.

Wanting the project does not mean we should accept the wrong location just to get it built. The site must make sense and not ruin local ways of life. When the next potential location is identified – and the search should continue – communication with nearby residents needs to begin early. That’s the only way this process will be fair, transparent and ultimately successful.