By Tara Fischer 

Staff Writer 

(Oct. 3, 2024) Ocean Pines leaders are discussing building a cell phone tower in the community to improve reception. 

At the Saturday, Sept. 28, meeting of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors, OPA Police Chief Tim Robinson said that he and General Manager John Viola have had “productive talks” with Worcester County officials about the initiative and have already identified a few potential site locations in the neighborhood. Officials are even in contact with Verizon Wireless, whom Robinson plans to meet with at the beginning of October. 

OPA officials have also spoken to a contractor who may be interested in the tower’s construction.

While nothing is set, the chief said they hope to be in a “different situation” by this time next year.

Robinson maintained that the lack of speedy cell phone reception, which is primarily evident during large gatherings and holiday weekends, is a major public safety problem. 

“I realized it was an issue, especially when I could not make phone calls to my wife from the grocery store on July 4 weekend,” he said. “I was getting no signal. In all seriousness, what worried me the most was if someone had to call 911, which was their only opportunity, they could not get through. If there is no signal, you cannot get through.” 

Robinson anticipates having project updates at the next OPA Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Road safety is also a concern for the police department, and Robinson informed the community of recent traffic activity at the Sept. 28 meeting. 

Robinson said that since July, the force has made 210 traffic stops. Of those, 58 were for speeding, 40 were for stop sign violations, and one was for not stopping for a school bus with red flashing lights. The department uncovered four suspended drivers, two unregistered motor vehicles, another driving without a license, one driving without insurance, and one DUI. 

“These are who, unfortunately, sometimes find themselves on the road with you here in Ocean Pines,” Robinson said. “…The officers are doing their best to keep the citizens and residents here safe.”