By Greg Ellison

(Feb. 17, 2022) Proposed structural additions for service expansions at the Berlin Activities Depot on Old Ocean City Boulevard got a favorable reception at the Planning Commission session last week.

Berlin Activities Depot owner Carmella Solito and project manager Dave Rovansek, with GMB Engineering, presented architectural renderings for a concept review during the commission meeting on Feb. 10.

Master concept plans proposed for the roughly 2.9-acre site zoned B-2 shopping district include additions to an existing structure and new construction.

Rovansek told commission members that a “conceptual conversation” was sought before seeking site plan approval.

“This will build out the whole site,” he said.

Located on Old Ocean City Boulevard and Graham Avenue, Berlin Activities Depot provides Pre-K classes, plus before- and after-school activities, summer camps, gymnastics training and all-ages fitness options.

Development plans include a north-side addition to the existing building to roughly double the existing 11,250 square foot recreation center. The two-story build out would also include a 38-seat café totaling more than 2,000 square feet.

Solito said the north-end addition would house a family support center.

“Part of it is going to be used to service young teen moms and 0-3-year-olds that can’t afford our services,” she said. “We did get $1 million over three years to back a family support center.”

Solito said the restaurant facility is intended as a site to provide cooking classes for young families

“We will do a big community garden,” she said. “The whole thing is 13,000 square feet up- and downstairs.”

Plans also include expanding the south end of the existing building to add 11,570 square feet of recreation space, including an activities pool.

“The new additions would be in a similar architectural style as is existing,” she said.

Lastly, construction plans also include a new two-story building to house expanded educational offerings beyond Pre-K.

Rendering courtesy Berlin Planning Commission
Rendering of a proposed building expansion at the Berlin Activities Depot on Old Ocean City Boulevard that received positive feedback from the Berlin Planning Commission members during a concept review last week.

“We have four classrooms right now,” she said.

Situated southeast on the site, the freestanding addition would measure roughly 13,000 square feet, with second-floor office space accounting for about half that figure.

Solito said the goal is to open a private school for up to 60 students providing kindergarten to either first or second grade instruction.

“We would like to do more, but it depends on funding,” she said.

Solito said Maryland Department of Education officials are scheduled to tour the Berlin location next week before confirming grant requests.

Contingent on final approvals, Solito said site expansions would be completed in three phases.

“We will probably do the north side first,” she said.

Commission member Pete Cosby echoed overall positive sentiments shared during the plan preview.

“We’re lucky to have this facility in town,” he said.

Regardless of other changes, Solito said one aspect would remain constant.

“The playground is staying,” she said.