By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2021) The Worcester County Technical Review Committee reviewed plans for a proposed hotel/motel called Shorepoint Cottage Court located at 9543 Stephen Decatur Highway in Berlin during a teleconference on Jan. 13. The development would have 52 units, each 390 square feet. The property is zoned C-2 General Commercial… Read more »
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‘Gifts Fulfilled’ sees more growth ahead for program
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 21, 2021) Ocean Pines resident Kim Shanahan, who runs the web-based business “Gifts Fulfilled” that employs adults with intellectual disabilities, experienced an economic boost following the surge in online commerce after the onset of coronavirus last spring. Shanahan, who is a board member with the Worcester County Developmental Center, relocated the… Read more »
OP Board vets lowered assessment outlook
Earlier estimate for pending fiscal year fee increases cut from $121 to roughly $35 By Greg Ellison (Jan. 21, 2021) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors started its two-day review of the next fiscal year’s budget on Tuesday, with instant good news after learning earlier estimates for potential assessment increases have been reduced substantially. General… Read more »
Return to classroom to begin next week
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) Schools in Worcester County have begun preparations to return to in-person instruction next week after conducting virtual classroom learning during the first two weeks following the winter break. The classroom closure followed the Worcester County Health Department’s strong recommendation that schools wait to bring students and staff… Read more »
Pines budget begins review of forecasts
By Greg Ellison Department proposals get scrutiny in uncertain times (Jan. 14, 2021) Ocean Pines kicked off a multi-day FY 2021-22 budget presentation last Wednesday, with covered food and beverage services, fire/EMS, golf operations, finance, marketing and general administration. In-depth departmental presentations were provided for the Budget and Finance Committee, which will subsequently issue guidance… Read more »
Ocean Pines Budget Committee issues guidance
By Greg Ellison Advisory group gathers on Monday to review results of departmental presentations (Jan. 14, 2021) After spending more than 12 hours reviewing next year’s proposed budget, the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee reconvened on Monday to issue formal guidance for the board of directors before it meets next Tuesday. Budget Committee Chairman… Read more »
Town Council approves SHA easement deal
Will allow state to improve turn lanes off Route 376 By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council on Monday approved the transfer of rights of way along Maryland Route 376 to the State Highway Administration (SHA) to widen its intersection with U.S. Route 113 for safety purposes. “These are… Read more »
Wor. schools in virtual instruction after break
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Worcester County public and private schools will remain in distance learning mode this week, as school officials from both sectors agreed to abide by the Worcester County Health Department’s request. Health department officials told Bayside Gazette that the recommendation for schools to conduct classes virtually was based… Read more »
Berlin mayor, council agree on priorities
FY21 will see infrastructure, reserve fund get attention By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Finances, Heron Park, a community center and utility infrastructure are the priorities that Berlin’s elected officials hope to tackle in 2021. Mayor Zackery Tyndall, who began his first term in October 2020, said he has adopted “more of a… Read more »
Last-minute drive to give family holiday gifts
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 7, 2021) An outpouring of last-minute donations saved the day for four children who are being raised by their grandmother and weren’t going to receive Christmas gifts this year because of tight finances. The family’s plight came to light after contacting members of the Community Church at Ocean Pines and parishioner… Read more »