By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials are looking to clarify the town’s rules on backyard fire pits after residents expressed confusion over whether the fixtures fall under the town’s ban on open burning. During Monday’s mayor and council meeting, staff and elected officials discussed updating the code to make the difference clear between recreational… Read more »
News
Berlin council pushes back on parade chair policy
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A discussion this week among Berlin officials and residents highlighted frustrations over the town’s new policy that limits when spectators can place chairs along Main Street ahead of the annual Christmas Parade and summertime Bathtub Races. The town recently announced that members of the streetside audience cannot place chairs or… Read more »
Vendor approved for Berlin comp plan update
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Following a vote this week, the Town of Berlin will contract with the firm Mead and Hunt for an update to the municipality’s comprehensive plan, a process that will guide future growth and development, for a cost of $99,075. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the town is required to review… Read more »
Town Hall overhaul heads to bidding process
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials reviewed updated plans for the long-anticipated Town Hall renovation this week, with construction documents nearing completion, and the project expected to go out to bid in December. The Town Hall project will address space concerns and the need for a centralized location for staff, updated safety elements and… Read more »
Whimsical marsh mural gets commission’s vote
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The month-long debate over how well a somewhat fanciful mural fits into the historic downtown image the town works to maintain ended last week when the Berlin Historic District Commission issued its approval. At its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, the commission voted 4-1 to allow local artist Evan Fitzgerald… Read more »
Cannabis grant funding decisions handed to local board
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Control of more than $1 million in cannabis tax-funded community grants will shift from Worcester County’s elected officials to a local oversight board – a move that the County Commissioners voted to approve themselves. In a 5-2 decision, the commissioners voted Oct. 21 to give their Local Management Board, or… Read more »
Boat slips proposed for Ocean Pines course
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Transient boat slips could make their way to Ocean Pines’ Clubhouse Bar and Grille, offering residents an alternative entrance, via the canal, into the community’s golf course and refreshment establishment. A press release issued by the Ocean Pines Association on Monday, Nov. 3, stated that a possible four-slip project has… Read more »
Berlin says seat placement for parades needs to wait until town closes streets
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin parade spectators will have to wait until two hours before an event begins to secure their spots with chairs and blankets, the town announced last week. The policy will be strictly enforced by Berlin staff to ensure safety and accessibility don’t falter, even on the days of the town’s… Read more »
County school system presents first awards
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Worcester County Public Schools students and staff were recognized last week at a board of education meeting for their efforts in cultivating a positive and thriving learning community. At the Worcester County Board of Education’s meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, school system leaders honored students and personnel as part of… Read more »
Ocean Pines has cell tower deal
Board’s contract with Virginia co. will lead to structure disguised as tree near Ocean Pines Golf Course By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Improved phone service is headed to Ocean Pines, as last week the community’s governing board authorized the signing of a site lease agreement with a company to construct a cell phone tower to… Read more »