By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines Association’s General Manager John Viola presented his monthly update during the community’s board of directors meeting this week, outlining progress on upcoming capital projects, holiday beautification efforts, and early budget development. Viola said the long-anticipated replacement of the association’s outdated South Side fire station remains on track to… Read more »
News
OPA to install new HVAC at community center
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines officials this week announced that the association is installing a new HVAC unit at the community center—the latest step in an effort to address water-damage issues that occurred in the recreation building earlier this year. OPA General Manager John Viola said the association’s public works team is installing… Read more »
Board OK’s Viola’s request to replace vehicle
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors this week approved a capital request to replace an aging Ford Escape used by the Compliance, Permits and Inspections (CPI) Department with a 2025 Ford Bronco for $40,039. The new vehicle will be added to the community’s non-police fleet carpool. OPA General Manager… Read more »
Boat slips at golf club questioned
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A proposal in Ocean Pines to create two boat slips near the Clubhouse Bar and Grille on Clubhouse Drive has been met with resident opposition, with some citing safety concerns and arguing the project will fail to generate significant revenue. Earlier this month, the Ocean Pines Association leadership announced its… Read more »
County hearing offered to explain new utility rates
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Worcester County residents on public water and sewer will have a chance to ask the county commissioners about recent rate increases and the state of the county’s sewerage infrastructure at the commissioners’ next meeting on Tuesday. Commissioners President Ted Elder (District 4, Western) said county officials have been getting many… Read more »
Irrigation project continues at golf course
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association continues to work on improvements at the community’s golf course, including an irrigation system project, and tee box and fairway enhancement. At the OPA’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Nov. 22, Ocean Pines’ General Manager John Viola updated the board and association members on the… Read more »
Berlin police chief retiring after 34 years
Downing: ‘Being a part of a lot of people’s lives has enriched me … When I started this job, I never thought I would have the ability to touch so many people’s lives, and have my life touched in such a way.’ Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin Police Chief of Police Arnold Downing has said… Read more »
Berlin to clarify backyard fire pit regulations
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 »
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 »