Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (July 29, 2021) Ocean Pines appears to be back on track financially after a year of shutdowns because of the covid-19 pandemic, General Manager John Viola told the OPA Board of Directors last Wednesday. “The bottom line of the presentation is we’re operating on all cylinders,” he said. Viola said revenue and… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Ocean Pines Board candidate Stuart Lakernick could not attend last Tuesday’s election forum because of a work commitment, but he did comment this week on topics the forum covered. With regards to personality conflicts among board members, Lakernick said tense exchanges are typically counterproductive. “This board still is able… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Ocean Pines Director Frank Daly, the sole incumbent running in this years’ board election, gave his take on several hot-button topics during the second candidate forum last Tuesday. Addressing the issue of personality differences affecting the board’s performance, Daly highlighted the annual turnover of two or three members. After… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Berlin’s Historic District Commission approved extending fencing behind the Globe Theatre and renovating a drive-up window at Mother Flowers during its meeting last Wednesday. Globe fence Globe Gastro Theatre General Manager Joe McElroy was given permission to remove, update and extend existing fencing along Gay Street. Both safety and… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) The Ocean Pines Communications Committee discussed its plans to publicize the current board election and next months annual homeowners’ meeting last Thursday, and previewed a tie-in with Worcester County History Week this October. Marketing and Public Relations Director Josh Davis told committee members an elections webpage has been added… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Ocean Pines Board candidate David Hardy, who joined join incumbent Frank Daly at last Tuesday’s election forum, offered his working background and ground-level perspectives during the hour-long question session. In answer to an inquiry from Daly about gaining institutional knowledge as a board newcomer, Hardy referred to his professional… Read more »
With millions available now council must develop plan By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Town of Berlin officials have yet to determine where to direct $2.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds recently awarded to the municipality, with federal program directives mandating allocations by December 2024 and expenditures prior to December 2026. Town Administrator Jeff… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Looking to improve road safety for foot traffic and bicyclists, Ocean Pines resident Ryan Mello earlier this month contacted various government bodies seeking to update crosswalks at a trio of south-side intersections. Pines roads getting attention from Mello were Manklin Creek at both Ocean Parkway and Racetrack Road, Cathell… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Unable to attend the second Ocean Pines Board election forum last Tuesday, Rick Farr responded this week to a number of question posed to other candidates that evening. In terms of board conflicts and personality clashes, Farr said while disagreements are inevitable, infighting is counterproductive and is a disservice… Read more »
Choice of words leads to hint of election committee unfairness in directors race By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) What was intended to be a closed session meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss whether to respond to accusations of political bias by the Ocean Pines Elections Committee instead turned into a 45-minute open session, with the… Read more »