By Greg Ellison (Jan. 21, 2021) Although the calendar year changed, more than three months remain in Ocean Pines’ fiscal year, which has the community’s advisory committees concentrating on wrapping up their assignments by the end of April. ENVIRONMENT Maintaining productive partnerships with area agencies committed to water and land preservation is the primary focus… Read more »
News
Hotel with 52 units proposed for Berlin area
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 »
‘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 »
Chamber of Commerce shares goals for ’21
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2021) After the novel coronavirus pandemic resulted in the cancellation of most Berlin Chamber of Commerce events in 2020 and brought challenges for the town’s small businesses, the board of directors and chamber members are prepared for the changes that will come in the new year. Steve Frene,… Read more »
Berlin museum hosts ’21 membership drive
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 21, 2021) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum at 208 N. Main St. in Berlin encourages residents to become members of the museum to help preserve local history. “We’re just really hoping that people will join, that we have done a really good job this past year of presenting… Read more »
County picks consultant for irrigation system
By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Association moved closer to adding a wastewater irrigation system to its golf course last Tuesday, when the Worcester County Commissioners chose Hydro Design Inc. as the consultant for evaluating the upgrade cost. The agreement is to pay the Frederick-based company $8,800 for consultation services…. Read more »
Jan. boards, commissions meetings canceled
Berlin transitions to virtual gatherings, but no urgent matters occur this month By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) All town of Berlin boards and commissions meetings have been canceled for January, given the absence of any urgent matters to discuss, Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen and Planning Director Dave Engelhart said this week…. 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 fiscal discussions ends with aquatics
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee closed its multi-day review of the budget proposal for next year on Friday with detailed financial projections for aquatics, beach club parking, racquet sports and the Bainbridge drainage project. AQUATICS Ocean Pines Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips said the… Read more »