By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The Berlin Parks Commission reviewed a draft of an agreement for a commemorative program at its meeting last Tuesday that will offer individuals, families or organizations an opportunity to memorialize an event or a loved one through the dedication of park amenities or living tributes. In the… Read more »
News
Schools keep options open
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Although local educators would prefer to return to face-to-face instruction when schools open this fall, the Worcester County Board of Education is keeping its options open. The board discussed three possibilities for that in a draft of its “Responsible Return” model at its meeting on Tuesday. Among… Read more »
Faulty audio leads to short session for mayor, council
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer Facebook Live wasn’t live enough for people to hear discussions during session (July 16, 2020) Poor audio quality resulted in the quick postponement of Monday’s Berlin Mayor and Council meeting, as viewers apparently struggled to follow the discussion on a Facebook Live stream. Just 15 minutes into the meeting, the… Read more »
Additional EDU approved for business after reassessment
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The Berlin Mayor and Council unanimously agreed to allow Steven Black, the owner of Arby’s at 10627 Ocean Gateway in Berlin, to purchase and finance one additional equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) for the property during its meeting on Monday. An equivalent dwelling unit is a unit measure… Read more »
Addiction services manage stress, covid-19
By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Although health experts have been saying more people might turn to alcohol or illicit drugs as a result of stress from the covid-19 crisis, Worcester County addiction services report that program participants are still on track overall. Collen Wareing, a board member of the Atlantic Club and… Read more »
Parks Commission Briefs
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The following took place on Tuesday, July 7, during the Berlin Parks Commission meeting: Rain garden The commission reviewed a rain garden at Dr. William Henry Park on Flower Street planted by the Assateague Coastal Trust in early June. Verena Chase, the Coast Kids program director at… Read more »
Berlin ranks first again for best small town for shopping
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Downtown Berlin was named the “Best Small Town for Shopping” in a USA Today 10Best contest out of 18 nominations. “It’s another indication in our community’s philosophy that is quality over quantity,” Mayor Gee Williams said. Williams added that he is pleased to see a continued focus… Read more »
Annual Peach Festival shortened to one day
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on North Main Street in Berlin will hold a Peach Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. instead of the traditional festival because of coronavirus concerns. Museum curator Susan Taylor said the 12th annual event will take… Read more »
Planning Commission recommends rezoning
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) The Berlin Planning Commission unanimously agreed to recommend to the mayor and council the rezoning of two properties to B-2 Shopping District at its meeting last Wednesday. The first case was to rezone the property at 10712 Ocean Gateway from B-1 Town Center Zone to B-2 Shopping… Read more »
Census responses starting to plateau around 31 percent
By Elizabeth Bonin, Staff Writer (July 16, 2020) Worcester County’s U.S. Census response rate is starting to plateau at a 31 percent response rate, according to Kelly Henry, Complete County Committee coordinator and technical services manager. As of Monday, Worcester’s response rate ranges from 5.5 percent in an Ocean City tract to 69.3 percent in… Read more »