Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (June 6, 2019) Three streets in Berlin will receive utility improvements after Berlin’s Mayor and Council unanimously approved a $44,600 project proposal during a meeting last Tuesday. Robert Duma, a civil engineer and associate with Davis, Bowen & Friedel Inc., proposed tackling Bottle Branch Road, as well as Grace and… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (June 6, 2019) A revision to an ordinance regarding variances that would change a phrase to reflect civil law got a first reading during a Berlin Town Council meeting last Tuesday. Planning Director Dave Engelhart said officials became aware of an issue regarding the ordinance’s current language during a March… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (June 6, 2019) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors have selected a contractor to perform the work necessary to reconstruct the Pioneer Craft Building in White Horse Park. Four bids had been provided on Friday, May 24, from three local companies: Whayland with a bid of $95,500, Ocean Tower for… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Exorbitant costs and the unwillingness of some companies to take on certain jobs has led the Ocean Pines Board of Directors to drop the idea of contracting with an outside management company. The board last Thursday announced that it will pursue filling the vacancy for the community’s… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Shawn Kotwica, 38, says he wants to join the Ocean Pines Board of Directors in order to bring more transparency and help oversee the important projects taking place in the community. Originally from Pennsylvania, Kotwica studied criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. He first visited Ocean Pines… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The community continued to mourn the loss of a 17-year-old boy who died last week in Berlin. “We know it’s a time for healing for the community,” Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing said during a Town Council meeting Tuesday. “We anticipate a lot of other events with… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The Berlin Town Council approved the annexation of about six acres for a proposed gas station and convenience store Tuesday evening. Attorneys Regan Smith and Peter Buas represented the interests of property owners Spiro and Mary Anne Buas of Athena Properties Inc. The land, now called Athena Plaza… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The construction of the new Showell Elementary School continues, following the Worcester County Board of Education’s approval last Wednesday of the project’s next phase. Over the past month, workers completed installation of slab-on-grade concrete, foundation masonry, foundation dampproofing, and energized permanent power, according to construction progress reports. The… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Municipal water and sewer rates, which have been a major factor in Berlin government’s budget discussions this winter and spring, were increased Tuesday night by a unanimous Town Council vote. As of July 1, the water utility’s rate will go up 5 percent, and the sewer utility’s… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The Worcester County Board of Education last Wednesday approved a revised attendance guideline that imposes harsher penalties for unexcused absences. “Inasmuch as there is a direct relationship between attendance and grades, this policy is intended to instill in the school youth of this county the importance of… Read more »