By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) Berlin government is offering payment plans to about 20 property owners whose water consumption exceeds the amount the municipality allocated to them. The Town Council this week approved a policy that gives property owners exceeding their water allocation a way to come into compliance without paying the… Read more »
News
Plans for Route 113 pedestrian bridge axed; Lower speed limit to 35 mph sought
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) The Town of Berlin will not pursue plans to build a pedestrian bridge over Route 113 to unite the two sides of town, but is aiming to make trip easier through improvements like vehicle speed reduction, shared-use paths, and crosswalk configurations. Over the past few years, Berlin… Read more »
Berlin’s election cancelled, filers declared council members
Newcomers Tony Weeg and Matt Stoehr, incumbent Jay Knerr assume roles Oct. 13 By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) With no contested races this year, Berlin’s municipal election has officially been cancelled. The three candidates who filed for the three available Town Council seats will assume their posts later this month. On Oct. 13,… Read more »
Cell tower going up soon in Ocean Pines
With construction permits in hand, company needs weather’s cooperation By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 1, 2026) A cell phone tower will begin to rise in Ocean Pines next month as consumers, local law enforcement and homeowners association officials look forward to some relief from the unreliable mobile phone service that has plagued the community… Read more »
Planning Commission reviews proposed solar project site plan
Developer hoping to secure building permit from Berlin before end of calendar year By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) The Berlin Planning Commission last week approved a site plan for a proposed 18-megawatt solar project that would become the largest solar installation in Worcester County. The New Jersey-based company Soltage is proposing six… Read more »
Fundraiser will benefit Town Cats, Ocean Pines Library
Art for sale at the Pines media center starting Oct. 1, proceeds to be donated By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) Art pieces will be up for grabs this fall at the Ocean Pines Library, with 100% of the sale proceeds to be split into donations to the media center’s programs and the… Read more »
Pines police stepping up officer recruiting efforts
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) The Ocean Pines Police Department is adopting new recruitment methods as it aims to overcome a significant staffing deficit. According to Operations Commander Lt. Joseph Bailey, the department is working with eight officers, or half of what is required for an adequately staffed station. “We need eight… Read more »
Berlin Planning Commission continues ADU conversation
Town looks to nail down regulations, work session planned on Monday night By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) Berlin officials continued discussing guidelines for accessory dwelling units during a planning commission meeting last week, focusing on design standards and how the town can review proposed units without creating burdensome barriers to construction. The… Read more »
Cottages residents seek better living conditions
Say Severn Management doesn’t respond, so they have called in Legal Aid By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 24, 2026) Maryland Legal Aid has stepped up to help residents of a senior housing community in Berlin who have been dealing with poor living conditions and a property management company that has not responded to their… Read more »
Berlin considers open burn exception
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Sept. 17, 2026) Berlin’s outdoor burning policy returned to the council agenda this week as officials try to maintain town safety while acknowledging the needs of large property owners, who require special considerations for disposing of yard and storm debris. Under a proposed code amendment discussed at Monday night’s Town… Read more »