By Brian Shane Staff Writer The nonprofit agency Diakonia expects a $50,000 funding boost this year for its new West Ocean City headquarters from a state program that aims to attract donors to nonprofit projects. Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) selected Diakonia to participate in its fiscal 2025 Community Investment Tax Credit… Read more »
News
County planning education effort on solar land leases; Commissioners approve mailer to ag land owners about pitfalls with deals
By Brian Shane Staff Writer As demand grows for filling fields with solar panels instead of corn or soybeans, Worcester County’s farmers should be on the lookout for aggressive and predatory salespeople in the solar industry, officials said this week. “It’s almost kind of a David and Goliath situation,” environmental programs director Bob Mitchell told… Read more »
Beach to Bay Heritage gets grant; Local nonprofits score funds through Maryland Humanities SHINE program
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Seven groups throughout Maryland’s lower shore, including Beach to Bay Heritage Area, received thousands of dollars in funding via the Maryland Humanities’ Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) grant program. According to a press release issued by Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director… Read more »
Old Bay Club property’s back-to-nature project nears finish line
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The former Bay Club Golf Course is being transformed into a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property as officials work to establish trails and pollinator meadows, restore wetlands and enhance recreation space. Last week, the Lower Shore Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and… Read more »
Officials weighing ordinance for homeless; County will explore tougher penalties for those found sleeping on public property
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Taking inspiration from a recent Supreme Court ruling, Worcester County officials say sleeping on public property could go from a civil infraction to a criminal misdemeanor, a move that specifically targets the homeless. “When the intersection happens between behavioral health issues and homelessness, and then criminality or victimization of others… Read more »
OPA audience gets to grill Touch of Italy’s big cheese; Restaurant owner Ciprietti lays out how his company will run food, drink venues
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Touch of Italy will take over the Ocean Pines Association’s three food and beverage service locations on May 1, following the expiration of the association’s contract with Matt Ortt Companies. Last week, the community invited residents to a town hall where homeowners could ask Touch of Italy and Ocean Pines… Read more »
Neighbors question Berlin parking lot lease; Officials believe parking shortage required bold move
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Some Berlin residents have concerns regarding the 10-year lease agreement inked recently for a new parking lot. The Mayor and Council recently announced a lease deal with a private property owner to establish a municipal parking lot in town. Officials have said it’s a move to grow the downtown business… Read more »
Berlin announces parking lot lease
SUBMITTED-IMAGE.docx The Town of Berlin announced Wednesday the Mayor and Council have entered into a 10-year lease agreement to provide a new municipal parking lot. Located at the corner of West and Washington streets, the lot is owned by the Esham family. According to a press release issued by the town and Mayor Zack Tyndall,… Read more »
Portable sign purchase approved in Berlin
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Town Council unanimously approved purchasing a new variable message sign (VMS), not to exceed $19,000, to act as a board providing event, parking, trash, and law enforcement updates to municipality residents. The device purchase, passed at the Berlin Mayor and Council’s Monday, Jan. 13 meeting, will be funded… Read more »
Berlin transfers unassigned funding to town hall renovation, police pension
Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials unanimously agreed to reallocate $2.7 million from the town’s unassigned general fund balance to act as a cushion for potential new projects and financial challenges. The transfer of funds will bolster the capital reserve, the debt reduction reserve, the police Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension (LEOPS) reserve, and the stabilization… Read more »