By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) The Berlin Town Council voted this week to proceed with a stormwater management upgrades project that officials hope will increase stormwater storage capacity and reduce flooding. The vote came despite residents arguing the work fails to address longtime neighborhood drainage problems. The project, which was approved with… Read more »
News
Berlin scores $50K in state grants for market, events
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) Downtown Berlin’s festivals, arts programs and streetscape improvements received a monetary boost after the state awarded the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District two grants totaling $50,500. The funding involves a $34,000 Main Street Maryland grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development… Read more »
Heron Park project gains site plan approval; No settlement but town has approved site plan for one stage of Tyson plant project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) A push to transform the dilapidated and dormant Tyson’s poultry building on Old Ocean City Boulevard into a vibrant commercial center is finally gaining some momentum now that the project has received site plan approval. The Berlin Planning Commission last Wednesday endorsed the final site plans submitted… Read more »
Council gasps at high price of furnishings; New furniture for renovated Town Hall exceeds $250K
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) A quarter-million-dollar furniture package proposed for Berlin’s renovated Town Hall was tabled this week after councilmembers and residents expressed concerns that the expenditure is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. Up for consideration before the Town Council Monday night was a $252,773 request to outfit the municipality’s… Read more »
Furnace Town cancels annual Renaissance Faire
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) Furnace Town has canceled its Renaissance Faire this fall because of a lack of funding, its executive director said, though the event is expected to return in 2027. The faire has been held annually since 2021 and was scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27. But it costs… Read more »
Volunteers lead Operation Flip Flop
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) A team of Ocean Pines do-gooders is once again rallying to support children in need by collecting personal supplies to help underprivileged kids enjoy a summer camp experience. The volunteer group Ocean Pines Get Involved, founded by community resident and former member of the board of directors… Read more »
Despite delays, firehouse build on schedule
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) Ocean Pines officials say construction of the community’s new southside firehouse remains on schedule despite requiring more extensive site preparation than originally expected. During the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting Monday, OPA General Manager John Viola updated residents and the board on the project, saying… Read more »
Youth volunteers offer aid to elderly owners with yard cleanup
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) A Worcester Prep sophomore is offering a yard cleanup service this fall for Ocean Pines seniors who need a little extra help disposing of leaves, pine needles, and other autumnal debris. At an Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting Monday, Liam McAllister, an incoming 10th grader… Read more »
Holiday weather hurt OP revenues, but rebound expected
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) While rainy weather during Memorial Day weekend contributed to a slight budget shortfall in May, Ocean Pines Association officials say they are optimistic that membership subscriptions and amenity revenues will rebound as summer continues. During Monday’s OPA Board of Directors meeting, the association General Manager John Viola… Read more »
Cleanup underway at OPA recreation centers
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) Ocean Pines Association officials this week provided updates on several community maintenance projects, including work at recreation amenities, trail cleanup efforts and the continued closure of the public works yard. During the OPA Board of Directors meeting on Monday night, OPA General Manager John Viola discussed recent… Read more »