Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Final language changes to several bylaws sections proposed for revision were approved by the Ocean Pines Board of Directors during its meeting last Wednesday. The last-minute revisions are part of a lengthy list of bylaws updates intended for a referendum vote by membership this spring. The issues covered last… Read more »
(March 31, 2022) Multiple fire units responded Saturday for a house fire at 10016 Carey Road in Berlin that took the life of a beloved canine. The fire also claimed the home and personal possessions of residents Julie and Jeffrey Burton, who operate Surfside Rooster in West Ocean City. The Berlin Volunteer Fire Company was… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Ahead of a board of directors work session slated for Tuesday, the Ocean Pines Strategic Planning Committee met last Thursday to prepare discussion points from survey data acquired in 2021. Committee Chair Bernie McGorry said the “informal’ work session would be a hybrid event held virtual and in-person at… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Following hours of commentary from supporters and opponents of rental regulations, the Berlin Town Council voted on Monday to create and impose new rules for short-term rentals as of July 1. Mayor Zach Tyndall said the hot-button topic has been bandied about for several years. “The intent is to… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Monthly financial figures and pending capital expenditures for lighting, pickleball courts, audio-visual equipment and golf carts were highlighted during General Manager John Viola’s report to the Ocean Pines Board last Wednesday. Viola opened his presentation to the board with an update on new lighting at the North Gate Bridge…. Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) The consideration of a possible social media policy for the Ocean Pines Board of Directors ballooned into a discussion about ethics codes during the board meeting last Wednesday. Director Doug Parks said in light of the multiple Pines-based social media platforms available, an official policy should be developed to… Read more »
Directors cut off discussion of why former candidate was rejected for 2nd time By Greg Ellison (March 31, 2022) Lingering political tension from the Ocean Pines Board of Directors 2021 election was on display at last week’s meeting, as the directors denied former candidate Stuart Lakernick a seat on a committee for the second time…. Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Building resident interest in community issues dominated discussions during the Ocean Pines Communications Committee meeting last Thursday. Chair Cheryl Jacobs opened the St. Patrick’s Day virtual meeting with an update on changing existing marquee signs to electronic message boards. In September 2019, the OPA Communications Committee began looking into… Read more »
Electronic voting must be unanimous to be official By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Despite initial assertions that the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously by email last week to amend the definition of owner of record in its proposed bylaws revisions, it has since come to light that Director Rick Farr opposed the… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (March 24, 2022) Town of Berlin officials’ goal of converting an eyesore in to an educational attraction for youth — while promoting its Bee City designation — is coming to fruition after being awarded a $5,000 grant through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program. Clean Up & Green Up Maryland grants, which are… Read more »