OCEAN CITY – In “the brief” this week, two new Boardwalk laws went into effect, and some fowl artists were the first group to request wall space in the to-be-expanded Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
Boardwalk Display Guidelines Set
Ironically, it was Margaret Pillas, the Boardwalk business owner who sits on the Ocean City Council, and who spoke out most often against the first few drafts, who motioned for the approval of the second reading of the ordinance pertaining to new outdoor display guidelines, which passed unanimously on Monday night.
After months and perhaps years of discussion, the council passed guidelines that could solve the longstanding problem of an un-level playing field and provide proper enforcement to the merchants who tend to violate the display guidelines without fear of reprimand.
The decision, which will allow merchants to have exterior displays on 20 percent of their properties and lays out stricter guidelines concerning content that is allowable for outdoor display, requires the formation of an advisory committee.
Mayor Rick Meehan advised the council to name BDA President Vicki Barrett, Boardwalk T-shirt store- owner Bruce Krasner, Stephanie Meehan, Laura Simmons and Kite Loft owner Jay Knerr to the committee.
“Since time is of the essence, I’d recommend that you approve these people to be on this committee. they’ve all spoken publicly on this issue at one time or another, and they all have a vested interest in what happens on the Boardwalk,” said Meehan.
Lew Bush, another Boardwalk store owner and outspoken member of the debate for many years, said he was pleased with the results, but was concerned few merchants know enough about the new law.
“Other than myself, there were only four or five other property owners there”, said Bush. “A lot of people don’t know what’s happening, and I hope the town takes the necessary measures to disseminate the information to everyone to make sure all the store owners are on the same page as far as the rules go.”
In a related decision, council voted unanimously that $225 would be the annual cost for an outdoor display permit.
Boardwalk Bike Hours Extended A normal cliché that gets thrown around City Hall on a seemingly weekly basis is the “win-win” analogy, oftentimes pertaining to things that have nothing to do with winning or losing.
Yet, in this instance, council may have found a way to provide extra revenue to Boardwalk bike rental businesses by extending the hours people are allowed to ride their bikes on the Boardwalk until 11 a.m. during the week between Memorial and Labor Day, and found a way to keep the valuable revenue (almost $25,000) brought in by the boardwalk tram on the weekends from 10-11 am at the very same time.
“I think we need to move forward this way, because I do have a real concern with those banana bikes being out there at the same time as the trams. That’s an accident waiting to happen,” said Council President Joe Mitrecic, “and I’m definitely not willing to throw away $25,000.”
The bike rental community welcomed the new ordinance with open arms.
“I rented my first bike in 1968 or 1969, and I’d like to thank this Mayor and Council in particular as this is a 50-year reversal in policy that is long overdue, said Danny Dobson, who owns a boardwalk bike shop. “I’d like to see the weekend too, but I’m not going to push it.”
The council will revisit the matter in the fall to see how the new law worked and to review safety issues.
“I hope storeowners pay attention to how many baskets on the bikes are getting filled on the Boardwalk, said Dandy Don’s bike rental owner Don Enste. “I think this is going to be a great thing for everyone and a great start to the summer season.”
Local Art At Renovated Center?
As final plans and approvals take place concerning the multi-million dollar renovation of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the first of what could be many local artists or art groups came forward with their desire to display their artwork on the new walls of convention hall.
John Maphis of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art expressed his desire to showcase “the rich and fascinating history of wildfowl art” at the new convention center, which is projected to be completed by 2011 and will include a new 1,200-seat performing arts center.
“This would be a great rainy day presentation for people in Ocean City, and bring a cultural asset to the city and bring an educational experience to the children,” said Maphis. “Having artwork like this in the convention center could help bring year-round traffic to the building.”
In addition, former Councilwoman Nancy Howard pledged her support in trying to help local artists get a bit of exhibit space at the new building.
“I think the Ward Museum is a gem and we would hope that you will also allow local artists access to this new building,” said Howard. “Certainly not in a grandiose way, but just in exhibit space as there will be lots of walls and places for local art to be featured.”
Councilman Jim Hall liked the idea, but told the artists to essentially be patient until the plans were finalized for the new building.
“I think it’s a great idea but let’s wait until we figure out how all the rooms are going to look and we’ll get back to you,” said Hall.