OCEAN CITY — Two public hearings have been announced in Ocean City to give interested individuals an opportunity to weigh in on Boardwalk concerns, including the growing issue of how to handle street performers.
Purusant to Resolution 2015-1, a Boardwalk Task Force has been established to study and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council in connection with regulating Boardwalk conduct to ensure equal access, public safety, and the maintenance of a family-friendly atmosphere, while not offending the First Amendment and taking into account the needs and experiences of the various constituencies, including street performers, that have a stake in the Boardwalk.
The Boardwalk Task Force will hold two public hearings to receive testimony from any person or persons wishing to appear and give comment on the issues outlined above. The two public hearings shall occur in Council Chambers on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. and again on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.
Written testimony in lieu of appearing will also be accepted but must be received by the Boardwalk Task Force on or before Feb. 17 at noon. Written submissions shall be mailed to Boardwalk Task Force c/o City Manager, City Hall, P.O. Box 158, Ocean City, Md. 21843-0158.
An organizational meeting of the task force took place on Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. and a final meeting shall take place on March 25 at 1 p.m. No public testimony or comment will be received on March 25, but it’s open to the public.
All meetings will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall for the Town of Ocean City, located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842.
Last month the Boardwalk Task Force was created. Mayor Rick Meehan recommended five members to serve on the task force starting with Chair Greg Shockley, owner of Shenanigan’s on the Boardwalk and Ocean City Development Corporation board member; Frank Knight, representing the Boardwalk Development Committee; Lee Gerachis, owner of Malibu’s Surf Shop on the Boardwalk; Bob Rothermel, representing the Downtown Association; and street performer Mark Chase. The mayor also recommended the staff liaisons be City Manager David Recor and OCPD Lt. Mark Pacini.
For more information regarding the public meetings for the Boardwalk Task Force, contact the City Manager’s Office at 410-289-8887.