About The Author: Shawn Soper

Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.

SHA’s Median Fence Meeting Lightly Attended; Changes Planned For Coastal Highway Next Year

SHA’s Median Fence Meeting Lightly Attended; Changes Planned For Coastal Highway Next Year

OCEAN CITY — Ocean City and the State Highway Administration (SHA) this week held the requisite public informational meeting on the somewhat controversial dune-style fence down a stretch of Coastal Highway, but judging by the relatively light attendance, it appears on the surface the public is generally indifferent to the proposal.In January, the Mayor and… Read more »

Council Irked New Rental Fees, Fines Accomplishes Little To Address Big Picture Concerns

Council Irked New Rental Fees, Fines Accomplishes Little To Address Big Picture Concerns

OCEAN CITY — Ocean City officials this week approved a stopgap measure of sorts for the R-1 single-family neighborhood rental issue, but not before voicing concerns the fee and potential fines for not complying fall short of accomplishing the larger goal.Resort officials have been wrestling with the issue of vacation rentals in Ocean City’s quieter,… Read more »

Council Tables Occupancy Calculation For Seasonal Housing

OCEAN CITY- Resort officials this week began cursory discussions about proposed tweaks in the occupancy calculations for seasonal workforce housing in an issue ripe with a growing shortage versus safety and quality of life issues.Ocean City’s current calculation calls for 40 square feet per each occupant in seasonal employee housing, a standard that has been… Read more »

OC Council Advances Trailer Changes As Emergency Ordinance With Vehicle Events Coming Up

OCEAN CITY — With the clock now ticking on the spring Cruisin’ event, the Mayor and Council last week advanced an ordinance requiring registered participants to purchase a permit for parking oversized trailers on city streets to second reading as an emergency ordinance at the request of the show’s producer.As part of the ongoing effort… Read more »