Author Archives: Shawn Soper

About The Author: Shawn Soper

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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.

Overlay District Expansion OK’d After Spirited Debate; Amendment Paves Way For Haunted House

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OCEAN CITY — The town’s amusement overlay district will be expanding despite a last-ditch effort by a downtown property owner to have one of the parcels proposed for inclusion left out.The Mayor and Council on Monday approved on second reading an ordinance amending the amusement overlay district, which allows certain uses not permitted in other… Read more »

OC Seeks Changes To Proposed Median Barrier; Officials Worry Gaps Between Poles Will Not Deter Pedestrians

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OCEAN CITY — Resort officials got their first look this week at a proposed fencing alternative in the median along a section of Coastal Highway, and while they generally liked the option aesthetically, they voiced concern about the open fence’s ability to deter pedestrians from crossing mid-block.The Ocean City Transportation Committee on Tuesday met with… Read more »

OC Seeks Busker Suit Dismissal; Motion Maintains ‘Each And Every Claim Fails To Allege A Set Of Facts That Can Withstand Challenge’

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OCEAN CITY — The Town of Ocean City this week filed a motion to dismiss the amended federal lawsuit filed against it and other named defendants, pointing out several apparent flaws and blasting holes in the buskers’ pro se case.In November, eight Ocean City Boardwalk street performers, led by Tony Christ, filed suit in U.S…. Read more »