For the past 15 years, I have devoted space in the first issue of the new year to making predictions on the news over the next 12 months. Here are some of my thoughts on what will make headlines for the year ahead. Plans for a Lidl grocery store west of McDonalds on Route 50… Read more »
It’s that time of year to look back on the predictions I made this time last year for 2019. As is typically the case, I whiffed on some and nailed some.On The Mark I was right when I predicted governments in Berlin and Ocean Pines would both lose their top appointed officials this year. Berlin… Read more »
When I first heard about the county planning to consolidate three departments into one, a cost-cutting budget move came to mind. I figured budget savings in the face of ever increasing expenses led to the change.It turns out the exact opposite is true in the short term, and there appears to be a lot more… Read more »
There seems to be good news and bad news on the OC Air Show front. The good news is next summer’s event will feature the entertaining U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the featured headliners.Looking beyond next year to 2021, there seems to be some bad news and serious questions about the event. It was learned… Read more »
Though there are reasons to be concerned about affairs in Berlin, like the spring property tax hikes, potential charges for bulk pickup and a looming ban on short-term rentals away from Main Street, it’s impossible to see any sort of measured impact on the town’s popularity among the general public.Over the last week, the town… Read more »
Every time I attend a youth sports tournament outside the area I see a missed opportunity for our marketplace.Over the last couple years, sports tourism has gotten a lot of talk in Ocean City. Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig is a huge proponent of it and addresses it often in tourism meetings. At this point,… Read more »
Timing is a big part of life, and I think it helps to explain the vehement opposition from many about Berlin’s intention to impose a fee for bulk trash collection. With property owners still smarting over the unprecedented tax increases from the summer, talk of charging for a valued service hits hard.At least twice a… Read more »
Though they have been already for some time, short-term rentals will be big news in the weeks and months ahead in Worcester County.According to the most recent data released by Airbnb, the company brought in $1.5 million in host income from Worcester County based on 10,800 visitors. This data, which will surely be higher in… Read more »
When the Maryland General Assembly last year reversed the governor’s executive order requiring public school systems start after Labor Day, it was assumed most local decision makers would return to a pre-holiday start day. I actually predicted in this space Worcester would be the only school system in the state starting after Labor Day in… Read more »
This time of year is when businesses and commercial properties are often sold. Even when the deals never materials, it’s in the fall months when rumors begin circulating about certain businesses about to change hands. In Berlin, that’s certainly been the case. A prime example would be in Berlin when one of the area’s more… Read more »
