There seems to be some confusion over short-term rentals in Berlin. At last week’s meeting, Berlin Councilman Jay Knerr expressed concerns about the ordinance that was passed earlier this year. After it was approved in the spring, an “error” was later discovered and an amendment to the ordinance was needed. Language needed to be added… Read more »
Category: Between The Lines
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – August 26, 2022
Though it might not have been the case, the internal promotion of Mary Bohlen to the town administrator post seemed planned. Four months ago, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood retired from the post despite having one year left on his contract. He was willing to stay on the job until the budget process wrapped, but Mayor… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – August 12, 2022
Last week’s news with the sports complex created much confusion. One reader surmised the project was dead as a result of what was reported. This would be wrong, but the misperception is understandable because of the November referendum on the sports complex and the fact the Worcester County Commissioners opted last week to remove the… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – August 5, 2022
Thanks to the growing popularity of mail-in ballots, the wait for this year’s election results had to be agonizing for the candidates in tight races. Though the District 3 race was close as Eric Fiori won the seat by 37 votes, the tightest race by far was in District 4 where two-term incumbent Ted Elder… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – July 29, 2022
During a recent discussion on residential vs. commercial growth in Ocean City, Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis, a developer himself, shared some interesting insights. The city is weighing an amendment to the code restricting residential development in an attempt to preserve commercially-zoned properties. The concept being to avoid allowing Ocean City to transition into a community… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – July 22, 2022
Some thoughts on this week’s primary election as it stands at noon on Thursday: With the growing popularity of mail-in voting and the required wait time after in-voting closes to begin counting the ballots, this election is unlike any other. It’s a complicated process. Ballots postmarked July 19 will be counted over the next week…. Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – July 15, 2022
There is much work to do in Berlin on police pay. It’s nothing new. It’s been a problem for many years. It just has not been made a priority by the town’s elected officials. While a couple raises have been given in recent years, the fact remains Berlin pays its police officers far less than… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – July 8, 2022
Ocean City was thrown an unfortunate, and inexcusable, curve ball when it was told within two weeks of the 4th of July the contracted vendor could not provide fireworks on the holiday. A lack of staff was cited, but the real answer is likely the vendor had to prioritize, found a different entity wishing to… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – July 1, 2022
The next several weeks will reveal everything as far as gauging the summer tourism season. In general, the summer season thus far has been strange. Though reviews are always mixed when reviewing summer business, the consensus seems to be it’s been a slow start. “It’s been a weird fall so far,” as one hospitality worker… Read more »
Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – June 24, 2022
It was a productive conversation the Ocean City Mayor and Council had about the OC Air Show this week, specifically what constitutes a headline act.Throughout its 15-year history in Ocean City, the air show has typically featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (most commonly) or the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. For many years, the two… Read more »