Though it’s a controversial move, the Town of Ocean City’s decision to delay Sunfest by one weekend to avoid a conflict with a troublesome lot of visitors is the right call.Sunfest is traditionally held in either the last or second to last weekend in September. The long weekend has become a major event for Ocean… Read more »
Do most people think women should be able to go topless where men can? We think the answer is clearly no.It’s a fundamental question at the heart of the ongoing case involving a challenge to the Town of Ocean City’s 2017 ordinance clarifying the government’s position topless women in public places is illegal. Though legal… Read more »
Expectations for any significant changes to the proposed wind farms offshore should not be elevated based on the Maryland Public Service Commission’s order for a public hearing on the wind turbines’ changes in height. In fact, the commission made that clear in its order.“This inquiry is limited to potential impacts related to a change in… Read more »
The hourly parking rate increase approved by the Ocean City Mayor and Council is entirely appropriate and reasonable.At its simplest, the council-approved and task force-recommended increases will raise the hourly parking rates at the Inlet lot in the peak season by 17%, from $3 an hour to $3.50. The hourly rate at other downtown municipal… Read more »
In three years, Atlantic General Hospital was able to raise more than $12 million in its capital campaign geared toward bettering health services in northern Worcester County. It’s a remarkable feat, one that would have not been possible if it weren’t for an incredibly generous community.Throughout the campaign, the hospital and its foundation office have… Read more »
Dedicated funding for future Boardwalk reconstruction efforts is one of the key aspects of the Wicomico Street Pier franchise extension.In talking individually about the 25-year extension of the pier franchise agreement, which will come before the council next week, both Mayor Rick Meehan and franchise holder Charles “Buddy” Jenkins were proud the deal established a… Read more »
There should be regulations overseeing rentals in unincorporated areas of Worcester County. Heading into this week’s vote, the main concerns were how much to charge for the licenses and how the rules will be monitored and enforced.Prior to this week, the ordinance before the commissioners called for an annual license fee for short-term rentals (Airbnb)… Read more »
The Ocean City Mayor and Council is right to give the stink eye to every request for increased cell towers in residential neighborhoods. Each case should be reviewed individually, but it must be done in a respectful fashion.At this week’s meeting, the council approved one of the four towers being sought by a contractor to… Read more »
For Worcester County schools, the mantra “hope for the best, prepare for the worst” comes to mind in regard to the legislation from the Kirwan Commission.Last week, while acknowledging there are positives with the commission’s recommendations, Senator Mary Beth Carozza said her main concern is the commission ignored the state’s wealth formula, which uses property… Read more »
Ocean City wants to revisit its long-held quest to handle its own 911 calls. Expectations for any changes on this front should be low.For at least 25 years, Ocean City officials have tried to convince Worcester County to allow 911 calls originating on the island to be answered in the resort. It makes sense. Currently,… Read more »