OCEAN CITY – Industry leaders are following a bill that will impact tipped workers in the local hospitality sector.In January, Maryland legislators introduced a bill that will, among other things, increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to $15 and eliminate the state’s tip credit model. While proponents believe the legislation will improve working conditions… Read more »
Category: Daily Buzz
OC Council, Planning Commission Agree Excessive Lighting Issue Needs Staff Study
OCEAN CITY — How much light is too much was a topic of discussion during a joint meeting of the Mayor and Council and the Planning Commission last week.During site plan reviews for new hotel, condominium projects and other new businesses, the planning commission reviews lighting plans to determine the potential impact on neighboring properties…. Read more »
Business Owners, Officials Debate Parking Ratios
FENWICK ISLAND – Setbacks, delivery zones and on-street parking are among the issues business owners say they want addressed as a Fenwick Island committee continues to work through legislation aimed at parking in the commercial district.On Wednesday, members of the Fenwick Island Ad Hoc Parking Committee met to discuss a proposed ordinance amendment pertaining to… Read more »
Fenwick Eyes Traffic Calming Moves; Temporary Speed Bumps Requested
FENWICK ISLAND – While the town took its first steps last week to address traffic concerns along Fenwick’s side streets, officials say they are seeking community involvement as they consider other calming measures.Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to approve an expenditure request of $659 for the purchase of temporary speed bumps…. Read more »
Faulty Traffic Signal In OC Likely Led To Pedestrian Collision
OCEAN CITY — A malfunctioning traffic signal at 17th Street could have contributed to a pedestrian-vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon.Around 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported vehicle-pedestrian collision at 17th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. The pedestrian was transported by Ocean City EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional with… Read more »
Newark Residents Share Concerns Over Legislative Change
NEWARK – A text amendment that would let farmers butcher and sell beef is expected to be considered by county officials next month.The Worcester County Planning Commission on Feb. 3 is set to consider a text amendment that would allow livestock farms to slaughter, package and sell beef. The amendment has been proposed by Newark… Read more »
OCPD Fine On Full-Time Officer Front, But Lagging In Seasonal Recruits
OCEAN CITY — While the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is at full-strength in terms of full-time officers, recruiting and hiring seasonal officers and public safety aides continues to be a challenge.During a review of a Police Commission meeting earlier this month, OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro last Monday brought the Mayor and Council up to… Read more »
OC Council Votes 4-2 To Alter Room Tax Distribution Formula
OCEAN CITY — Resort officials this week approved on first reading an ordinance gradually scaling up the percentage of collected room tax dedicated to marketing, but not before a larger debate about tax revenue promoting the town as a tourism destination.The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday an ordinance altering the formula for… Read more »
OC Council Approves Proposed Tourism, Marketing Department Overhaul
OCEAN CITY — Ocean City’s move toward restructuring its tourism and marketing strategy to continue to develop the resort as a year-round destination continued this week with approval of a significant merger and realignment of multiple departments.In April, the town tapped Tom Perlozzo for the newly-created position of Tourism and Business Development Director. The idea… Read more »
Former Day Care Employee Indicted On 90-Plus Charges
SNOW HILL – A former childcare worker is expected to appear in court later this month following his indictment last week on more than 90 charges related to child sex abuse and child pornography.Bruce Travers, 37, has an initial appearance in Worcester County Circuit Court set for Nov. 24. Travers was indicted by a grand… Read more »