Funding Eyed For New Ocean City Boat Ramp

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City is requesting state capital funding for a new boat ramp.

The total project cost is estimated at $4.15 million including land acquisition. The town is asking for $1 million in assistance. State funds will be used to pay for dredging a navigable channel to the new ramp location and to assist with site improvements including construction of the parking lot and restroom facilities.

The new boat ramp will be located on property purchased by Ocean City between 64th and 65th streets. When the project was initially discussed with the Department of Natural Resources Boating Administration, the Waterway Improvement Funds were marked as a source to help with the costs. According to City Engineer Terry McGean, due to the change in economy, the Waterway Improvement Fund has changes and is no insufficient to fund the new boat ramp.

Parking Removed For Dew Tour Express Shuttle

The Transportation Department has requested the displacement of six parking spaces on the southside of Somerset Street from Philadelphia Avenue east to Baltimore Avenue for the Dew Tour Express Route bus stop.

Ocean City will be providing an express shuttle from the south Convention Center Parking Lot to and from Somerset Street until Saturday, July 23 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday, July 24 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Councilwoman Margaret Pillas pointed out that parking removal has been done before in this area during times of special events, not just for the Dew Tour. The council voted unanimously to approve the department’s request.

Councilman Seeking Weekly Demoflush Figures

Every week the demoflush numbers are published for weekend statistics. Demoflush figures are estimates only. They are based on the wastewater flow from Ocean City provided by the Ocean City Wastewater Division and calculated by the Ocean City Tourism Department.

Councilman Brent Ashley asked why the numbers couldn’t be published during the week. He felt if a weekly demoflush takes place the town could get a better grip on how local business is doing during the week and not just on the weekends.

City Manager Dennis Dare said it was possible. Staff would just have to calculate weekly wastewater flow into the equation. It was agreed among the council and staff to gather samples of weekly demoflush figures.

Boardwalk Street Performer Continues To Create Concern

Spray paint artist Mark Chase has recently stationed himself on Caroline Street where benches on the Boardwalk were moved to accommodate performers after a new ordinance was passed eliminating North Division Street from performances of any kind.

Mayor Rick Meehan said he has received complaints from merchants in the area that the odor from the spray paint was spreading into their stores. Other complaints are from Boardwalk patrons who enjoyed the seating in the area that has now been removed.

The mayor said he understands the town is doing everything in its power to accommodate the street performers but it becomes a concern when a performance becomes an expense in the rights of others.

Councilman Doug Cymek asked for the discussion regarding street performers to be continued in an upcoming Mayor and Council meeting to work on the continuing issues concerning them.