Sports Complex

Opposed the complex near St. Martin's, citing farmland loss, traffic, water/sewer needs, and the $8.7 million price versus a ~$2.7 million appraisal.

Crop duster and banner-plane operator said 2,000-2,500 flights a year pass directly over the site below 300 feet, creating safety risks for children.

Multi-generational farmer opposed the site, citing traffic safety for farm equipment, farmland loss, and presented 1,140 signatures against.

Asked the council to kill the project, citing impacts on wildlife and the rural character of Carey Road.

Supported the sports complex concept but opposed the location and the pace of the decision.

Not opposed to a complex but suggested building on already-commercial land near the Walmart or closed golf courses instead.

Task force member and soccer leader urged approval, saying traffic concerns are overstated and the project is a regional opportunity.

Business owner 35 feet from the site said rural Worcester doesn't want Ocean City's 'circus' in its backyard.

Compared the town's offshore wind opposition to the sports complex, arguing consistency requires opposing this location too.

Her home is two doors from the site; she said residents learned of the contract through Facebook and asked for a different location.

Youth sports parent said families spend thousands traveling to tournaments and urged the council not to table the project.

A trained land-use planner said the site is in the agricultural category of the county comprehensive plan and urged finding an existing developed area.

Cited the Crossroads consultant studies showing most public sports complexes run deficits and questioned the pro forma's numbers.

Youth sports supporter said this is simply the wrong location and questioned spending $8.7 million versus a ~$3 million appraisal.

Said this should be a county-led project, not something Ocean City imposes on county residents.

Asked how the failed vote kills the project and sought written confirmation the location won't come back.

Speaking for the OCMD Hospitality Association and Maryland Tourism Coalition, she urged support for the sports complex, citing sports tourism's year-round economic benefits and the association's support of the room tax increase in exchange for the complex.

Warned the council about national holding companies taking over youth sports, citing a congressional hearing and a Fairfax County sports organization's negative experience, and urged caution on the sports complex business model.