Regional sports complex land purchase in Berlin
Ocean City
Summary
The council was asked to authorize buying ~193 acres from Harrison Farms for $8.7 million to build a regional sports complex. Neighbors cited traffic, farmland loss, airport flight paths and a price far above the ~$3 million appraisal. The first-reading motion failed for lack of a second, killing the purchase at this location.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
$8.7 million purchase price plus a $250,000 deposit that would have been forfeited if the project advanced past second reading.
Youth sports families, tourism businesses and the county economy if a complex is ultimately built in a suitable location.
St. Martin's-area farmers and residents faced traffic, noise, light pollution and loss of agricultural land; the town forgoes the economic development opportunity at this site.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Mayor and City Council (Regular) - Sep 21, 2026
Council Member Gehrig pushed hard to restart momentum on the proposed indoor/outdoor sports complex, saying the town has 60 million people within a 5.5-hour drive and that one in five kids plays travel sports in a $40 billion industry. He called pausing the project 'embarrassing' and urged colleagues to revisit it after election season.
Mayor and City Council (Regular) - Aug 17, 2026
The council was asked to authorize buying ~193 acres from Harrison Farms for $8.7 million to build a regional sports complex. Neighbors cited traffic, farmland loss, airport flight paths and a price far above the ~$3 million appraisal. The first-reading motion failed for lack of a second, killing the purchase at this location.
Mayor and City Council (Work) - Aug 11, 2026
The town is buying 193 acres outside Berlin for $8.7 million to build a long-planned sports complex, which supporters say will bring year-round family tourism and $7-8 million in state revenue. First reading comes August 17.
Ocean City Council approves purchase for regional sports complex
Ocean City Council approves purchase for regional sports complex WBOC TV
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