Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
AARP Age-Friendly Community designation
The council agreed to start applying for the AARP/WHO Age-Friendly designation — a five-year process championed by Dr. Mary Kellerman that could help the town win grants and improve life for its growing senior population, though members questioned the workload and vague deliverables.
Racquet Center renovation
The city manager previewed a September 29 bid opening for the Ocean City Recreation Center renovation — a project worth watching for locals who use the facility.
Northside Park Softball Field Lighting Purchase
The city is buying new softball field lighting for Northside Park, up to $300,000, through a cooperative purchasing network to get better pricing.
Art League of Ocean City expansion
The Art League turns away as many summer camp kids as it enrolls — about 300 each — because its 94th Street building is at capacity. The city will chip in up to $309,000, half the estimated $617,550 cost, to add 1,400 square feet of classroom and exhibit space, with a goal of opening by summer 2027.
Eagles Landing golf course project under budget
The full Eagles Landing scope — tidal flood remediation, plant mitigation, and bridge work — totals about $1.63 million, roughly $125,000 under the approved bond allocation. No golf course reserve money will be needed.
Electric scooters on the boardwalk
A senior resident asked why e-bikes are allowed on the boardwalk but her $250, 9-mph scooter is not, since the tram is gone. Council explained e-bikes are allowed as an ADA accommodation.
Surfers seek more water time on good-wave days
Two surfers asked for a work session with the council and Beach Patrol to revisit surfing beach rules set decades ago, hoping to gain an extra hour in the water on big days while keeping swimmer safety first.
Dogs on the Boardwalk
A full-time resident asked the council to allow dogs on the Boardwalk from 6 to 10 a.m. Council members were sympathetic but cited cleaning operations and cleanup problems.
Racquet Center Redevelopment
The council took the first formal step to fund engineering and architectural design for the Racquet Center redevelopment — up to $145,000 repaid with proceeds of debt to be issued later.