Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
State Highway Administration projects and Route 90 dualization timeline
SHA outlined winter work on the Route 50 bridge, mastic repairs to the Maryland 90 bridge deck, and Coastal Highway repaving from the Delaware line to 60th Street. The Route 90 dualization remains 15 to 20 years out, and council wants bridge joint repairs expedited since the deck will be in place for a while.
Baltimore Avenue Redevelopment and Utility Burial Delay
The scaled-back Baltimore Avenue project will underground utilities from North Division Street to 9th Street, with bidding next year and construction hoped for October 2027. Sidewalks stay at five feet — no widening — but new light poles and no overhead wires are coming.
Kyma Resort sidewalk closure at 700 S. Philadelphia Avenue
The state rejected the city's requests for an interim crosswalk and evening sidewalk openings; the sidewalk will stay closed 24/7 with Jersey barriers and detours during construction.
Coastal Highway left-turn and U-turn safety
A resident who narrowly missed a horrific crash at 45th Street asked the council to consider alternating left-turn restrictions at intersections along Coastal Highway. Council acknowledged the danger but no action was taken.
Taxiway A Relocation/Hold Pad Bid Opening
Bids were opened for relocating Taxiway A and adding a hold pad at the Ocean City airport. This is a safety improvement for aircraft operations.
Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for Coastal Highway
BPAC wants MDOT to extend median fencing south of Convention Center Drive, fix dangerous right turns at Route 90, close bike-lane gaps near 60th-63rd Streets, improve the 17th Street bike route, keep 35 mph from 62nd to 67th Street, and curb illegal U-turns at 23rd Street. The council endorsed the recommendations unanimously.
5th Street Post Office Demolition and Public Parking
Ocean City is still 299 public parking spaces short of what a 20-year-old study called for, and the council's bid to buy 205-211 Philadelphia Avenue for a 76-space lot has stalled with the owner unresponsive. The council is sending a direct letter with a deadline, and eminent domain was reviewed as a fallback.
Elimination of twelve bus stops
A public hearing was scheduled on cutting twelve bus stops, but with no quorum it never happened. Riders who use those stops will have to wait for the hearing to be rescheduled.