Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reduced-setback dwelling at 13506 Sinepuxent Avenue
The Tacconeli sunroom case shows how the board handles modest encroachments when a similar nonconformity already exists on the block — approved 5-0 with no neighbor objections.
Extension of Ocean Sands Hotel redevelopment variances
The owners of the Majestic Hotel on the Boardwalk at 7th Street asked the board to extend prior redevelopment approvals, keeping the project alive.
Escapomania escape room conditional use at 13113 Coastal Highway
The Escapomania escape room at 13113 Coastal Highway cleared its public hearing in October, but its findings of fact still need approval — and that's now delayed, holding up permits. Commissioners also questioned why escape rooms need a conditional use at all, and staff is drafting an amendment to allow them outright in LC-1 and SC-1 districts.
Water System Hydrant Flushing
Ocean City is flushing fire hydrants starting Nov. 1, so your tap water might look a little rusty or lose pressure for a bit. It’s routine twice-a-year maintenance, not an emergency—just run the cold water until it clears.
Northside Park Living Shoreline project
Bid openings for the airport terminal siding ($108,500 low bid vs. $130,000 budget) and the Northside Park living shoreline ($110,850 low bid vs. $351,113 budget) both came in well under budget and went back to staff for review.
Fiscal Year 2026 audit and financial report
The town got a clean audit and its finances look strong — net position up $22.5 million, revenues up 12%, and pensions over 95% funded. Council is now asking whether the town is holding too much in reserves and whether some should pay down debt instead.
Delmarva Power substation expansion and battery storage
The Second Street substation upgrade — including elevating equipment against downtown flooding — is at 30% design with construction targeted for fall 2027. The 100th Street battery storage unit should be fully online by January 2027, but neighbors say its floodlights are shining into condominium bedrooms.
Lazy Lizard Off-Site Parking Reconfiguration
The Lazy Lizard is consolidating its parking: adding land to Lot D on St. Louis Avenue for 51 spaces, keeping other lots, and releasing two lots it no longer needs. Total parking rises to 78 against a 77-space requirement, with flooding-tolerant landscaping still being worked out.
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.
Event branding and city image
The Beautification Committee recognized property owners across every category — homes, hotels, boardwalk shops, restaurants, condos — for keeping Ocean City beautiful. Special recognition went to the Believe in Tomorrow children's cancer house and the 133rd Street beach entrance garden.
Special Event Zone / Public Safety
Ocean City is setting up a Special Event Zone for Endless Summer Cruisin', so expect extra traffic rules and heavier police enforcement near the boardwalk this weekend. If you're driving in, plan for delays and follow the posted rules closely.
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.
Accessibility ramp at Four Seasons Condominium
Aging condo residents have been using crumbling front steps with no ramp option, because the site can't fit an ADA-compliant slope. The exception lets the association build a gentler ramp right where the old steps sit, closer to the street than code normally allows.
Boardwalk Tram Feasibility Study
Ocean City is weighing whether its Boardwalk tram can come back, and a new report says revival may not even be feasible. That means the debate over cost, access, and Boardwalk business traffic is likely headed to City Hall.
Free Bus Passes for Residents
A resident asked the council to fund complimentary bus passes for residents, noting many depend on the bus for work and appointments. Council asked staff to bring back cost estimates from the Transportation Committee, noting prior figures around $300+ and potential MTA/FTA grant restrictions.
Downtown Sign Regulations
Two ordinances advanced on first reading would tighten rules for signs, awnings, and banners projecting over sidewalks, streets, and the boardwalk in downtown districts. Final adoption comes after a second reading later.