Ocean City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ocean City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cancellation of November 2 regular session
The November 2 council meeting is canceled due to a light agenda. Council Member Proctor objected, saying canceled meetings cut into the public's chance to speak.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Amendment
Ocean City must allow ADUs on single-family lots under Maryland's HB 1466, and the commission has now recommended the rules to the City Council with a ban on short-term rentals in ADUs. This could open the door to more long-term housing for workers and family members in a town where housing is scarce.
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.
Rental inspection program efficiency
The town has inspected over 1,000 rentals since August with a 90% pass rate. The council clarified that minor fixes like a smoke-detector battery shouldn't count toward the three-strike license revocation process — only citations or police calls do.
State-mandated ADU ordinance timeline
A new state law requires Ocean City to allow accessory dwelling units — small second homes like in-law or garage apartments on existing lots. The commission got its first look at the law and example rules from Havre de Grace and Rockville; how Ocean City shapes its own ADU rules will affect neighborhood density, parking, and housing options.
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.
Rising employee health insurance costs
The town's self-insured health plan is seeing a 16.5% premium jump for 2027 — way above the ~10% national trend — driven by high-cost claimants whose costs doubled to $7.7 million. Council members questioned whether self-insurance still makes sense and asked for analysis if the trend continues.
Mayoral Election Candidate Profiles
Ocean City’s mayoral race is getting attention through a WMDT candidate profile piece, giving voters a quick look at the people asking for their vote. If you live in Ocean City, this is the kind of pre-vote homework that helps you compare candidates before casting a ballot.
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.
Nor'easter Storm Response Recognition
Council and staff praised Public Works, police, fire and DNR partners for rapid beach cleanup before the Country Calling festival.
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.
Philadelphia Avenue Flooding Closure Policy
A South Philadelphia Avenue resident said the road isn't closed consistently when storm surge floods it, leaving pedestrians and drivers at risk. The city manager said closure timing is already on his storm lessons-learned list and will be addressed with emergency responders.
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.
2026 Municipal Election Field Confirmed
All six candidates are officially on the November 3 ballot: Meehan and James for mayor, plus four candidates for three council seats. Voting by mail is available via applications online.