[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6566749,"mediaKeyId","3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb","parentId",3203227,"title","Commissioners spar over Ocean Pines wastewater allocation plan; public budget hearing scheduled for evening","audioSeconds",447,"startMs",7309000,"endMs",7756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb&start=7309&end=7756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb/thumbnail_7309000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566749/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-spar-over-Ocean-Pines-wastewater-allocation-plan-public-budget-hearing-scheduled-for-evening","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566749-23acec7660e38d679507f5457fd321e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436040&Signature=JdCkiDND8VmTyw3DQ0Bu2GNwRpvYuD10xEAshUDs1JqDA~7VVY04AyI5AtFraDv68bnF8w0mCcA2DZ-jIK-g8oCfXQ75NQuyXNoUJtZvEkSWhqroJspbTbxeDUFPtf3k5IQ9AyVsU3TDMV5-3FRSvTE6c0yFFoYugsXkaKrGGgdzOtOb8PO7mDIwf0T4c-iS4dZSAWiYV~OPApLvoAIUQyI67m2PGNAlT4~3OA7nksy~OfZhomQxSa~ysqfPyfItoAUsVUaA4RIRdkz2y422heHdKWEDpWThm0DqiHWdAf2FAWgYlqvQEX3MYsvvsvIXel4I0MEDcRWeHlfqnZQhag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Worcester","date","2025-05-06T00:00:00Z","article","A dispute among commissioners and between elected officials and county staff over how to allocate a projected shortfall in the Ocean Pines wastewater enterprise surfaced during the May 6 meeting and prompted sharp public disagreement among board members.

Context: commissioners have been considering options to address anticipated enterprise fund deficits in wastewater service areas. According to comments in the meeting, one proposal circulated for public discussion would spread the repayment of a projected shortfall across all service areas equally, regardless of whether a given service area contributed to that deficit. Some commissioners and community members have criticized that approach as unfair to areas that did not cause the shortfall.

At a March or April discussion referenced by multiple commissioners, staff presented a single option for public feedback; several commissioners and members of the public later described that as the only plan presented at an Ocean Pines forum. Other commissioners said additional options were developed later and criticized characterizations in promotional materials that suggested a particular set of commissioners ‘‘voted to require all service areas...to repay the shortage amount.’’ The exchange included sharp language and demands for clarification.

Commissioner comments: Commissioner Matriseck (name appears in the record with variant spellings) and Commissioner Bunting took responsibility for organizing a town meeting in Ocean Pines; they said staff from county departments attended and had the opportunity to speak. Commissioner Bertino disputed a printed summary shown to Ocean Pines attendees that he said misrepresented board action and demanded an apology for what he called an ‘‘inflammatory statement’’ in promotional material. Other commissioners said they had repeatedly explained the procedural status: a motion had been made to put a particular plan forward for a public hearing but that formal adoption of any rate change would require vote after the public hearing.

Next steps: the board reminded the public of a scheduled budget public hearing that evening (doors 5:30 p.m., meeting 6:00 p.m.) to receive comment on the fiscal 2026 general and enterprise fund budgets. County staff and commissioners indicated the public hearing is the appropriate venue for hearing public testimony and for considering any adjustments to enterprise fund rates.

Ending: Commissioners urged members of the public to attend the evening session. No final vote on rate structure was taken at the May 6 meeting; commissioners said the record will be clarified and that staff will provide the alternatives discussed during budget workshops at the upcoming public hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Worcester - County Commissioners Meetings - May 06, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Tensions rose at the May 6 Worcester County Commissioners meeting over a proposed plan to spread a wastewater shortfall across all service areas; board members disagreed about what options were presented publicly and whether a particular approach had been endorsed.","taxTitle","Worcester County, Maryland","taxId",53952,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566752,"County agrees to donate small parcel in Snow Hill to support Bank Street Promenade, contingent on funding",922,6020000,6942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb&start=6020&end=6942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb/thumbnail_6020000.jpg","/articles/6566752/Worcester-County/Maryland/County-agrees-to-donate-small-parcel-in-Snow-Hill-to-support-Bank-Street-Promenade-contingent-on-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566752-2e5d6d53a0ba7718d596b8eeb9b2fefd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436040&Signature=Rvwv8Jz2b8XZq3TP4Qkcp20PE57GQ0tD6GEIgT4BMW3yh7oGEoQjiE2uvow5Mt7HgerMAIO~2bxbDXFZFXT7CP8g-QdaiQniya5lSkPSWnFfPhm0k5beOj4euVUdHarRnDU9VAZpBEppVFgoZyrfiN29UdoxADd-vBWSHJGRpShVY9aePA~m9WRe3Gnrx7sxjqDCdBTSD35D7VB-hVOQ9toilUhsK-tvNAQPTqTzocT-O3oZsDBvwLjbFbS9Bc1DaMri~AMmxbGFiqwuckg4Fw~lPkvs1l9d5pLeCkFL-rPWjeZZWwMixk3a6Ap1CNTyG37AJgbb326dvPenekz4qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Commissioners voted May 6 to approve a conveyance of a small county-owned parcel along Bank Street in Snow Hill to the town for use in the Bank Street Promenade project, provided the town confirms the funding to complete planned improvements.

Why it matters: Downtown Snow Hill Inc., the town planning team and local stakeholders have designed a promenade to better connect the downtown shopping district to the Pocomoke Riverfront. The project aims to improve pedestrian safety, add accessible parking and loading, and create an activated public plaza for events. Project leaders said design and community outreach began in 2020 and multiple state and local funding sources were secured; project organizers asked the county to donate about 9,000 square feet of county-owned land to make the design work.

Larissa McAllister, Snow Hill’s director of economic development, told commissioners the donated parcel would allow reconfiguration of the library parking lot and add parking at an annex building to increase dedicated parking and handicap access. Robert Hendricks, president of Downtown Snow Hill Inc., said the grant funding is in place and warned that delays could jeopardize time-sensitive grants.

Commissioners approved a conveyance (quitclaim) with a condition stated on the record: county counsel and staff will not transfer title until the town demonstrates the funding necessary for the planned improvements is available. The board’s approval was unanimous in the meeting record.

Ending: Town staff and proponents said they will coordinate with county staff on final design and will return with documentation of funding before the county transfers property title.","Snow Hill leaders asked the county to transfer roughly 9,000 square feet of county-owned property on Bank Street for a pedestrian promenade and downtown improvements; commissioners approved the donation with the condition that title not transfer until project funding is secured.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566755,"Commissioners approve Crepe Myrtle Court residential planned community for West Ocean City",1229,5061000,6290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb&start=5061&end=6290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb/thumbnail_5061000.jpg","/articles/6566755/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-Crepe-Myrtle-Court-residential-planned-community-for-West-Ocean-City","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566755-1b431a671898958a06f7524edb241d23/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436040&Signature=JXQ~tgpR9u6oSeutq5htpwbXHh9PbFwNVPSdHM3uDdokLJGlCes0SXb92dO~kBqyRASBvQxpdQGKV1pxQTMjvPmlzeleIrdypSPo8hKda0U996jqcsbxnZOnUvC2mALnBNY2nBLqEVjfMeNNkPchMPkE59V7D1CBnu-RK1kS83zoL4jPXtXWl~TmAEYdmSqaO8RpBHf7ybotSse~3sdnWRTXFd-XxfeOG-WGQSfwvZ2vSGpsq0w5Kw8i-ROBSuhQPO-fe28HEDl3ffH3h~3oVmcD5ugkqP8mgvkvOdRAu9qeVB8fLjJvat5hN5JoHr7pSBJ3eBlbHOj5P8bHKycixg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Commissioners on May 6 approved the establishment of a residential planned community (RPC) floating zone for Crepe Myrtle Court, a proposed West Ocean City development that will include 24 duplexes and one single-family dwelling on approximately 4.82 acres on Old Bridge Road.

Why it matters: county planning staff and the Planning Commission reviewed the project for comp-plan compatibility, utilities capacity and design standards. Planning staff found the property is in the Existing Developed Area designation, and the proposed density (about 5.18 units per acre) is below the R-4 guideline of eight units per acre.

Planning staff and the commission noted wetlands and wooded areas were kept where possible and concluded the project ‘‘will not have an adverse effect on local traffic and transportation patterns.’’ The planning commission recommended approval with six conditions: continuous sidewalks throughout the development (including along Old Bridge Road), review by the fire marshal regarding rear access for firefighting equipment, a landscaping plan for the entire site (not just frontage), no requirement for a third parking space because units will be restricted to long-term occupancy (no short-term rentals), and a minimum of two parking spaces plus an additional drop-off space for the pool amenity.

Applicant Kathleen Clark and her representative (present at the hearing) answered questions on design and utilities. Counsel for the applicant said the site has adequate sewer EDU allocations and that the project will purchase required water EDUs from Mystic Harbor; staff said the project is in the Mystic Harbor water service area. Commissioners took public testimony from an adjacent property owner who asked about drainage; staff said concept-level stormwater plans were reviewed at TRC and more detailed engineering will accompany subsequent approvals.

Ending: The board voted to approve the RPC step 1 plan; planning and engineering conditions must be met during subsequent review steps before construction permits are issued.","A proposed RPC for Crepe Myrtle Court — 24 duplexes and one single-family unit on 4.82 acres off Old Bridge Road — received favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission and was approved with conditions including sidewalks and a landscaping plan.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566757,"Commissioners ban on-street parking on Snug Harbor Road; Bayside one-sided parking deferred",2719,2273000,4992000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb&start=2273&end=4992","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb/thumbnail_2273000.jpg","/articles/6566757/Worcester-County/Maryland/Commissioners-ban-on-street-parking-on-Snug-Harbor-Road-Bayside-one-sided-parking-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566757-c893b84723f28319058bf246bfe26a98/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436040&Signature=WqjAmPpCiwzU~idH3vygyz1G565XskO2hXX9cA3w-ALke7ed51bpHm8mka6NU~-COEk0emmAjWYM8ktotSZk9H67kJO1ql582Q-fDsUhQAOe~1z-LKuf4ywo6HMIDnfs6kUCDerv5~-OKF9DMnt5XIW9bxdhH1pnk4xj9tYeZl7hXHINz7orYBcVovkA05hEmufETCTO6zvN3RaqaXHDmcLMCQsfxUizQPYuOxAfkH29w4V87EULBV4DpRBcOHKi23dAHLxunvP54HhiLpzlBZdsoa5IYFXCzF86Z36mEGmRMdMAZlze0OH6lDqyx0djbxDigg5T-NC6zuOb~vA70w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Worcester County Commissioners voted May 6 to ban on-street parking on Snug Harbor Road and to defer final approval of one-sided parking in the Landings at Bayside after a public hearing that produced competing public-safety and convenience arguments.

Why it matters: residents said parked vehicles can block emergency access on the narrow Snug Harbor corridor, where several speakers and the county fire marshal described the road as narrower than standards for emergency apparatus. Opponents warned that eliminating street parking would reduce homeowner flexibility and could create inconvenience during family gatherings and construction activities.

At the hearing, dozens of residents from both neighborhoods testified. Sarah Gorfinkel, speaking as a resident of the Landings at Bayside, submitted a petition of roughly 50 signatures and said limiting parking to one side ‘‘would make a tremendous difference in how emergency vehicles could access our homes.’’ Bill Romeo, who said he is a Snug Harbor Civic Association member, described Snug Harbor Road as sometimes less than 19 feet wide and cited a prior local traffic fatality to underline the safety concerns.

The county fire marshal told commissioners the minimum standard for a fire lane is 20 feet and that vehicles parked on both sides ‘‘will bottleneck’’ emergency apparatus, especially where trucks must extend outriggers. The fire marshal agreed with public commenters that Snug Harbor Road’s geometry creates safety risk if vehicles remain on both sides.

Following public comment, a motion approved by the board directs public works to install no-parking signage on Snug Harbor Road and to hold off installing one-sided parking in Bayside until emergency services and county staff provide further operational input. The recorded vote was unanimous.

Ending: Public works staff told the board they had halted sign installation after initial votes in November and brought the issue back for the public hearing. Commissioners said the two neighborhoods present different conditions; Snug Harbor’s narrow, older layout prompted immediate no-parking action, while the newer Bayside development will require additional technical review and consultation with emergency services before a one-sided parking plan can be finalized.","After a public hearing with residents from the Landings at Bayside and Snug Harbor, Worcester County commissioners approved no on-street parking on Snug Harbor Road and deferred a final action on restricting parking to one side in Bayside pending further input from emergency services.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566758,"Worcester County updates broadband rollout; ISPs report most project areas near completion",708,1228000,1936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb&start=1228&end=1936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3203227-8935f85aba4875b976ce6e4d995214cb/thumbnail_1228000.jpg","/articles/6566758/Worcester-County/Maryland/Worcester-County-updates-broadband-rollout-ISPs-report-most-project-areas-near-completion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566758-3dda9677f9057cb11e9b5af3028ea5fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770436040&Signature=FfYwDjdtnD~Df7nQUYW-0-x1ECPNYAXQS2wNp6PHjieVaKi-4UFhWMnG9YGkNHtzWKLzEjrD3B8Ly8I0QbtyCZWMf~NIGP6Y0IhB6fjV65zYXiD~1DuajqL~U4nLtRQpuZgJYn~ZYuXtLIy15nSkRO1H7Rz91kZIWkktJiIYdtwW1eKQjLHbrr1Xz3c8bYqloEcqHkh8y9tVE9CwUOjPgngWGFYiATrkGjfF2NjTE~7bxY0vwEBhLbXnslF6EDI2GoCpQ5ZCDXPyV~M5tuurLy5ONM0XFz0CumdncPuBfjmE1U11CDumNp~yhrGkYHfIJH1s923kyJ9UI4awDtaklQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian Jones, the county's director of information technology, briefed the Worcester County Commissioners on May 6 on progress toward ‘‘broadband to every home’’ and summarized reports from Internet service providers working in the county.

Jones said some grant-funded builds are finished and customers are being connected. ‘‘Choptank...have completed the OSP grant from FY23 for the Germantown area outside Berlin,’’ Jones said, and a transfer of equipment from a prior provider has left several areas ‘‘lit and active.’’ He told commissioners that most remaining Choptank construction is the FY24 portion (Taylor Landing, Girdle Tree, Box Iron) and that many of those areas already are serving customers despite maps lagging weeks behind field status.

Why it matters: the county has spent federal ARPA funds and roughly $1 million in local match to leverage state and federal grants. County officials said most funding has come from state and federal grants and partnering ISPs; the take rate among customers signing service commitments is roughly 60–70 percent where the providers are offering service.

Jones and ISP representatives described two recurring obstacles: federal RDOF award areas (which carry build obligations for winners of an FCC auction) limit other providers’ ability to obtain grants for the same locations, and state right-of-way easement fees on major corridors. ‘‘We have about 3,639 customers on Route 113 that could be reached today; the problem is easement and state right-of-way fees,’’ Jones said, explaining those fees can deter ISPs from building along state-owned highways. He added county staff have raised the issue with state broadband planners and are seeking ways to reduce permitting or fee barriers.

Talkie/Talke (ISP) representative Daniel (last name not provided in the record) and other companies reported steady construction momentum in areas such as Stockton Road, Buck Harbor Road and Cedar Hall. Jones said construction sometimes shows as ‘‘under construction’’ on county maps even after fiber conduits and pull strings are in place; the distinction between ‘‘conduit in ground’’ and ‘‘lit’’ service was repeated by several speakers.

Commissioners asked about timing and supply chain constraints. Jones said ISPs reported sufficient fiber and materials on hand to finish their local projects. On the question of customer adoption, commissioners were told take rates have exceeded early expectations (initial estimates around 30–40 percent). Jones and county staff said they will provide updated maps and a clearer timeline once ISPs supply more current field data.

Ending: County staff said additional state and federal grant opportunities remain and that towns and residents can help by nominating ‘‘difficult-to-serve’’ properties for targeted grants. Jones said staff will return with updated maps and more precise completion estimates at future meetings.","County IT director said major ISP projects have progressed and several grant-funded buildouts are complete; remaining gaps include Route 113 corridor and easement issues on Route 113/State rights-of-way.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners spar over Ocean Pines wastewater allocation plan; public budget hearing scheduled for evening

County agrees to donate small parcel in Snow Hill to support Bank Street Promenade, contingent on funding

Commissioners approve Crepe Myrtle Court residential planned community for West Ocean City

Commissioners ban on-street parking on Snug Harbor Road; Bayside one-sided parking deferred

Worcester County updates broadband rollout; ISPs report most project areas near completion