Planning commission backs rezoning of 22.86 acres near Route 589 to R‑3, limits access to Ocean Pines

The Worcester County Planning Commission recommended approval June 5 of a rezoning that would change two parcels totaling 22.86 acres from C‑2 (commercial) to R‑3 (higher‑density residential) and added a condition barring vehicle access to Ocean Pines/Bridal Crown Estates.

The vote followed a presentation by the applicant’s team and technical testimony from a traffic engineer and a land planner. The commission’s recommendation will go to the County Commissioners for final action. One commissioner opposed the recommendation, saying additional traffic information is needed before the county makes a final decision.

The applicant, represented by attorney Hugh Cropper, asked the commission to find a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood since the last comprehensive rezoning and to conclude that R‑3 zoning is more consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan. Cropper told the commission, “we are alleging substantial change in the character of the neighborhood,” citing development including the casino overlay district, construction related to Atlantic General Hospital, new subdivisions and sewer expansions.

Land planner Steve Engle testified the applicant’s neighborhood boundary follows prior rezoning cases and that recent development around Maryland Route 589 supports higher‑density residential in that location. The application covers two revised parcels described in the hearing as Lot 1 (7.62 acres) and Revised Parcel B (15.24 acres), for a rezoning area of 22.86 acres; the original…