Tag Archives: West Ocean City
Postponement of West OC harbor zoning change continues
Worcester County officials this week continued to postpone a proposed zoning amendment that would stymie offshore wind developers from operating as a utility in the West Ocean City commercial fishing harbor. “With any big change like this, you know, we want to deliberate. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing. We’re taking all information in and we’re deliberating,” said County Administrator Weston Young following Tuesday’s meeting of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners. One section of the bill would prohibit “facilities that are intended to support offshore energy production” while another would ban “public utility structure” as a permitted use. It’s part of the county’s efforts to stop or slow developer US Wind from moving forward on a planned 114-turbine wind farm located about 11 miles offshore. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 06:49
A new Battle Between Worcester County and U.S. Wind
The offshore wind company is still moving forward with plans for a facility in the West Ocean City Harbor. County leaders have taken issue with this, because U.S. Wind’s desired location could uproot the commercial fishing industry. The packhouse at the end of the harbor allows commercial fisherman to make their living in West Ocean City. That packhouse however, sits on the property where U.S. plans on building a new facility. Dave Wilson with U.S. Wind told us on Wednesday, they didn’t find the property on their own. “We were approached by the two property owners at the harbor, we did not approach them they approached us, and we needed some space there,” said Wilson. Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said the size of that pier, in relation to U.S. Wind’s overall plans, makes him skeptical. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 09:17
Locals Upset Over Dredging Issues at the Inlet in West Ocean City
On Wednesday morning, a 75-foot commercial vessel ran aground on its approach to the commercial dock in West Ocean City. The captain and crew say if the channel was dredged properly, this would not have happened. They also voiced their frustrations with the Army Corp of Engineers, and there is agreement locally that a more permanent solution is needed. “Maryland keeps wanting to put a band-aid on this, how many band-aids are you going to put on it before you fix the problem?” questioned Mike Coppa. Coppa is the owner of the Fishing Vessel Instigator, the boat stuck in the channel. Video, photos, >click to read< 07:55
