Town sets lower speed limits, increased fines

OC Motor Event Task Force reviewed plans for Spring Cruisin’ Special Event Zone

By Hunter Hine Staff Writer

(May 19, 2023) Ocean City’s Motor Event Task Force met last Friday to discuss preparations for the Special Event Zone that went into effect citywide on Tuesday and runs until Sunday to control traffic during Cruisin’ Ocean City.

“We do want to make sure it’s not a secret. We want everybody to be very much aware (of the Special Event Zone),” said Mayor Rick Meehan.

All speed limits in Ocean City, from the Delaware line moving south are reduced to a maximum of 30 mph. Streets that have lower speed limits will remain the same.

New signs are in place to notify drivers of the speed changes, said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro.

Fines were increased for traffic violations, which are intended to target more severe vehicle crimes, and now range from $500-$700 per violation. The threshold for arrestable offenses is also lower, meaning that people who engage in reckless driving, negligent driving, racing, tire spinning, and all sorts of exhibition driving risk being handcuffed and led to the lockup.

“Driving erratically that poses a true hindrance and hazard to our public, that is pretty close if not right on the money to exhibition driving,” Buzzuro said. “That is arrestable. In many cases that vehicle is towed from that location.”

Law enforcement agencies are working with towing companies on a case-by-case basis, Buzzuro said

In the last two years police have seen fewer vehicles towed, but it’s expected that cars will be towed this year, Buzzuro said. He noted that towing charges have significantly increased over the last few years.

“A good majority of our folks that come into town, come into town and just have a great time, so there is a small number now that we, for lack of better words, need to keep an eye on,” Buzzuro said. “Special attention so to speak.”

Overall law enforcement presence will be much higher than normal, with Ocean City Police drawing support from allied agencies like the Maryland State Police and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

“The bottom line is, as we’ve always said, to keep our folks safe,” Buzzuro said.

Public works has placed large mes- sage boards on roads in and around the city to warn drivers of the special event traffic regulations.

Route 50 and Route 90 also have message boards near entrances to the city, which were setup by the State Highway Administration.

Ocean City has updated the special event zone website with frequently asked questions, and will have a contact for specific questions, said Ashley Miller, deputy communications manager for the OCPD

On Wednesday and Thursday, Officers will be available at the conven- tion center to answer questions.

From Tuesday to Sunday, Ocean City speed limits will be no higher than 30 mph. A heightened police presence will enforce greater traffic fines and arrest perpetrators on more serious traffic crimes.

Businesses have also enrolled in the TEAPs program, which stands for Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program. With TEAP’s, businesses can permit officers the freedom to visit a property after its closure, allowing them to keep lots clear and address suspicious activity, Buzzuro said. As of last Friday, 327 businesses and counting signed up for TEAPs. For more information about the Ocean City Special Event Zone, visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/police/special-event-zone/.

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Ribbon cut for playground upgrades at Northside Park

By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer

(May 19, 2023) With the snip of a ribbon and a short spin on one of the new pieces of equipment, Mayor Rick Meehan and members of Ocean City’s Recreation and Parks Department officially celebrated the completion of long-awaited upgrades to the North- side Park playground this week.

“I was probably here 21 years ago when we dedicated the first phase,” Meehan said to the small group Tuesday morning.

The new, updated equipment replaced a modular play structure that served as the centerpiece of the 5- to