Recommendations for boardwalk need four key elements

Originally published in Ocean City Sentinel
by Howie Atkinson

To the Editor:

It has been some time since the public received an update from the Boardwalk Subcommittee that was formed last year to help chart a path forward for the Ocean City Boardwalk. Councilman and Subcommittee Chairman Dave Winslow promised a robust process and significant public engagement for what is one of the most important planning efforts of our city, its character, and its economic future.

The committee started off well with a public meeting in February, when members presented meaningful data regarding hotel occupancy, parking trends and beach tag sales. The takeaway from that session appeared to be that Ocean City, while still offering a unique vacation experience, may be softening in its attractiveness to visitors. The data showed that hotel capacity was not a central issue and that strengthening the draw of entertainment may be a key component to reversing negative trends.

But that data clearly required further analysis. The committee still needed to examine factors such as length of stay, hotel booking windows and other tourism indicators to better understand what is happening in the marketplace. It also likely requires a robust market study to determine what prospective vacations value most — and what they may no longer view as compelling.

While the election season no doubt diverted time and attention away from the planning effort, it is now time for the committee to get back to work and deliver the product it promised, which would include additional public sessions for input.

Any long-term recommendation should contain at least four key elements.

First, the committee should articulate what the boardwalk needs in order to strengthen and sustain its vibrancy. Assessment should be based on real market studies, tourism analysis and reliable data. Without that foundation, the committee is effectively flying blind at a time when these decisions deserve a high level of rigor and demand public confidence.

Second, once that understanding is developed, the committee needs to evaluate zoning policy adjustments required to attract the types of venues the boardwalk will most benefit from, while also encouraging the investment capital necessary to make those venues possible. That could include mixed-use designations, entertainment incentives, boardwalk improvement funds and other tools designed to drive the next evolution of our iconic boardwalk.

Third, the committee can then look specifically at the Wonder and site and determine how those broader zoning concepts should be applied there. The property is larger, more strategically located and more economically significant than most boardwalk parcels. It may also require special consideration because of the historic neighborhood it directly abuts.

Finally, the committee must “integrate solutions into a single comprehensive Boardwalk Enhancement plan for public review and submission to City Council,” as promised in its Boardwalk Committee Report on Findings presented in February 2026. This ultimate recommendation — which can then be handed over to the Planning Board for refinement and formal review — should represent broad consensus within the group. It should not emerge from a narrow majority vote. The entire purpose of the subcommittee is to reduce friction, build trust and bring people together around a shared vision for the future.

Councilman Winslow has a significant task in front of him. But he promised to deliver a thoughtful, data-driven product for the public. The community is expecting him — and the committee — to do exactly that.

Howie Atkinson
Ocean City 2050