“Resort Needs Both Long-, Short-term solutions on board”

Originally published in Ocean City Sentinel
by George Bauer

To the Editor:

Further kudos for our City Council. The meetings appear to be taking on a more positive, transparent and constructive approach to situations.

October: City Council, pulling together, created a subcommittee to address the north end boardwalk situation. I stress, pulled together. They created a committee comprised of representatives of all affected and interested parties. I believe that every committee member is aware of the serious plight of the boardwalk merchants. The approach is two pronged—short-term and long-term, both critical to the future of our merchants and the wholesome spirit of the Ocean City community. With a mix of experience, interest and expertise, this is the most effective and intelligent path to answering the boardwalk situation. The subcommittee is aware that time is a very serious issue, but is not to be used as an excuse for inadequate resolution.

As I have stated in a previous letter, congratulations to our council for putting this team effort together. However, it is very premature to declare this team ineffective and to skip right over it. It is unrealistic that their research be cast aside. How can the request be made to abandon the subcommittee and just charge full speed ahead not knowing all the factors that are involved for the benefit of all parties. Let them do their job.

We must have a short-term, inexpensive, simple plan with a very short prep time.

Let’s learn from the successes of Disneyland, Universal etc. We need the input of children to drive our efforts.

What are the positive draws for children? Ask them!

Perhaps, come to north end of the boardwalk where they can see, interact, get photo ops and be welcomed by friendly costumed characters. Add street performers, musicians, mimes, jugglers, princesses, light and laser shows, food concessions, big screen entertainment, a big checkerboard, extra large soft building blocks, face painting, artists, pet shows, high school bands and competitions, Ocean City police and fire department bike and safety info/demos. Let’s create a north end mascot. A maze with different starting points based on age containing positive messages, a radio controlled model boat tank, coloring contests, a big whack-a-mole game, encourage kids to dress up for fun. Invite the Sentinel to take pictures. We could have a year-round Santa in shorts and a T-shirt for pictures and early requests, decorate your bike, decorate your dog, one night could be for pajamas and we could have an inclement activity and shoulder season agenda.

I would also suggest that the existing boardwalk merchants are offered a free vendor stall/space/presence (operated within their present business profile).

I believe if we could put together an appropriate combination of these attractions, we would have a very successful draw to the north end of the boardwalk, again, inexpensive with a very rapid implementation time to give us time to create a permanent project, that will enhance the benefits to our businesses and the spirit of Ocean City. This was just one hour of thoughts. Please share yours.

Think about the possibilities.

George Bauer
Ocean City