July 12, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 23 . . New Special Event Pitched For This Summer The Geckos FROM PAGE 22 vent is a great idea, he didn’t find it feasible this year especially with the sequestration and the government’s lack of funding provided. Commission Chair Joe Mitrecic felt the bayside boardwalk between 3rd and 4th streets may be the right location with the current set-up and depth of water but was concerned over the displacement of fishermen who heavily occupy that space during that time of the year. “This is prime fishing area on the bay. People are out there sun up to sun down during the summer and they have been coming year after year,” he said. Councilman Dennis Dare pointed out only a portion of the pier boardwalk would be closed down during the duration of the event. “It capitalizes our assets, and I think it would be a huge attraction for the downtown,” Dare said. However, he seemed to favor the ship to be located at Sunset Park as it has restrooms, a stage and is positioned across from the Transit Station with a large parking lot. “It would bring people into the downtown where the businesses are,” Dare said, compared to 3rd and 4th streets area where it is mostly residential. City Manager David Recor agreed the Nao Victoria would be an added attraction to the downtown for visitors to make a night out of by visiting the ship followed by a walk over to the Boardwalk to have dinner and take part in other attractions. “It may bring people to Ocean City that may not have otherwise come,” he said. Other concerns came from the Fire Marshal’s Office, which said that the park across the street from the boardwalk proposed to be utilized by vendors is currently used as a Medevac area. If the open field cannot be used, the organizers suggested using 12 paid parking spaces outside of the park across from the boardwalk along Chicago Ave. to set up vendors, which would ultimately be a loss of revenue for the Town of Ocean City. It was also questioned whether the ship would fit through the draw span of the Route 50 Bridge to reach the bayside boardwalk. Verification has not yet been provided. “This is a great opportunity, but I am not sure the duration is right,” Mitrecic said. Miller agreed and felt the event was being rushed to fit into this summer. The commission was in consensus to pass the event onto the full Mayor and Council to receive their input in making the event happen this year. “If we take it with the glass halfempty approach, then it won’t happen. If we do a little bit more homework on it and put our can-do hat on … we can make it happen,” Recor said. Tropical Flair! WEDNESDAYS ON THE DECK AT UPTOWN MUSIC WITH A Casual Waterfront Dining CLASSIC New England Fare Famous Lobster Roll Homemade Chowdahs & Bisques Great Burgers & ‘Wiches Crab Cakes Great Steaks Homemade Desserts Children’s Menu Any Given DAY 5 p.m. til Sunset Kevin Poole Steve Ports Opposite Directions Batman Chester River Runoff Ginger John LaMere Nate Clendenen 16 oz. National Bohemian Cans Magical Sunsets Happy Hour In The... $3.50 ✼✘✔✌✡✗ ✤✆❜ DAILY 3-6 P.M. CALL AHEAD FOR CARRY-OUT 54 60th Street In The Bay OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. 410-524-5500 www.fagers.com FENWICK ISLAND 302-436-2305 www.Twiningsshanty.com COME SEE THE SHANTY’S TURTLES!