Page 14 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch November 22, 2013 Berlin May Grow To The East By TRAVIS BROWN STAFF WRITER SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners signaled neither support nor opposition to a proposed annexation of property on Seahawk Road into the town of Berlin. That was all that the company behind the annexation was looking for, however, according to attorney Mark Cropper. “We want to know that we’re not wasting our time,” said Cropper, who represents 9828 Seahawk Road, LLC. The company is looking to develop property east of Seahawk Road and south of Route 50. All told, it would be about 120 acres and the plan is to develop it as a mixed residential and retail use. The town of Berlin has already gotten behind the annexation and written a letter of support to the County Commission. The commission, however, held off on diving into the situation until more information can be gathered and the impact to the community, including nearby Stephen Decatur High and Middle Schools can be gauged. There is also some concern over traffic and how a service road might be able to alleviate some of that. “I wouldn’t be ready to go without all of the other documentation,” said Commissioner Judy Boggs. “And I’m concerned, too, about our service road because, as you point out, we’ve put a lot of time and energy and money into that as a vision for the county.” Ed Tudor, director of Development Review and Permitting, noted that the annexation request as it stands has not followed “typical protocol,” and has not included things like backup material and surveys of the property. That kind of information is critical in whether the commission will give the proposal its blessing, said Commissioner Virgil Shockley. The commissioners do not want to approach the project blind. “There are a lot of things that have to be proven,” he said. Cropper acknowledged all of this and reiterated that his client is at this point simply making sure that the commission isn’t outright opposed to the idea. “In order for this project to proceed as planned, which necessitates the annexation and change of zoning classifications described above, the Worcester County Commissioners must consent,” wrote Cropper in a letter to the commission. “Otherwise, the project could be delayed for as much as five years.” Commissioner Jim Bunting asked that a draft plan with all of the information that Tudor mentioned be submitted before anything moves forward. He also is interested in how residents in the area feel about the annexation. The effect on the schools especially SEE PAGE 16 Let Bunting Go To Bat For You! 7926 CIRCLE ROAD WHALEYVILLE 3 bedroom farm house situated on a 2.83 acre lot. 2 horse stables with electric. 2 car garage with baseboard heat. 16.6 x 36.9 storage shed. $230,000 Call Duty Agent Paul Cook 410-726-2695 24 Broad Street, Berlin, Md. • 410-641-3313 For Virtual Tours: www.buntingrealty.com Join Us For Winterfest Of Lights NOV. 21-JAN. 1 • 4 P.M.-10 P.M. KIDS EAT FREE FROM KIDS’ MENU With Adult Food Purchase Of $10 Or More EACH KID AFTER EATS AT HALF-PRICE FROM KIDS’ MENU 12601 Coastal Highway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 410.250-2333 www.abbeyburgerbistro.com