Page 6 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch December 20, 2013 Ocean City Sets Key Comfort Station Project Deadline By JOANNE SHRINER STAFF WRITER OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City is at its wits end with the delay of the Caroline Street Comfort Station completion as the contractor is warned its performance bond will be called if the project is not substantially complete by the end of the week. On Monday evening, City Manager David Recor presented an update of the Town of Ocean City’s Strategic Plan and the progress of the plan’s action items during the past year. One of those action items was the reconstruction and completion of the Caroline Street Comfort Station on the Boardwalk. As of Monday, more than a year after demolition of the former structure and construction was initiated, the project is not finished, despite earlier deadlines of Memorial Day weekend and then subsequent proposed completion dates passing. “As you are all aware, it is significantly behind schedule due to weather delays and contractor performance,” Recor said. “I have spoken with the city engineer and we are prepared to and will call the bond this Friday.” On Tuesday, City Engineer Terry McGean confirmed he has advised the contractor, Black Diamond Builders, if the Caroline Street Comfort Station is not substantially complete by Friday he will formally request the The Caroline Street Comfort Station is pictured this fall. The project began last December and was originally expected to be completed in time for last summer. Photo by Chris Parypa Photography contractor’s bond company take over and complete the project. “They seem to have gotten the message,” McGean said. “A lot of things that have been dragging on are now getting done, so we will make the final determination of whether we bring in the bonding company or not.” McGean explained when the town bids and contracts a project over $100,000 the contractor is required to supply a performance bond and payment bond, which SEE PAGE 8