Stay Connected. Stay Informed
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May 2014 — april 2015 800.OC.OCEAN | OCOCEAN.com | OceanCityMD.gov A WOLD OF AT IN OC OC PEFOMING ATS CENTE TO BE COMPLETED FALL Experience a world of art at the area’s newest cultural amenity—the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Located on Construction on the new 1,200 seat performing arts cen - 94th Street, just next to the water tower bearing its logo, this ter in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center is currently state-of-the-art facility is the home of the Art League of underway, with a completion date set for the fall of 2014. Ocean City, the area’s non-profit arts organization. Dedi - With the ability to host concerts, shows, theater productions cated to promoting the visual arts in the Ocean City area, and plays, the new performing art center is expected to the Art League recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary. attract a variety of new events and audiences. In March of 2013, the new building opened through a part - e state- nership with the Town of Ocean City, State of Maryland and of-the-art the - Worcester County. Since then it has become a place where ater features people come together to create, explore, experience and two tiers of connect through the arts. the artwork, meet the artists and enjoy complimentary re - fixed seating, Step inside the building and be inspired by the gorgeous freshments. It’s a great start to your evening on the town. including 850 blown glass chandelier. Containing over 100 pieces of Be sure to stop by the Ocean City Visitor’s Center, located seats on the colored glass and measuring 9 feet tall and 6 feet wide, it is at the Convention Center on 40th Street and the Ocean City first floor and the centerpiece of the gallery spaces. Be inspired as you view Chamber of Commerce on Rt. 50, to see additional displays another 350 in a second-floor balcony. e new arena will the exhibits of original art by local and regional artists in of original artwork by Art League members. replace the convention center’s existing stage, the first-floor multiple gallery spaces. Many of the works are available for To learn more about the classes and programs available at exhibit hall and a portion of the second-floor ballroom. sale and provide an ideal way to take home a lasting Ocean the OC Center for the Arts, visit artleagueofoceancity.org e performing arts center is the second phase of the City memory. or call 410.524.9433. e facilities are available for rental for convention center improvement project, which began in the Drop in and take an art class. Choose from a variety of special events and provide the perfect setting for your next spring of 2011. e first phase was completed last year, classes for all ages and levels. Class subjects range from meeting, private party or special occasion. Support the arts boasting floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water in drawing and painting, to photography, fiber arts, pottery by becoming a member, and follow them on facebook, the new Bayfront Ballroom and Trimper Dockside Exhibit and much more. Visit the artist studios to see work in instagram and twitter. Look for art events and sponsored Hall. e new space gives visitors over 110,000 square feet progress, and stop by the gi shop to buy local and support programs throughout the Community Calendar . of dazzling space, including panoramic views of the bay. the arts. Purchase original artisan works including a great selection of jewelry, blown glass, pottery and paintings at We remain committed to providing you with information about programs, services and events year-round. In addition to this affordable prices. publication, information is continually updated through our e OC Center for the Arts is open 11am –4pm daily, year website and on social media. Sign-up for eNewsletters round and admission is free. Exhibitions change monthly stay connected. at ococean.com/e-news and the public is always invited to the opening receptions & News Releases at oceancitymd.gov 5–7pm on the first Friday of the month. Come by to preview stay informed. NEW BEACH PATOL BUILDING Avenue, which is across the street from its existing location on three parcels purchased by the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC). e land parcels are currently a gravel parking lot next to the OCDC’s office. e new headquarters represents a traditional Ocean City aesthetic as laid out by OCDC’s Downtown Design Standards, with a total of 10,000 square feet of space. e Dramatic Decrease in Pedestrian, new building provides facilities for beach patrol vehicle and Bicycle, Scooter Collisions equipment storage, training, roll call, dispatch and admin - istrative areas. e multi-purpose training and roll call Ocean City has seen dramatic decreases this year in room will be available for public use during the off season. three motor vehicle collisions categories, including pedes - e Police Department Bicycle Unit will also be housed on trian collisions, which decreased by 41 percent compared e Ocean City Beach Patrol will have a new home next the first floor. to 2012. Further, there were zero fatalities in 2013 as a year, as preliminary designs have been approved for the life - e town has budgeted two million dollars funded result of any motor vehicle collision in Ocean City. guards’ new headquarters. e three-story building will be through municipal bonds for this project and construction According to police, the significant decrease is largely located at the corner of Talbot Street and Philadelphia is scheduled to begin in September 2014. attributed to the “Walk Smart” campaign. e revamped campaign, which focuses on enforcement, education and engineering, was implemented in May 2013 in coopera - Flood Hazard Protection in Ocean City tion with the state, town and many other community All property in Ocean City is in a flood hazard area & sub - a flood insurance policy on the structure itself. Flood insurance elevation certificates for existing buildings to determine height partners. ject to flooding from the ocean, coastal bays & heavy rainfall. is available to all property owners & renters. above floodwaters. For more information, call 410.289.8855 In addition to pedestrian collisions, a large emphasis Minor flooding is not uncommon & major flooding happens or email [email protected]. Floodplain Development Permit Requirements: occasionally. FEMA places properties in flood zones based on is article is published in each edition of the newsletter as was placed on educating citizens of bicycle safety tips. e Ocean City Code requires a building permit be obtained for “Walk Smart” campaign was paired with a “Ride Smart” their chance of flooding. Property owners can find their nearly all construction & structural repair work, & for any de - required by the Town’s participation in FEMA’s Community property’s flood hazard designation by contacting the Depart - velopment within the Special Flood Hazard Area mapped on Rating System. Property owners in OC receive a 15% discount message specific to cyclists explaining the rules of the ment of Planning & Community Development, 410.289.8855, the Flood Insurance Rate Maps. e city reviews plans to be on flood insurance premiums through this program. For an kbrown@ocean citymd.gov, or City Engineer, 410.289.8845, expanded version of this article, visit: oceancitymd.gov/ road. Scooter collisions also saw a big dip in 2013, drop - sure buildings are constructed to withstand flooding. Permits ping 65 percent. is drop is due in large part to new [email protected]. are also required before any land development (grading, filling, Emergency_Management/flood.html registration and insurance requirements for motor scoot - Natural & Beneficial Functions of Floodplains: Flood - etc.) in the floodplain to ensure activities do not increase flood - — Property Protection Measures — plains in their natural state provide many beneficial functions. ing potential on or around property. ere are many ways to protect property from flood ers that went into effect on January 1, 2013. Primary undeveloped flood plain areas in Ocean City are Part of the permit process involves preparation of elevation damage. Make sure your new building is constructed to meet While these dramatic decreases in collisions show great beaches & dunes, the first line of defense against flood damage certificates, which provide a record of the structure’s lowest or exceed code requirements. ese include requirements for from the ocean. Taking care of dunes by not walking on them floor elevation to predicted flood levels. Elevation certificates elevation of building, foundations, venting, etc. ere are also success, efforts will continue to be made to educate & maintaining vegetation is essential to retaining their flood are maintained for review by insurance agents, property own - citizens and provide safety tips. e OCPD, State Highway way s to retrofit existing buildings to increase protection: protection function. ers & other interested persons. Obtain information & permits Administration and all of the community partners are Bayside, wetlands & other open spaces act as sponges, stor - from Department of Planning & Community Development at • ElEvAtIoN: Raising structure to bring it above flood- ing floodwaters before they reach upland areas. ese natural City Hall 410.289.8855, [email protected]. Illegal water level. dedicated to keeping the number of collisions down and areas are protected by Federal, State & local regulations. floodplain activity can also be rep orted here. • lEvEES: In areas of shallow flooding with low velocity, a decreasing the numbers even further. levee can be built around the structure. Flood Warning System: Ocean City has developed a flood Drainage System Maintenance: It is important our warning system as part of our new Emergency Operations drainage system be kept clear of obstructions & debris.