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BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
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Water line replacement cost goes up Already exceeding funding by $463K, project’s cost goes up another $155K
STEVE GREEN/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
CUSTOM WAGON Tilghman Elliott, 2, of Trappe, enjoyed being pulled around the streets of Berlin last Saturday for the Berlin Cruisers event, sponsored by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. See more photos on page 14.
Berlin farmers market returns Produce, baked goods just part of what has grown into Sunday social gathering By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 7, 2026) The Berlin Farmers Market, one of the town’s most popular and anticipated community events, marked the beginning of his eighth season last Sunday.
Held every Sunday from May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, the market brings together local farmers, food producers and artisans along stretches of Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street. A petting farm is available from 9 to 11 a.m. Live music is also featured thanks to a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. Berlin’s Economic and Commu-
nity Development Director Ivy Wells said the market has evolved from just a place to shop to more of a social and community gathering. “The Farmer’s Market is about community, neighbors seeing each other, catching up, and getting outside,” she said. “Many walk or bike to the market and it’s pet friendly too.” The Berlin market operates as a “producers-only” event, meaning See MARKET Page 3
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 7, 2026) Berlin municipal officials will have to close a larger-thanexpected revenue shortfall after the Town Council approved an amended motion last week to replace the lead water lines along Williams Street. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the amendment reflects revised figures after further review of funding requirements. Nicholas Bradley of the town’s engineering consultant, Davis, Bowen & Friedel, explained that the State of Maryland mandates additional costs to be factored into the project budget, including a 3% administrative fee and a 5% contingency. With those adjustments, the project’s funding gap has increased from the previously reported $463,005 to $618,119. “The intent is to seek funding where we can to make up that difference,” Bohlen said. “But this is a project we have to do by law.” Despite the shortfall, officials noted the town has already secured outside funding and will continue pursuing additional assistance through the state. Bradley said the recommendation is to award the base bid contract to Teal Construction Inc., contingent upon obtaining the additional funds. If support from the Maryland Department of the Environment is not available, the municipality may need to explore local funding sources to See ANOTHER Page 3
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