OC Today WWW.OCEANCITYTODAY.COM
DECEMBER 2, 2022
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
HOLIDAYS
CHRISTMAS PARADE
Weather could threaten OC’s yearly tradition with significant chance of rain in forecast — Page 12
FREE
Complex cost estimate $153.5 million Stadium Authority study believes new tax revenues can support debt service By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 2, 2022) With a proposed price tag of more than $153.5 million, a Worcester County sports complex would need significant contributions from the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County governments to become a reality, according to a report from the Maryland Stadium Authority released to the public Monday.
The Ocean City Indoor Fieldhouse & Outdoor Field Complex Study, Phase 2, follows an initial market and economic study released a year ago that assessed details of developing and operating an outdoor field complex and indoor fieldhouse, known collectively as the “Sports Complex,” in or near Ocean City. The followup study updates certain aspects, and provides a site assessment and cost estimate for constructing the complex on the roughly 100-acre site proposed for the project off of Route 50 near Stephen Decatur High School. As outlined in the stadium author-
ity’s report, the complex would consist of eight to 10 tournament-quality outdoor athletic fields and a 125,000 square-foot indoor facility. Within those parameters, the cost of constructing the project on the proposed site came in at more than $153.5 million — if the facilities are constructed together. The study projected that another $5 million would be tacked onto the price if the facilities are built separately. According to the study, the complex — and its effect on the tourism industry — should produce enough state and local gross tax revenue to support debt service between $142
million and $169 million of 20-year revenue bonds for the project. The local contribution, presumably split between the county and resort governments, would be an estimated $31 million to $36.5 million, while the state’s contribution would be between $111 million to $132.5 million. Once built, the tax revenues, according to the study, would be estimated between $8.5 and $10.1 million in a stabilized year of operation. Net new tax revenue is estimated to be between $6.6 and $7.8 million, with $1.7 to $2 million to local governments and $4.9 to $5.8 See SPORTS Page 6
Chamber looks at next session of legislature And how Eastern Shore can get some needed attention
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
TRAIN GARDEN
The Winterfest Train Garden is featured inside the Welcome Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street. View the model railroad displays and trains, and read and learn about the history of the train station and railroad in Ocean City. It will be open until Dec. 31, Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30-9 p.m. Admission is free; however, donations are accepted and will benefit the Ocean City Beach Patrol.
By Mallory Panuska Staff Writer (Dec. 2, 2022) As anti-crime measures and statewide education funding threaten to take over the entire 2022 Maryland legislative agenda, local business and tourism representatives were urged this week to get involved and to help bring some attention to the Eastern Shore. “What happens over there is Montgomery County, Baltimore County will monopolize the conversation. And their topics are not going to be stuff about us,” Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee Chairman Sal Fasano said to an audience of chamber members and stakeholders at a meeting Wednesday morning of the projected setting in Annapolis this year. “It’s going be about mainly, number one, crime,” he continued. “That’s See CHAMBER Page 4