www.ROCedition.com
R C Edition OCEAN PINES • WEST OCEAN CITY • BERLIN MD
November 1, 2025
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER
Volume 2, Issue 19
ROC Edition launches print newspaper; strong demand triples second run By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher ROC Edition, Ocean Pines’ locally owned community newspaper, has launched its first print edition and, after rapid pickup at distribution points, tripled its print run for the second press to meet reader demand. Among the first to receive a printed copy was longtime Ocean Pines resident Margaret Wheatley, who said she was eager to see the newspaper in print after following it online since its beginning. Wheatley said she appreciates having a reliable local paper that focuses on facts and community news, adding that the print format makes it easier to read and share with neighbors. The People’s Paper began online in late 2024 with a mission to
deliver factual, accessible coverage of neighborhood issues, homeowner association actions and community life across Ocean Pines, Berlin and nearby areas. The print launch marks the next step in expanding access for readers who prefer a physical paper while keeping all content available online. Copies are free at 11 initial drop locations, including Food Lion, South Gate Deli, Ocean Pines Library and White Horse Park, to name a few, with additional sites being added as requests come in from residents and local businesses. The print edition builds on the paper’s digital foundation, where See ROC IN PRINT page 2 Longtime Ocean Pines resident Margaret Wheatley holds the first print edition of ROC Edition.
ROC Edition • Sherrie Clifford, Publisher
OPA board signals withdrawal of as-built survey requirement amid concerns of overreach By Sherrie Clifford ROC Edition Publisher The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors appears poised to withdraw a rule under consideration that would have required homeowners to submit as-built surveys for certain property improvements as part of revisions to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) guidelines,
along with other changes currently being reviewed. The measure, first introduced by the ARC as a way to strengthen compliance, quickly drew criticism from residents and board members who viewed it as an unnecessary overreach by the homeowners association. Public concern over the issue began months earlier. In July, a post on the Ocean Pines ROC Facebook
group referencing a newly added “Final As-Built Survey” requirement for home sales sparked more than 100 comments from residents seeking clarification. Many questioned why a process that had remained voluntary for nearly 50 years was now being presented as mandatory and whether the HOA had the authority to tie such documentation to resale certifications.
The discussion highlighted widespread confusion over the proposed guideline and its potential impact on sellers. During a special board meeting on Oct. 22, most directors voiced opposition to the measure, citing concerns that it would raise costs for homeowners, create uncertainty in real estate transactions and add
See AS-BUILT SURVEY page 3