Casino rezoning hearing on Tuesday

(Sept. 11, 2020) The Worcester County Commissioners have scheduled a work session on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 10:30 a.m. in Snow Hill, on the proposed Casino Entertainment District rezoning of Ocean Downs. 

Association President Larry Perrone, during his opening remarks at a regular Board meeting on Wednesday, brought the matter to the public's attention. 

"If the community hasn't seen it so far, we want to let them know that the Ocean Downs casino has submitted to the county a text amendment to establish a Casino Entertainment District on their property," Perrone said. 

The work session will be part of a regularly scheduled commissioner's meeting, scheduled to start at 10 a.m. at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, on One West Market Street in Snow Hill. 

The meeting can also be watched live, by using the link https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live.  

According to county documents, the Worcester County Planning Commission on Aug. 6 gave a favorable recommendation for the modification. The change, to create a Casino Entertainment District as an overlay zone in the A-2 agricultural district, would allow for potential new developments including additional gaming facilities, restaurants and hotels, and outdoor arenas and performing arts centers. 

Perrone added that the County Commissioners will hold a formal hearing for the proposed rezoning, during the first scheduled meeting in October.  

"We've made arrangements to talk with the casino's attorney and a representative [from the casino] ... next week, to explore what their plans are," Perrone said.  

Also, on Wednesday, Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerrie Bunting made a brief introduction. Bunting said she asked to speak because of the recent change in Board leadership.  

"As we have, since 1975, the chamber and the OPA ... have really been sister organizations," Bunting said. "I wanted to let the Board know and let everybody in the community know that we are here for the community, as well as for the business and nonprofits in the area." 

Bunting said she has regular communications with Ocean Pines, especially with Recreation and Parks and Public Relations. 

She also noted that there’s a chamber event scheduled in Ocean Pines, this weekend.  

"This Saturday, we're having a community expo right here in White Horse Park," Bunting said. "We're looking forward to it. We've got a lot of people coming and the weather looks good. 

"I wanted everyone to know that the chamber is here to help OPA, to help the community, residents, visitors, businesses ... without the community, there is no chamber. So, we really should work symbiotically,” she added.  

For more information on the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, visit www.oceanpineschamber.org/.