Local group in Ocean City receives over 1,000 signatures on petition protecting property rights
OCEAN CITY, Md. – A local group is continuing their efforts advocating for restrictions on short-term rentals. The local group is “dedicated to protecting the fundamental Property Rights of Ocean City homeowners by opposing restrictive short-term rental ordinances and preserving property values and community integrity”, according to a statement on their website.
Terry Miller, a member of the group – explains why the group has taken the steps to petition for change. “We were able to receive 1,257 signatures on the petition, and we need 990 and so we far exceeded the minimum.”
According to proponents of the short-term rental restrictions in the R1 and MH districts, many say having too many STR’s takes away from the community aspect – making Ocean City less desirable and more chaotic.
Miller however said this is the 3rd time community members have sided with protecting these rights. “I hope so, because this is the 3rd time, the people of Ocean City have said they don’t want the restrictions in these areas. They said it the first time with the first petition, they said it with the polls, and here we are for the third time with this 2nd petition.”
Miller says they have the required number of signatures, which means the town cannot keep the moratorium enforced. Adding that the resort is built on short-term rentals.
Miller makes a call to action to the Mayor and Council. “I’m hoping the mayor and council will finally listen. Again for the 3rd time people have spoken, and people are getting mad that they are not being heard.”
City Manager Terry McGean providing us with a statement: “The Clerk accepted the petition, but the signatures must be reviewed and validated by the Board of Elections. If after the Board of Elections reviews the signatures and determines that there are enough valid signatures to move the ordinance to referendum, then the ordinance is stayed until the vote occurs. Therefore, the moratorium remains in effect.”
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