OCEAN CITY – Despite objections from staff, the city’s elected officials gave the go ahead this week to allow vehicles on the beach to surf fish in the offseason and will initiate a pilot program this October if the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approves.
During Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council work session, Ocean City property owner Tom Heiple, and his wife Alice, voiced their concerns over Ocean City allowing vehicles on the beach in the off-season. The matter was scheduled for the Mayor and Council to discuss later in the afternoon.
“My wife and I are very much opposed to this because we think it would adversely affect our enjoyment here,” Tom Heiple said. More
Good idea! Anything possible that can be done to open Ocean City up to a better class of people and move it's reputation away from being nothing more than a party town is great. All the beaches up north that cater to an upper class of people, allow vehicles. People are not only fishing but tailgating. If you can get these people down here in the off season they may just want to try vacationing here in the summer with family. I think the "lowering property values" is just something the opponents pulled out of the air and isn't fact based. If anything the opposite is probably true. More options tend to increase property values.
In the off-season you can park easily at any street end and walk 25 yards to the ocean and fish in the surf. Why do you need your truck there in the sand? Can't you simply carry your pole, tackle box and a chair? I see people do it every day in the summer with umbrella chairs cooler beach bag bodyboards etc.
It's a great idea. Should also bolster the town's wallet, as well as help business owners/employees during the dead offseason. Look at the money that is brought into 4x4 beach areas in Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and many of the states in the North east.
NOT a good idea: 1. As mentioned prior, the ONLY reason vehicles for fishing are permitted on the beach at Assateague is because there is nowhere to park. In OC, it's just a short walk from your vehicle - especially from Nov. thru March - to the surf. 2. How long will it take to figure out that for the price of a permit fee, and the cost of the cheapest fishing rod one can find, you and your friends can enjoy a surfside tailgate party on the beach in OC? 3. Consider the feelings of oceanfront condo owners that will now look out to that million dollar Atlantic Ocean view and now see a parking lot. I'm a little disappointed in the decision. Ocean City has two major things to take care of - the beach and boardwalk. Don't mess it up.
1. There are parking lots on Assateague. Your first point has been nullified.
2. Obviously you haven't been to many drive on beaches in your life. Open containers/tailgating gets shut down mighty quickly by either NPS or police, and the fines and jail time can be quick large.
3. That million dollar view is worth more on the beaches in Delaware and the Outer Banks, and they have drive on beaches. Point 3 has been nullified.
Please do at least a little research before you spout off like an expert. Drive on beaches for surf fishing bring more revenue to everyone involved, and the majority of surf fishers are better stewards to the beach and to the community, than any other tourists you can find.
Crescent Beach in FL allows (for a small fee) vehicles on the beach all the time. Condos and homes line the beach at Crescent and I've not heard any complaints there. It's a very family oriented beach and owners enjoy seeing the families tailgating and picnicking. I also believe that it will be a better class of people who would take advantage of this.
1:44-Different scenario. The Outer Banks controversy was because vehicles were allowed to off road and into nesting areas for sea turtles, waterfowl, etc. Hatchlings and eggs were being crushed. Last I heard (and it's been over a year ago) they've reached a balance.
612-Outer Banks have been screwed by the NPS and Federal gov't. Plain and simple. There hasn't been a balanced reached yet, and those in favor of ORV access are still fighting through Congressional means.
1:00: 1. Yes, there are parking lots on Assateague, but it's still a very long haul to get to the surf. In Ocean City you can just easily park at the top of the street. According to the reg's, it looks like the fishermen would have 60 to 80 block's worth of choices to park. 2. As for "tailgating": The police are going to enforce open container laws? Against people fishing all day? What world do you live in? The final point is that there are extremely convenient alternatives just north and just south of the Ocean City beach to surf fish, and none of those locations would hinder the view of condo and home owner's views.
7:23-tailgating has nothing to do with alcohol. It's nothing more than a simple meal served out of a vehicle. I live in a world of horse shows and polo matches where tailgating is common. Alcohol is rarely involved. Those who surf fish aren't the rowdy types. You are equating them with the type who participate in the White Marlin competition and all that is- is a bunch of drunk people yelling at dead fish.
9:36: You missed the point, Buffy. This new reg won't attract your Jumping Classic set, nor the polo crowd, nor the "...White Marlin...types...", this is OC. Someone will find a way around the rule and get out on the beach just for the fun of it. That is my point. Being just a bayside - flat fish - fisherman myself, someone needs to explain to me why someone needs an entire vehicle full of fishing apparatus next to them while surf fishing, and why they can't walk about an average of 25 yards with their equipment. Even handicapped people in beach wheelchairs can make it to the surf, why can't a fisherman?
5:43, If everyone worried about what might happen or could happen, progress would never occur. I know of groups who go down to (I think or its somewhere in the Carolinas) the Outer Banks and talk about how they take their trucks out on the beach and the men fish, the children play and the mothers sun and talk. They bring all kinds of food and spread it out between vehicles. It's like a tradition with them. It's not the point of having to walk it more like making family memories of lazy days spent at the beach. Ocean City really has gone downhill. It's loaded with drunks and other unsavoriness. Officials need to start promoting things like this that can be more family oriented. Of course some will abuse but since it's limited to the off season probably not much abuse will occur. The high fee will prevent misuse of this also.
9:59. That's ridiculous. First, you can't compare OC with Outer Banks. Secondly, if OC is "...loaded with drunks and other unsavoriness..." as you say, then those same people will be the ones to skirt the system. Lastly: NO ONE has addressed why they need to park a vehicle on the beach to fish! Personally, I think it's just a macho thing - considering that there is plentiful top-of-the-street parking for 60 blocks during that time of the year. Another poster mentioned that wheelchairs make that run to the surf from the street. Fishermen can't?
I just don't understand why anyone would be opposed to at least trying this. It could always be rescinded if it turns into a problem. I think it's been explained several times 10:38. It's not about being macho or having to walk any distance but more about a social occasion for some. I've seen people doing it up north at the beach. It's what some people like to do is the explanation. I also tend to agree-OC needs to drastically start changing it's image. It's gone from activities for families to enjoy to a haven for drunks with a bar on every corner. Friends just sold their place they've owned for over 30 years because the wife was sick and tired of having to wade through the urine smell in the parking area under the building. Other owners are mad because they sold for a low price to move it quickly. That's what is lowering the property values. People who are fed up and want out.
Sorry, 12:36. But that's all BS. "... urine smell in the parking area under the building..."? How 'bout instead of taking 1000's of dollars loss on your condo you just hire a minimum wage security guard? You also said... "a social occasion...". Yeah, that's just what I want in front of my oceanfront condo. In a society where nowadays it's "all about me", how about considering how your actions affect others? Over at Assateague, the vehicle on the beach bothers no one except for a few ponies and about a million green-head flies. In OC, you'll be encroaching upon many condo owners that would like to enjoy the peace of the winter season - with an unobstructed view that they paid so dearly for. AGAIN: Why do surf fishermen need to have their vehicle next to them while fishing?? And don't say "it's a social occasion". That's a load of crap. You don't need a ORV to do that. Answer that question and I may come over to the side of the surf fishers.
350-boohoo. Surf fisherman bring revenue and actually care for the beaches. Your unobstructed view is worth less in OC than it is at the beaches in Delaware or North Carolina? Why, you may ask? Who's really interested in a "family resort" that specializes in drugs and booze?
5:28 PM: "..... AGAIN: Why do surf fishermen need to have their vehicle next to them while fishing?? And don't say "it's a social occasion". That's a load of crap. You don't need a ORV to do that. Answer that question and I may come over to the side of the surf fishers...." You didn't answer that question. I'd like to hear that answer myself.
3:50 acts like OC is some lazy serene beach town. Common sense dictates that a handful of vehicles are not going to obstruct their precious view anymore then 100's of beach umbrellas do in the summer. As far as hiring a security guard, I can comment on this issue. They are expensive $25-$35/hr. The cost can run close to $2000/wk. Larger condo associations can afford this more than a condo with only a few units. It's also not an area where you can just hire someone for 10 bucks an hour. Since a situation can become charged you need a company that is insured and bonded to protect the condo association against liability. Incidentally I was in OC yesterday. The lack of people and traffic was telling for a holiday weekend as were the vacancy signs.
"In OC, you'll be encroaching upon many condo owners that would like to enjoy the peace of the winter season - with an unobstructed view that they paid so dearly for."
It's seems these condo owners used poor judgment then when buying their condos. They should have purchased beach front property in areas where they own the beach and not the tax payers of Maryland, which they pay dearly for. It called doing you due diligence prior to spending your money. When 3:50 and other private individuals and/or entities start paying for beach replenishment and maintainece then and only then do they have a right to cry foul.
Seriously, why do surf fishermen need the vehicle next to them on the beach? I can understand it in Fenwick or Assateague where parking nearby is an issue, but why would one need it in Ocean City? I've watched literally thousands of people fishing the inlet carry everything they need from the inlet parking lot out to the end of the jetty, and that's a farther walk than from the top of any street that is designated for fishing during Nov. thru Mar.
1:13 one reason is because it makes it easier to move to another spot if need be. I know some people who are really into surf fishing and go several times a year to the outer banks and they have tons of paraphernalia that goes with them. Several large tackle boxes and those rod holder things on their truck. I don't understand but then it's not my hobby but it's not like one or 2 people could carry all the needed items without making several trips. They even have some kind of cooler that hooks up to the vehicle battery. A few in the group even have vehicles outfitted for nothing but surf fishing and that's all they use it for.
"...In an unanimous vote the Ocean City Mayor and Council has tabled discussion of allowing off-season beach vehicle access to surf fishermen. Last week the council decided to approve restricted access, pending the state's approval. The overwhelming opposition expressed to council members, negative social media comments on this page and an online petition led to the reversal of the council's course."
“My wife and I are very much opposed to this because we think it would adversely affect our enjoyment here,” Tom Heiple said.
ReplyDeleteWell Mr. Heiple your opposition adversely affects other peoples enjoyment here. Share you selfish moron!
Let them fish.
TAKE THE FISHING TO ASSATEAGUE.
ReplyDeleteTo 10:46. Fisherman could always fish on the beach. Mr. Heiple is not being selfish. As an OC resident I agree...keep the vehicles off the beach.
ReplyDeleteGood idea! Anything possible that can be done to open Ocean City up to a better class of people and move it's reputation away from being nothing more than a party town is great.
ReplyDeleteAll the beaches up north that cater to an upper class of people, allow vehicles. People are not only fishing but tailgating.
If you can get these people down here in the off season they may just want to try vacationing here in the summer with family.
I think the "lowering property values" is just something the opponents pulled out of the air and isn't fact based. If anything the opposite is probably true. More options tend to increase property values.
Sounds like more thought is needed but I for one would enjoy being able to rest and read in the vehicle while my husband fishes.
ReplyDeleteIn the off-season you can park easily at any street end and walk 25 yards to the ocean and fish in the surf. Why do you need your truck there in the sand? Can't you simply carry your pole, tackle box and a chair? I see people do it every day in the summer with umbrella chairs cooler beach bag bodyboards etc.
ReplyDelete"Why do you need your truck there in the sand?"
ReplyDeleteSo they can sell you a permit that lets you do so.
8:49 As an Ocean City resident I agree with your statement 100%!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea. Should also bolster the town's wallet, as well as help business owners/employees during the dead offseason. Look at the money that is brought into 4x4 beach areas in Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and many of the states in the North east.
ReplyDeleteNOT a good idea:
ReplyDelete1. As mentioned prior, the ONLY reason vehicles for fishing are permitted on the beach at Assateague is because there is nowhere to park. In OC, it's just a short walk from your vehicle - especially from Nov. thru March - to the surf.
2. How long will it take to figure out that for the price of a permit fee, and the cost of the cheapest fishing rod one can find, you and your friends can enjoy a surfside tailgate party on the beach in OC?
3. Consider the feelings of oceanfront condo owners that will now look out to that million dollar Atlantic Ocean view and now see a parking lot.
I'm a little disappointed in the decision. Ocean City has two major things to take care of - the beach and boardwalk. Don't mess it up.
1235-
ReplyDelete1. There are parking lots on Assateague. Your first point has been nullified.
2. Obviously you haven't been to many drive on beaches in your life. Open containers/tailgating gets shut down mighty quickly by either NPS or police, and the fines and jail time can be quick large.
3. That million dollar view is worth more on the beaches in Delaware and the Outer Banks, and they have drive on beaches. Point 3 has been nullified.
Please do at least a little research before you spout off like an expert. Drive on beaches for surf fishing bring more revenue to everyone involved, and the majority of surf fishers are better stewards to the beach and to the community, than any other tourists you can find.
If they allow this those freaks at The Audubon society will go nuts. Ask the people in the Outter Banks.
ReplyDeleteCrescent Beach in FL allows (for a small fee) vehicles on the beach all the time.
ReplyDeleteCondos and homes line the beach at Crescent and I've not heard any complaints there. It's a very family oriented beach and owners enjoy seeing the families tailgating and picnicking. I also believe that it will be a better class of people who would take advantage of this.
I hope the city cleans up all the hooks!
ReplyDelete1:44-Different scenario. The Outer Banks controversy was because
ReplyDeletevehicles were allowed to off road and into nesting areas for sea turtles, waterfowl, etc. Hatchlings and eggs were being crushed. Last I heard (and it's been over a year ago) they've reached a balance.
612-Outer Banks have been screwed by the NPS and Federal gov't. Plain and simple. There hasn't been a balanced reached yet, and those in favor of ORV access are still fighting through Congressional means.
ReplyDelete1:00:
ReplyDelete1. Yes, there are parking lots on Assateague, but it's still a very long haul to get to the surf. In Ocean City you can just easily park at the top of the street. According to the reg's, it looks like the fishermen would have 60 to 80 block's worth of choices to park.
2. As for "tailgating": The police are going to enforce open container laws? Against people fishing all day? What world do you live in?
The final point is that there are extremely convenient alternatives just north and just south of the Ocean City beach to surf fish, and none of those locations would hinder the view of condo and home owner's views.
7:23-tailgating has nothing to do with alcohol. It's nothing more than a simple meal served out of a vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI live in a world of horse shows and polo matches where tailgating is common. Alcohol is rarely involved.
Those who surf fish aren't the rowdy types. You are equating them with the type who participate in the White Marlin competition and all that is- is a bunch of drunk people yelling at dead fish.
9:36: You missed the point, Buffy. This new reg won't attract your Jumping Classic set, nor the polo crowd, nor the "...White Marlin...types...", this is OC. Someone will find a way around the rule and get out on the beach just for the fun of it. That is my point.
ReplyDeleteBeing just a bayside - flat fish - fisherman myself, someone needs to explain to me why someone needs an entire vehicle full of fishing apparatus next to them while surf fishing, and why they can't walk about an average of 25 yards with their equipment.
Even handicapped people in beach wheelchairs can make it to the surf, why can't a fisherman?
Why do you need to ride horses on the beach?
ReplyDelete5:43, If everyone worried about what might happen or could happen, progress would never occur.
ReplyDeleteI know of groups who go down to (I think or its somewhere in the Carolinas) the Outer Banks and talk about how they take their trucks out on the beach and the men fish, the children play and the mothers sun and talk. They bring all kinds of food and spread it out between vehicles. It's like a tradition with them. It's not the point of having to walk it more like making family memories of lazy days spent at the beach.
Ocean City really has gone downhill. It's loaded with drunks and other unsavoriness.
Officials need to start promoting things like this that can be more family oriented. Of course some will abuse but since it's limited to the off season probably not much abuse will occur. The high fee will prevent misuse of this also.
"If they allow this those freaks at The Audubon society will go nuts. Ask the people in the Outter Banks."
ReplyDeleteIf they are freaks then what does that make you, king of the morons?
Its just a money grab by OC nothing more, if they didn't think they could profit from this it wouldn't have even been brought up.
9:59. That's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteFirst, you can't compare OC with Outer Banks.
Secondly, if OC is "...loaded with drunks and other unsavoriness..." as you say, then those same people will be the ones to skirt the system.
Lastly: NO ONE has addressed why they need to park a vehicle on the beach to fish! Personally, I think it's just a macho thing - considering that there is plentiful top-of-the-street parking for 60 blocks during that time of the year. Another poster mentioned that wheelchairs make that run to the surf from the street. Fishermen can't?
I just don't understand why anyone would be opposed to at least trying this. It could always be rescinded if it turns into a problem.
ReplyDeleteI think it's been explained several times 10:38. It's not about being macho or having to walk any distance but more about a social occasion for some. I've seen people doing it up north at the beach.
It's what some people like to do is the explanation.
I also tend to agree-OC needs to drastically start changing it's image. It's gone from activities for families to enjoy to a haven for drunks with a bar on every corner.
Friends just sold their place they've owned for over 30 years because the wife was sick and tired of having to wade through the urine smell in the parking area under the building. Other owners are mad because they sold for a low price to move it quickly. That's what is lowering the property values. People who are fed up and want out.
Sorry, 12:36. But that's all BS.
ReplyDelete"... urine smell in the parking area under the building..."? How 'bout instead of taking 1000's of dollars loss on your condo you just hire a minimum wage security guard?
You also said... "a social occasion...". Yeah, that's just what I want in front of my oceanfront condo.
In a society where nowadays it's "all about me", how about considering how your actions affect others?
Over at Assateague, the vehicle on the beach bothers no one except for a few ponies and about a million green-head flies. In OC, you'll be encroaching upon many condo owners that would like to enjoy the peace of the winter season - with an unobstructed view that they paid so dearly for.
AGAIN: Why do surf fishermen need to have their vehicle next to them while fishing?? And don't say "it's a social occasion". That's a load of crap. You don't need a ORV to do that.
Answer that question and I may come over to the side of the surf fishers.
350-boohoo. Surf fisherman bring revenue and actually care for the beaches. Your unobstructed view is worth less in OC than it is at the beaches in Delaware or North Carolina? Why, you may ask? Who's really interested in a "family resort" that specializes in drugs and booze?
ReplyDeleteIt's easier running over wild life using ORV. One time I cut my foot stomping Bird eggs on the beach. I use big beach tires now.
ReplyDelete5:28 PM:
ReplyDelete"..... AGAIN: Why do surf fishermen need to have their vehicle next to them while fishing?? And don't say "it's a social occasion". That's a load of crap. You don't need a ORV to do that.
Answer that question and I may come over to the side of the surf fishers...."
You didn't answer that question.
I'd like to hear that answer myself.
3:50 acts like OC is some lazy serene beach town. Common sense dictates that a handful of vehicles are not going to obstruct their precious view anymore then 100's of beach umbrellas do in the summer.
ReplyDeleteAs far as hiring a security guard, I can comment on this issue. They are expensive $25-$35/hr. The cost can run close to $2000/wk. Larger condo associations can afford this more than a condo with only a few units. It's also not an area where you can just hire someone for 10 bucks an hour. Since a situation can become charged you need a company that is insured and bonded to protect the condo association against liability.
Incidentally I was in OC yesterday.
The lack of people and traffic was telling for a holiday weekend as were the vacancy signs.
"In OC, you'll be encroaching upon many condo owners that would like to enjoy the peace of the winter season - with an unobstructed view that they paid so dearly for."
ReplyDeleteIt's seems these condo owners used poor judgment then when buying their condos. They should have purchased beach front property in areas where they own the beach and not the tax payers of Maryland, which they pay dearly for.
It called doing you due diligence prior to spending your money.
When 3:50 and other private individuals and/or entities start paying for beach replenishment and maintainece then and only then do they have a right to cry foul.
Seriously, why do surf fishermen need the vehicle next to them on the beach?
ReplyDeleteI can understand it in Fenwick or Assateague where parking nearby is an issue, but why would one need it in Ocean City?
I've watched literally thousands of people fishing the inlet carry everything they need from the inlet parking lot out to the end of the jetty, and that's a farther walk than from the top of any street that is designated for fishing during Nov. thru Mar.
1:13 one reason is because it makes it easier to move to another spot if need be. I know some people who are really into surf fishing and go several times a year to the outer banks and they have tons of paraphernalia that goes with them. Several large tackle boxes and those rod holder things on their truck. I don't understand but then it's not my hobby but it's not like one or 2 people could carry all the needed items without making several trips. They even have some kind of cooler that hooks up to the vehicle battery. A few in the group even have vehicles outfitted for nothing but surf fishing and that's all they use it for.
ReplyDelete"...In an unanimous vote the Ocean City Mayor and Council has tabled discussion of allowing off-season beach vehicle access to surf fishermen. Last week the council decided to approve restricted access, pending the state's approval. The overwhelming opposition expressed to council members, negative social media comments on this page and an online petition led to the reversal of the council's course."
ReplyDelete