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Sunday, April 03, 2016

Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center Gets Senate Approval For Alcohol Sales


As you will learn from the information below, your local main stream media refused to investigate the details of alcohol sales and instead have attempted to go after County Executive Culver implying he is violating the original agreement.



In fact, former Executive Pollitt knew of this information and we even discussed it years ago but he was not willing to move forward with it. 



The Bill has passed the Senate, (sponsored by Senator Jim Mathias) and was reviewed today in a 1st reading by the Hearing Committee in Annapolis. They had no questions about moving it to a second reading and ultimately it will pass through the House. Governor Hogan will then sign off on it.

The idea that Wicomico County can now address a minor league hockey team and even attract better adult venues is a major home run for the county. Many citizens do not realize that a LOT of promoters refuse to come to Wicomico County because they do not have alcohol. 

The local media needs to stop going after Culver and embrace the new and positive economic development. The RUMOR of an original agreement of no alcohol sales is just not true. The language below proves just that. There is no trickery here and no one is pulling a fast one. 

Here's the legal breakdown

In 1946, the Mr. and Mrs. Woodcock conveyed a parcel of land to Wicomico County. Separately, the County also obtained an adjoining parcel, the Hearn parcel. Eventually, the Civic Center would be constructed on these two parcels.

In 1959, Wicomico County conveyed the Woodcock parcel and the Hearn parcel to the Wicomico War Memorial Builders, Inc. (“WWMB”), an entity apparently created to raise funds and help construct the original Civic Center.

The Woodcocks joined in the 1959 deed with Wicomico County to remove a possibility of reverter clause and to expressly release and quit-claim any rights that they had in the property.

In 1971, the WWMB conveyed the parcels back to Wicomico County.

Analysis

The 1946 deed from the Woodcocks to the County prohibited the sale and dispensation of alcohol and required that the property be used as a youth center. The only interest the Woodcocks had in the property was a possibility of regaining ownership if certain acts occurred, i.e. alcohol being served at the property.

In the 1959 deed from the County to WWMB, the Woodcocks expressly removed all of the conditions of their 1946 deed to the County. The 1959 deed acknowledged that the property would be subject to restrictions contained only within the 1959 deed.

The 1959 deed by Wicomico County contains language that prohibits the sale and dispensation of alcohol on the premise and states that the restriction runs with the land. Therefore, Wicomico County created a covenant against alcohol in this deed. The Woodcocks did not own the property at the time of the 1959 deed and they could not burden it with a restrictive covenant. Only the owner of a property can place a covenant on a property.

In 1971, WWMB conveyed the property back to the County. The alcohol covenant was not included in the deed. Under common law, a covenant terminates when all the land is returned to the party that created and benefited from the covenant. In this case, Wicomico County created the alcohol restriction and benefited from it until 1971. When ownership of the parcel returned to Wicomico County 45 years ago, the restriction was extinguished as a matter of law.

82 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is good news and will help the local economy. The Civic Center attendance will pick up big time. We must move into modern times. Finally we have a County Executive that will listen to the voters and the wishes of the majority.

Anonymous said...

Amazing info! It is time this County caught up with the times. Other counties are more progressive and smarter leaving us in the dust. Everyone needs to get behind this!

Anonymous said...

Why has this info been kept from the public? Did a few in power try to control the direction of the Civic Center? Just think if we'd been able to grow with the times - the economic health of our county could be much better!! Shame on those who held us back!

Anonymous said...

Salisbury needs all the help it can get. Too bad it's too little, too late.

Anonymous said...

Yeahhhh

Anonymous said...

So none of the local media ever bothered to check the facts of the situation and just regurgitated whatever they were told by the politicians in charge?

Anonymous said...

Way to go Bob! It's about time we have someone who finally has the courage to take action. Thank you Senator Mathias for putting this bill forward..

JoeAlbero said...

5:38, I have to agree with you. Senator Jim Mathias played a HUGE role in getting this through.

Anonymous said...

5:34 oh yes, Ed Baker apparently didn't check it either. Glad he is gone.

Anonymous said...

It is about time we had a businessman in charge. Why didn't Pollitt and those before him figure this out? Way to go Bob. Moving us in the right direction. More revenue for the county.

Anonymous said...

C'mon idiot liberals lets here the negative comments from hypocrites.

Anonymous said...

So I guess this proves what many of us thought all along. Baker wasn't an attorney. He was a political hack. Was he not smart enough to understand this or did he not bring it to light at the direction of his bosses? Good work Bob. Keep cleaning up the mess!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Jim. A Democrat working with a Republican. Love it! Nice to see the understanding that this is what is best for the county.

Anonymous said...

FINALLY! Thank you Bob Culver! It is about time this county did this! I'm so tired of Worcester county beating us out on everything.

Anonymous said...

I've been waiting for years for someone to have the courage to make this happen. Thank you Bob Culver and Jim Mathias.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jim Mathias for having the courage to drop this Bill. Thinking our Republican weren't brave enough. I won't forget this.

Anonymous said...

Bob Culver, this kind of action is why I voted for you. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Even though I'm a recovering alcoholic (three years ), I'm all for it. For all the reasons that have already been said. Just because I can't take a drink without the drink taking me, doesn't mean I'll start foaming at the mouth if I see a beer at the civic center. This is good news!

Anonymous said...

It's just nuts that this has been kept from the public for so long. Everyone who didn't know the truth just assumed that the Woodcocks' wishes were still a part of the deed.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for putting the details out there Joe. I just watched wboc and they did not share this information. Most people are under the impression they couldn't have alcohol sales there. I thought it was a bit shady by not clarifying this important information.

Anonymous said...

I'm all in favor of having alcohol sales there but let's not be so naive to believe that this will save SBY or Wicomico county. Just as with the softball tournaments and dog shows, the economic benefits are short term and mostly go to the chain hotels/restaurants. This area need real jobs rather than service industry minimum wage positions.

Anonymous said...

Good News !!! To bad Gary Mackes could not be there to make it happen and a drunk patron give him what he has needed for the past 40 years. Thats ok though, Marvin Ames can surely take his place.

Anonymous said...

I love it but watch the drunks come out and lets see how many drink then get pulled over and ticketed. Look I am for this and I hope hope it will help this area. map

Anonymous said...

Good job Sen. Mathias Wicomico County needs all the help it can get.

Anonymous said...

I now resend my call to demolish the Civic Center and turn it into a multi-tiered parking lot. While taking the old Mall property and turning it into a better, bigger, indoor-outdoor venue that would create an attract many jobs and business. Sorry Guess we will have to live with the old Civic Center, For how long?? However I am very pleased this is happening. Big boost for Salisbury. No thanks to their ignorant libtarded leadership.

JoeAlbero said...

6:35, Look at it like this. IF ANYONE were to sell the idea of a brand new civic Center, wouldn't it be best if they could show the major increase in all sales across the board?

Right now and for many years the Civic Center has been losing money, or should I say costing the taxpayers.

This will change immediately.

To the IDIOT who keeps trying to put up a comment stating their husband is a recovering alcoholic and refuses to go to any restaurant or ball game because he's afraid he'll relapse, GET SOME SERIOUS AND PROFESSIONAL HELP.

I can only think of one Idiot who would be stupid enough to make such a comment and he's over 400 pounds and sucks off the taxpayers.

Anonymous said...

Okay Joe. I don't have an issue at all with alcohol sales at the Civic Center. What I do have an issue with is when I happened to walk by the tv and they said and I quote "Hear from people in the county on this proposal and hear why some say it takes the "youth" out of the Youth & Civic Center". Okay there's no "Youth and Civic Center" any more. If it was for the Youth then why is it the proms had to go to other venues because of the obnoxious amount they want to charge our youth. It's crap. How is the poodle dog show for the youth??

Now here's what I think is going to happen. The majority of the people are going to be happy about it and the events at the Civic Center are going to increase. Then everyone is going to start complaining about the condition of the Civic Center and then suddenly everyone is going to want to build a new one. Hence the reason for the additional parking lot across the street. It will be built in the current parking lot in front of the old building and once completed the old Civic Center will be torn down.

Anonymous said...

Im not the fat blogger Nor ex acoholic Joe, but I do agree. We should show a new trend in bigger acts, sales, jobs growth. Before looking for a better venue. however, Whats up with Heron ponds?

JoeAlbero said...

6:57, Are there not enough parks and activities for the YOUTH in Wicomico County and the City of Salisbury?

Where were your complaints when Rick Pollitt was Executive and the YOUTH was taken out of the Civic Center???

Yes, Dog Shows have everything to do with children, obviously you don't have a Family or a Dog.

I think IF the sales do well, they should build a new Convention Center. This building is getting old, it's way too small and Culver is making the right move to see if this will improve business. If it does, it will warrant a new building that MAKES MONEY, unlike these unnecessary schools $50,000,000.00 each are going into. It's a BUSINESS move and a very smart one at that.

JoeAlbero said...

7:09, Heron Ponds watched all of the Country Music venues get cancelled across the east coast and realized they would not survive. They are reconsidering what to do with the property. Mind you, this is an outdoor facility. The Civic Center is obviously indoors.

JoeAlbero said...

6:32, Is that all you've got. Do you sit back and watch all the vehicles passing by Police after every single Shorebirds game? If you get drunk and don't have a designated driver and get behind the wheel, guess what, you're going to jail and you're going to waste about $12,000.00 in attorney fees.

I find people like you in desperate need of an education. The people serving alcohol must pass a test and get special training on how to determine if someone has had too much to drink. There are checks and balances. I would think the County would actually be far more responsible than a private business owner in Salisbury desperate to make enough money to pay the rent and City taxes.

Anonymous said...

A lot of the old guard will not be happy with alcohol at the CC for a variety of reasons. One of the lamest is that it will turn everyone into drunks. Wine and beer are sold at Giant Food, if you shop there are you turning into drunks?

Bartenders at the Civic Center will be T.I.P.S. trained and there will be adequate security. I don't think the cost will be so low that it will encourage people to knock back as many as possible either. I would imagine that alcohol won't be sold at children's events.

The old guard needs to realize times have changed and the world won't come to an end with beer and wine sales at the Civic Center.

Anonymous said...

It's sad that alcohol must be available for people to have fun.

Anonymous said...

Good Good Good
Screw the good ole wicomico boys.

JoeAlbero said...

7:24, No, it's sad we get gay marriage shoved down our throats.

It's sad when we have to share a bathroom or shower with a transgender.

It's sad when Hillary Clinton, (a criminal) is actually a candidate for President of the united States.

I wonder, do you write the Mayor when there's alcohol all over 3rd Friday?

Do you complain about the alcohol served at the Tawes Crab Festival?

How about your Democrat crab festival?

I mean, seriously, get real.

Anonymous said...

6:18 PM - What? Want to try writing a whole thought down instead of what you left us here?

Anonymous said...

Some will bring up that it's about the Youth in WCYCC. Children will not be served. Alcohol will not be served at Disney on Ice or the Muppet thing or during any other child-oriented presentation. Youth sports activities, too.

Anonymous said...

Typical liberal one sided view.

Anonymous said...

I bet he or she drinks like a fish at the Elks or Vfw.

Anonymous said...

Don't attend any of those functions for that reason. And all the things you mentioned are sad.

Anonymous said...

Too late 7.19 Some of this department either comes in drunk or is drunk before the end of the workday.

Anonymous said...

The county still has to approve it. One of the council members told me they were going to have a work session to decide on it.

Anonymous said...

How many "youth" activities really take place at the Civic Center? Aren't the youth activities through Recs & Parks at different fields around the County? How about the huge success of Fruitland Falcons? Crown Sports offers indoor soccer and lacrosse for all ages in addition to all of their outdoor sports.

I think the "dream" of the youth & civic center is long gone. Clinging to the past, keeps you in the past, and the rest of the world passes you by. Wicomico is on the brink from all the backward thinking.

THIS IS GREAT NEWS FOR ALL OF US!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Bob Culver. These are the kinds of things that caused me to vote for you. I felt you were going to break up the entrenched status quo and try to reach for new ideas to stop the downward spiral we've been in. You've got my support and that of many people. Don't let the naysayers get you down.

Anonymous said...

While this news makes me very happy, it also makes me very angry. Why have the Matt Creamers, Rick Pollitts and Ed Bakers of the world kept this information from being made public?

What right did they have to deprive the taxpayers of potential revenue while steadily increasing taxes?

I can't believe they can get away with things like this without consequence. Isn't there anything we can do? They have reaped big paydays from the taxpayers while screwing us over. It is just not right!

Anonymous said...

If Culver was able to find this out, wonder what else has been kept from the citizens by those who lined their pockets at our expense?

Good work Bob! Expose all of them for the lying, cheating, self-serving users they are. They will try to discredit you to protect their reputations. They've already gotten their FAT pensions and payoffs. Don't worry, the people have had enough of them and will stand with you.

Anonymous said...

Nice work Bob. Keep it up! Hope this is just the beginning of a big turnaround for the county.

Anonymous said...

How could all those brainiacs be wrong all these years.? They truly are Dumbocrats!

Anonymous said...

I bet some people's heads are exploding over this news. LOVE IT!

Thanks BOB CULVER for getting to the bottom of this.

Anonymous said...

Kudos to Jim Mathias for leading this charge. It helps make up for the school board mistake.

JoeAlbero said...

Well, at least the comments we're seeing here aren't people being interviewed on television that are homeless in the park.

Anonymous said...

Hope Culver has his ducks in a row on this one. You know the good ole boys will be coming after him. This makes them look stupid or worse.

Anonymous said...

Joe, I am 6:32, God don't get me wrong I am for this. I think that this may make some one complain about drinking then driving. I am behind this all the way. Sorry I didn't put it the right way or make you think that I didn't feel this was a good thing. Please forgive me. map

Anonymous said...

This is exciting news. Would be great to have some better shows come to town.
Sounds like it could help our economy too.

Anonymous said...

Yep the local scam media wouldn't have the balls to interview a real person but there good at asking the idiot Millennials clueless questions.

Anonymous said...

to all those who are horrified about beer and wine at the civic center. i guess you don't go to any shows or concerts that serve it, or to restaurants, or Ravens, Orioles, Redskins, Wizards, Nationals, SHOREBIRDS. get the point?

Steve said...

Thank God we have Bob Culver, instead of that other jerk.

Anonymous said...

Maybe we can get some of the good wrestling matches back there like years ago. Maybe some boxing matches be nice.Years and years of hassle and now its almost there with very little slight makes you think what the hell was going on before.

Anonymous said...

Good work Bobby. I know change isn't popular especially with those who have been slopping from the troughs for years and years. But the people will support you. They are sick and tired of the status quo.

Anonymous said...

What the crap was Ed Baker doing at the GOB today? I have been seeing him more and more.

Anonymous said...

Wow this is the best thing that could ever happen for future growth and more things to do in Salisbury/Wicomico County. I must say that Bob Culver has done a great job as the county Exec the last 15 months, as has Governor Hogan. And Senator Jim Mathias has been good working with both sides this session. This and the bill he pushed through for to increases liquor competition in Worcester County are both great for the local economy.

Anonymous said...

Oh didn't you hear, dummy Cannon wants to hire him as the council's attorney.

Anonymous said...

Cold Coors Lite coming to the civic center.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Anonymous said...

Ed baker a backstabbing Rick politt loving POS.

Anonymous said...

More wine for my soldiers !!

Anonymous said...

Cannon the slumlord.

Anonymous said...

Joe, I'm not against selling alcohol at the Civic Center but I am for honoring someone's wish. If you check your post from June 4, 2011 written by George Chevalier(a man I respect and who is greatly missed), read his last comment about the selling of alcohol at the CC and the county. More questions should be asked about this and a copy of the deed should be printed in full so there is no misunderstand of this situation. Thanks.

JoeAlbero said...

7:38, If you read the language we have provided in this Post, the Family clearly recognized that times had changed over the years and had no issue relieving the County from that restriction.

County Executive Bob Culver cannot and should not be blamed for recognizing the ability to do what Pollitt should have done 10 years ago.

Heck, go back to every Council since 1971 for not recognizing the restriction had been lifted.

The fact that so many acts refuse to come to the Civic Center because they do not serve alcohol shows that the County cannot compete. This is an exciting opportunity for the County and will create RELIEF from taxpayers having to pay for the Civic Center losses every year.

Mr. Culver is NOT going against the Family's agreement. The Family REMOVED the demand years ago.

Anonymous said...

Can someone tell me what the distance is allowed as far as selling alcohol within so many feet of a church/school? I know for a fact the original entrance to the Shorebirds stadium was to face Hobbs Road, directly across from the church/ school located there. The whole thing was turned and built so the entrance was located on the other side. Just wondered how this would affect the Civic Center with Wicomico High School being so close.

Anonymous said...

Wait and see...lawsuit to follow, regardless of "history".

Anonymous said...

Still should not violate the original agreement with the donors. Simply wrong. This has been operating procedure for a long time and the County could have planned for another facility. But as we all are aware this county cannot plan its way out of a wet paper bag. Sour grapes - yes! As soon as my kids are done with the school I done with this garbage. The city and county are both trash.

JoeAlbero said...

8:56, Thank God you're not in politics.

Yeah, spend $50,000,000.00+ on a new building to stick to an agreement that was void 45+ years ago.

Culver has performed like a LEADER, unlike Pollitt, a coward.

Anonymous said...

I need a drink after reading all this crap. Wake up.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Still should not violate the original agreement with the donors. Simply wrong. This has been operating procedure for a long time and the County could have planned for another facility. But as we all are aware this county cannot plan its way out of a wet paper bag. Sour grapes - yes! As soon as my kids are done with the school I done with this garbage. The city and county are both trash.

April 3, 2016 at 8:56 AM

I agree with you!

Anonymous said...

Now lets get that Hockey team !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beer and Hockey go great together. We are finally getting out of the 60's

Anonymous said...

Pollitt was a fat blotted spend the kids parents tax $ same as the Witch Laura Mitchell.

Anonymous said...

Were Ed Baker and Gary Mackes that clueless that they did not discover this loophole?

Anonymous said...

The Civic Center building is 1,200 feet from the Wicomico High School building. The parcels are only separated by Glen Avenue a public road. What is the legal required distance that would prohibit alcohol sales within a certain distance from a school? Was this ever considered?

JoeAlbero said...

3:14, The law states 500 feet from front door to front door. End of story here.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Joe

Anonymous said...

My husband and I are BIG ice hockey fans and wondered why the civic center wouldn't allow alcohol sales as this would bring more events and people to patronize the civic center. Currently, the SU ice hockey team (yes they have one) has to travel to Harrington, DE and claims it their home ice. Not only could you have minor league hockey, but you could also have SU, college championships and youth hockey tournaments as well. This requires out of towners to maybe get a hotel and definitely eating out, also stimulating the economy. I am happy this bill seems to be gaining momentum. My husband is also a referee and travels as far away as Philly to ref. He has also been an off ice official for a minor league team. This is very exciting news! Thanks, Joe!

Anonymous said...

It's not to have fun. It's a must if Wicomico county wants to get out of the slump they are in. This will bring revenue. They serve alcohol at Chuck E. Cheese for crying out loud!