Formalization Of OC Pier Franchise Extension Underway

OCEAN CITY — Resort officials this week began finalizing the historic Ocean City Fishing Pier franchise agreement with the passage on first reading of a pair of ordinances setting the extension in motion.

Last week, Ocean City officials announced it had reached an agreement in principle with Charles “Buddy” Jenkins and his Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company to extend the franchise agreement for the pier that juts eastward from the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street. On Monday, the Mayor and Council began formalizing the pier franchise extension agreement with the approval of two separate, but related, ordinance changes on first reading.

The first piece of the puzzle is an ordinance formalizing the extension of the pier franchise agreement for an additional 25 years beyond the 10 years remaining on the initial agreement reached between the city and Jenkins’ companies in 1978. That ordinance essentially extends the franchise agreement for another 35 years and ensures the iconic amusement pier will remain in its current state for decades to come.

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