Public Meeting On OC Median Fence Design Scheduled

OCEAN CITY — Concerned citizens will have an opportunity next month to weigh in on the final design of the dune-style fence proposed for Coastal Highway at a known trouble spot for pedestrian safety.

In January, the Mayor and Council approved the final design for the fence concept along the median of Coastal Highway from Convention Center Drive to Route 90. The median fence project is part of the State Highway Administration’s larger Pedestrian Safety and Connectivity Project for the often dangerous section of Coastal Highway, and while on the surface it appears to accomplish the goal of improving pedestrian safety with a uniquely Ocean City median fence, not everyone was entirely pleased with the final design when it was approved in January.

The design approval in January set in motion a timetable that could have the fence installed by the start of the 2017 summer season, but an important next step in the process is a public meeting conducted by SHA to present the final design to the public and answer any questions or concerns. Mayor Rick Meehan announced on Tuesday that meeting has now been set for March 22 at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center beginning at 6 p.m.

“There have been a lot of comments and some have concerns and some have different ideas,” he said. “We want to make sure everybody has a chance to weigh in.”

Meehan said SHA officials would be on hand at the March meeting to present the project.

“We’re encouraging anyone who wants to voice an opinion or comment on this project to attend this meeting,” he said. “They will have individuals there from State Highway to answer specific questions and have exhibits throughout the room so everybody will know exactly what that is going to look like.”

More