EXPLORING MUNICIPAL WIRELESS

Island life is about not being tied down, especially in a resort community like Ocean
City. So, to truly set us free, the City of Ocean City is exploring the possibility of going wireless.

Having a municipal wireless network with coverage for the entire island would benefit everyone: residents, businesses,
visitors, City employees, and the schools. The network would be a service provided by the City, not a communication
company. It makes sense for a municipality to provide a universal internet connection because it is a utility type service
like water, trash and recycling collection, road maintenance, and emergency services, with the same service for everyone.

Municipal wireless bridges the digital divide, enhances communication and education opportunities, enables people
to manage finances and make purchases online, and even opens up home health care to the possibility of distance
monitoring. In addition to all of the great services that going wireless provides, it actually makes economic sense for
the City of Ocean City.

A wireless network will enable Ocean City to expand economic development and control the cost of local services.
Wireless allows the City to save on cell phone usage, T-1 lines, and it adds efficiency. By maximizing connectivity,
there are a variety of ways to enhance education, library services, and emergency management services.

A Business Plan should be completed in April 2007 and a solicitation for vendors is expected to be released during the
summer of 2007. The feasibility study is being sponsored by the Ocean City Library. This schedule puts Ocean City on
track to have wireless coverage by early 2008.

Wireless will differentiate Ocean City from other resorts. Hotels and motels will be able to market this service. Likewise,
the City parks, beaches and boardwalk will offer wireless services. Wireless is one of many steps that Ocean City is
taking to enhance the economic viability of this resort community.

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RESIDENTIAL ZONING

A major shift in the way the City views residential zoning resulted from the Master Plan review in 2000. Prior to that time, the residential zoning plan was based primarily on lot sizes and land use. However, in response to public concerns regarding the compatibility of new buildings, zoning has become more cognizant of the existing streetscape and building design. As a result of this context-sensitive approach to zoning, several residential areas have been rezoned into discrete neighborhood zones. Examples of these Neighborhood zones include the Gardens, Merion Park, Neel, Ocean City Homes, the Riviera and Stenton Place. Zoning controls in these Neighborhood zones regulating building size are unique to the individual areas and are intended to improve the compatibility of new buildings.

Although these measures have been effective in improving the compatibility of new development in identified neighborhoods, there are other areas where this level of analysis is needed. The diversity in the way the City has developed and continued interest in redevelopment continue to present challenges to City planners. As part of the City’s continuing planning program, the Planning Board is currently preparing recommendations for revisions to the residential zoning regulations. These recommendations will simplify terms and definitions, provide consistent building standards in all zones, reduce building mass, enhance landscaping, and generally improve the compatibility of infill development. A revised zone plan for the North End Neighborhood Zone is also anticipated.

Prior to adoption, the City will convene informational meetings to inform the community and obtain public input in regard to these proposed zoning changes
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