By Bob Lassahn

The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors held their first regular meeting on September 21 following the election that brought new members Bill Zawacki and Ray Unger on board. All board members were present at the meeting that was lightly attended and lasted for approximately two and one half hours.

A much debated topic during the meeting was the sale of the commercial property owned by OPA fronting to Route 589. Proceeds from the sale, along with the sale of 19 residential lots are destined to finance construction of the new community center. Key to the sale of this property is a determination regarding deed restrictions to limit what might eventually be placed on the parcel currently zoned B-1 or neighborhood business.

Director Dan Stachurski stated that a decision is necessary to facilitate discussions between the selling agent and potential buyers. Among the permitted uses discussed were a hotel/motel, various business and medical office facilities and financial institutions. Two potential uses that drew criticism from board members were a funeral home, which Director Janet Kelley deemed a negative: and a hotel/motel, which Director Heather Cook felt would not be in the best interests of residents.

In the midst of the discussion OPA attorney Joe Moore interjected that he must recuse himself from further involvement in the deed restrictions since he holds an interest in the Calvin Taylor Bank. The bank has a facility occupying an adjacent parcel and certain covenants exist that could preclude a financial institution on the OPA parcel. Mr. Moore suggested that another attorney should advise OPA on further efforts toward drafting the deed restrictions.

Mr. Satchurski remained adamant that the hotel/motel usage remain. He also offered assurances that the restrictions are sufficient to eliminate the potential of a strip mall and other objectionable scenarios. He did agree to wordsmith the language to minimize concern that the restrictions were subject to interpretation.

Director Bill Zawacki questioned if the final wording to be placed in the deed restrictions would be subject to review by the board and was given assurance that would take place. When the vote was called the motion was passed by a 4-3 margin with directors Cook, Unger and Kelley opposed.

Passage allows the board to proceed with the sale, an essential step toward realizing the goal of a new community center. Later in the meeting Director Unger introduced a motion attempting to halt construction of the center pending the sale of the designated properties, but the motion failed on a 5-2 vote with directors Unger and Kelley in the minority.