WORCESTER COUNTY, MD– Worcester County Commissioners have announced plans to use eminent domain to prevent US Wind from purchasing two seafood wholesale properties in West Ocean City’s commercial maritime harbor.
The move comes as US Wind’s parent company, Renexia SpA, looked to demolish the harbor’s only commercial seafood wholesalers, Southern Connection Seafood and the Martin Fish Company, according to a press release.
Commissioners cited several reasons for taking action, including the commercial fishing industry’s impact on the regional economy and federal fishery catch quotas which require unloading in a Maryland port.
In November, Maryland approved US Wind's tidal wetlands license application to reconstruct a pier for an Operation and Maintenance Facility in the harbor.
Officials say long-term leases with the seafood houses’ existing owners will allow them to continue serving the needs of the industry.
“If there ever was a worthy use of eminent domain, this is it,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “There is support for the actions being taken today by the Worcester County Commissioners, the Ocean City Mayor and Council, and area stakeholders, as well as an overwhelming majority of residents, businesses, and property owners, who are against US Wind destroying our commercial harbor and the resort’s viewshed.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
