Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he felt the county needed to take the chance on the boat. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. When Bertino said that sort of information should have been in the commissioners packets, Higgins said hed gotten it last minute. Its a nice little cruise.. Its what I believe to be a great opportunity to take advantage of the Pocomoke River. Any new owner will have to restore it to Coast Guard (passenger vessel) standards, Pollitt said. The paddlewheel-powered vessel just concluded an extended stay at Murtech Marine in Salisbury where it underwent various renovations and repairs. From there wed talk about if they wanted to leave it here (or) if they wanted to move it somewhere else. Perlozzo said the venture represented little risk for the county because the boat was one of just nine such boats available in the United States. After spending the weekend in Pocomoke City, the riverboat will pull into Snow Hill after spending the last few months in Salisbury at the Murtech Marine to undergo various upgrades and repairs. Voyages started in August 2021 with Washington'sInc. as the operator responsible for catered cruises along the Pocomoke River. One of the things we may have missed when we acquired it is no one had experience in acquiring, preparing and maintaining a riverboat and likewise we dont have experience in selling one either, he said. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, pictured here on its maiden voyage two years ago, will be sold after the Town of Snow Hill determined it could not afford the hefty $600,000 price tag to get the 111-foot paddlewheel boat seaworthy, FILE PHOTO Gary Weber According to Snow Hill's town manager, Rick Pollitt, even keeping the boat afloat, while it sits unused, is costing the town money. I think itll be a failure.. accounts, the history behind an article. I think we can spend $250,000 on internet, magazines, TV and radio and certainly not get the bang for the buck we will if this paddlewheel boat goes up and down the Pocomoke River, he said. If we dont make a decision today we are going to lose this opportunity and if we lose it we may never get it again. Its separated, just like a regular boat with twin screws, Weber said. We want this to be what you want to do for a birthday party or what you want to do for a special occasion, Washington said. -- A decision regarding the fate of. Pruitt shares that optimism ahead of tonight's meeting. Understand how important this is for Pocomoke. -- A decision regarding the fate of the Black Eyed Susan riverboat is expected to be made at a town council meeting tonight, January 10th. All rights reserved. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Low 52F. Todd Ferrante, president of the Worcester County Board of Education, said this, OCEAN CITY Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to proceed with a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. He added, however, that what happened in Havre de Grace could not be compared to Snow Hill. He stressed that while the repairs werent anticipated, the entire riverboat project had been undertaken to help the town. Though most cruises currently on the calendar are booked, Washington said trips were being added in November and that the boat would offer Christmas parties in December. A few days prior to the start of Baltimore`s commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which was to include visits by quite a few "Tall Ships" from all over the world, I spotted an advertisement for the Black Eyed Susan`s dinner cruise (crab cakes!) Soon people will be able to cruise along the Pocomoke River enjoying food, entertainment, happy hour cruises and even guest chef evenings. On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. He echoed Bertinos concern about Scarlatos involvement. "We're just entering our budget season, we'll start meeting with the department heads and various people in town about our upcoming budget, that will be finalized by the end of March," said Pruitt. We are available for private charters or public events. In spring 2017, it moved to its new home in Havre de Grace. Gary Weber, Snow Hill town manager, said the final cost for the used vessel was $324,900, and that new boats run up to $4 million. The Black-Eyed Susan was then in year four of a five-year mandated U.S. Coast Guard inspection routine, the release explained. Cruises on the Black Eyed Susan riverboat are right around the corner. High 63F. person will not be tolerated. Threats of harming another Keep it Clean. Though Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber initially hoped to have the boat fixed up and docked in Snow Hill by mid-February, the extensive to-do list associated with bringing . The boat has spent its time most recently at the Murtech Marine in Salisbury for various repairs and renovations. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat is again out of commission. Shots fired investigation leads to police pursuit in Sussex Co. Salisbury Mayoral Candidate charged with reckless endangerment, MSP searching for Salisbury man wanted on attempted murder charges, Easton woman charged with neglecting minors. When Bertino asked how many trips the boat would take to make money, Weber said the ticket cost would depend on what type of trip was offered. I think this is a venture thats going to be a big gain for the county.. Low 52F. When all was said and done, after a tremendous presentation I wish our folks had done that today the city council came to the conclusion it didnt work for them because there were still, as detailed as the presentation was, they still had questions they couldnt answer.. Higher wind gusts possible. The partial repairs allowed the riverboat to be a floating, docked venue without river cruises. Town officials say, the boat comes just in time for summer. Theres a little learning curve, he said. Less than eight months after the much-anticipated 111-foot paddlewheel took its maiden voyage as the Town of Snow Hill's new marquee attraction, the United States Coast Guard has thrown a bucket of cold water on the town's 2022 ambitions. State and county officials attended a celebratory ribbon-cutting for the river boat Aug. 12. Black Eyed Susan Riverboat slated to bring tourism and business to the town of Snow Hill June 15, 2021 Jordie Clark SNOW HILL, Md. The fate of Snow Hills woebegone Black Eyed Susan riverboat has yet to be decided, but one thing is certain it wont be an anchor around the necks of the towns taxpayers much longer. We are a tourist attraction, he said. The Black-Eyed Susan, the 149-seat riverboat purchased in 2020 with a loan from Worcester County, has been at Murtech Marine in Salisbury since the fall undergoing repairs. When he asked Weber whether the boat had been making many trips and whether it was usually full of passengers, Weber said he didnt know. You have permission to edit this article. The town purchased the riverboat in 2020 using a combination of grant money and loans fromthe county and state. A Coast Guard inspection in Norfolk revealed extensive repairs were needed on the Black-Eyed Susan, the riverboat the Town of Snow Hill purchased in 2020. After spending some time in Salisbury for upgrades and repairs, the boat is almost ready for a cruise. Town Council members voted 2-1 Tuesday night in favor of committing torepairs that would allow the stern-wheel paddleboat to stay in service at a reduced capacity while officials seek additional funding for a full restoration. Are you a lover of Marylands Northeastern region particularly Havre de Grace? Pollitt said Wednesday a press release from the town with more information would be forthcoming. into Baltimore`s Inner Harbor. A bevy of costly repairs and delays made it a financial boondoggle for Snow Hill. Delaware nonprofit hosts bike distribution for kids in need, 'It starts the process:' Block party event connects community with local health resources. The Black-Eyed Susan, a riverboat purchased by Snow Hill Township, was scheduled to make its maiden voyage along the Pocomoke River on Tuesday. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, This will help us build that. Its an ordeal to go long distances the boat moves very slow. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat's long and arduous journey to Snow Hill will conclude on Monday. - Submit calendar events Our river is our ticket for that, we need to utilize this river go back to history just a little bit, says Lisa Outten-Harrison, Council Member for the town of Snow Hill. The boat is meant to. It was a very nice cruise. He said while hed like to find a way to help the southern end of the county he didnt think this was it. Earlier this month, the town's mayor and three-person council unanimously moved to sell the boat that was originally slated to provide tours of the Pocomoke River and offer a dining option for visitors to the town. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism (March 26, 2021) The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, recently purchased by the City of Snow Hill, could be fully functional by mid-April, local officials said. - Follow your favorite authors On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. The boat is meant to bring tourism to the southern end of Worcester County. All rights reserved. Weber said itll be nice for himself and all those involved with seeing the project through to have the opportunity to enjoy the final product. Its not right that a county employee will benefit from this, he said. or anything. person will not be tolerated. A variety of 2.5-hour cruises are offered. Citing rising costs, supply chain issues and new emission standards, Fire Chief Richie Bowers said, SNOW HILL School system officials say theyre in the process of providing Worcester County government with budget details. He added that next season the boat would likely operate four days a week and continue to host private parties. - Create your own user profile The rear of the Black Eyed Susan. In the weeks since, the boat has stayed busy with between one and three trips a week. The town has gained a major attraction, the famous Black Eyed Susan Riverboat. Higher wind gusts possible.. A few clouds. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. At a town hall meeting earlier this month, Snow Hill Mayor Mike Pruitt and the Town Council unanimously voted to authorize Pruitt to look into selling the 149-passenger, 111-foot paddlewheel boat. Although it is not the first Snow Hill boat, the Black-Eyed Susan seats more people than the others did. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. High 63F. For many years it cruised around southern states and was eventually moved to Baltimore in the year 2000. blackeyedsusanhdg.com From 2000 to 2016, you may have spotted this paddle boat around the Inner Harbor. Washington is leasing the riverboat from Snow Hill, which took a loan from Worcester County to purchase it. We'd love to hear eyewitness He added that Lachelle Scarlato, deputy director of economic development for Worcester County, had part ownership of the LLC that currently owned the boat. SNOW HILL, Md. The Black-Eyed Susan See all things to do The Black-Eyed Susan 4.5 43 reviews #2 of 7 Tours & Activities in Havre de Grace Boat Tours Closed now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Write a review See all photos About Havre de Grace, Maryland Contact Awards Travelers' Choice 2022 Suggest edits to improve what we show. PLUS get FREE stuff! Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Todd Ferrante, president of the Worcester County Board of Education, said this, OCEAN CITY Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to proceed with a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. It seems like these things are very desirable, he said. that is degrading to another person. He says the boat has attracted a mix of tourists and locals so far. Snow Hill Mayor Jennifer Jewell said she is hopeful that the tour will attract people to the town and that they spend time in the town in addition to the riverboat trip. There will be an event to include anyone whos helped get the boat here.. accounts, the history behind an article. Snow Hill celebrates 23rd Blessing of the Combines: PHOTOS, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens is playing in Bubba Almony's Celebrity Basketball Game, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Jamie Alvarenga is a writer and editor who loves all things Maryland. Commissioner Bud Church acknowledged that he had a few concerns about the riverboat but wanted to move forward with it. The move will preserve the boat's purpose"as a tourist attraction and economic driver for the Lower Eastern Shore," according to a Thursday news release from Town Manager Rick Pollitt. The Black-Eyed Susan, the 149-seat riverboat purchased in 2020 with a loan from Worcester County, has been at Murtech Marine in Salisbury since the fall undergoing repairs. While Washington is pleased with the councils decision, he said he would have also stood by elected officials if theyd thought it was best to sell the boat. Were told the boat will hold cruises along the Pocomoke River, in hopes of bringing more tourism and business to the area. Despite all the troubles that have befallen the town since purchasing the riverboat in 2020 the latest was a $600,000 price tag for repairs ordered last spring by the US Coast Guard there is still hope that someone can turn the vessel into an attraction for the lower Eastern Shore. Gary Weber, Snow Hills town manager, asked the commissioners to consider how much the riverboat could benefit the southern portion of the county. Captains capable of steering the boat up and down the river are busy, and Washington said cruises were currently limited by their availability. When he asked to see the boats past financials, Weber said theyd been requested from Havre de Grace but had not been received. The Black Eyed Susan is a paddlewheel driven riverboat that was built in 1986. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, which for months has been docked on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. That price tag is why at tonight's meeting, the towns mayor, Michael Pruitt, is going to seek permission to sell it. Use the 'Report' link on Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Doing it on the fly I think leads to mistakes. Bertino pointed out that neither did the commissioners yet they were being asked to make a decision now.

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