After spending some time in Salisbury for upgrades and repairs, the boat is almost ready for a cruise. Prospective customers can email info@bes-snowhill.com with questions and comments. As Snow Hill's new riverboat gets 'extensive delays,' town issues voyage deposit refunds. The Black-Eyed Susan (Havre de Grace) - Tripadvisor PLUS get FREE stuff! I have no doubt in my mind this boat will pay for itself, he said. And for a small town like Snow Hill, Pollitt said it's simply too expensive. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Are you a lover of Marylands Northeastern region particularly Havre de Grace? He added that Lachelle Scarlato, deputy director of economic development for Worcester County, had part ownership of the LLC that currently owned the boat. 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. Havre de Grace, Maryland Contact Consultation with legal counsel determined it would also be expensive for the town to try to sell the Black-Eyed Susan on the open market. Its an ordeal to go long distances the boat moves very slow. They would have to get it seaworthy. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We are available for private charters or public events. Jim Washington, a longtime Snow Hill resident and restaurant manager, will be in charge of the boat including hiring captains and staff. A few clouds. I have my concerns. As a unique attraction, the Black-Eyed Susan increases visitors to our area on the Eastern Shore and we believe that as it grows in popularity and recognition, it will continue to help introduce new people to the charm that Snow Hill has to offer, Mayor Jennifer Jewell said in a statement. The Black-Eyed Susan, Havre de Grace: See 43 reviews, articles, and 37 photos of The Black-Eyed Susan, ranked No.32 on Tripadvisor among 32 attractions in Havre de Grace. The "Black-Eyed Susan" riverboat has gone through $300,000 dollars of repairs. Firefighters. Cloudy with light rain this morningthen becoming partly cloudy. Will they find balance in blue crab domain? I dont have the optimism you do, he told Weber. Mayor Pruitt said there are already interested parties. The address is 212 W. Green Street, and the meeting will be open for public comment. There was a problem saving your notification. As the town explored its options, Washington's Inc. was released from the lease agreement because the boat was not sea-worthy as the contract required. 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 Commissioner Chip Bertino was quick to ask for details regarding the proposal. "Weve got both of those interests. Black-Eyed Susan riverboat: Partial repairs OK'd to make it Snow Hill 'tourist attraction', Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. There has been a lot of (criticism) online and on Facebook that isnt accurate. The partial repairs allowed the riverboat to be a floating, docked venue without river cruises. That funding would be made up of a $100,000 Community Legacy Grant transfer as Tyson Foods in Snow Hill does not intend to take advantage of the grant it received as well as the $250,000 in CARES Act funding the commissioners previously set aside for the southern part of the county. He added that next season the boat would likely operate four days a week and continue to host private parties. The boat seems to be in good running order.. In spring 2017, it moved to its new home in Havre de Grace. Chance of rain 80%. Becoming partly cloudy after some morning light rain. All this occurred after the town sweated it out with Leonardtown to even purchase the boat in 2020. He said he couldnt speak for Havre de Grace but could show Elder the financials of the Blue Dog Caf, which had proven successful for 10 years. 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. He stressed that while the repairs werent anticipated, the entire riverboat project had been undertaken to help the town. He said the plan was for Snow Hill and Pocomoke to purchase the boat through funding from the county. I dont know if anything will come of it but thats the sort of thing Id like love to see take place to save the boat, Pollitt 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. The town purchased the riverboat in 2020 using a combination of grant money and loans fromthe county and state. Snow Hill plans to sell Black Eyed Susan | News | oceancitytoday.com - Create your own user profile Hello, adventurers! 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. It was a very nice cruise. -- A decision regarding the fate of. The paddlewheel-powered vessel just concluded an extended stay at Murtech Marine in Salisbury where it underwent various renovations and repairs. Background:As Snow Hill's new riverboat gets 'extensive delays,' town issues voyage deposit refunds. Passengers can also take lunch cruises or set up private charters. At the town's request, the Coast Guard also provided an option for the riverboat to be a floating, docked venue without river cruises, the release showed,at a cost of over $300,000. Weve got an election coming up, were going to have a mayor, two council people, then we might have a whole different slate of people. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. We just didnt have ($600,000 to spend on it). State and county officials attended a celebratory ribbon-cutting for the river boat Aug. 12. Winds WSW at 15 to 25 mph. -- A decision regarding the fate of the Black Eyed Susan riverboat is expected to be made at a town council meeting tonight, January 10th. Voyages started in August 2021 with Washington'sInc. as the operator responsible for catered cruises along the Pocomoke River. OCEAN CITY Officials say the formation of a task force could address concerns relating to a proposed sports complex. Commissioner Jim Bunting expressed objections to the proposal. "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. 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. Perlozzo said the riverboat was a unique opportunity to promote the southern end of the county as a tourism destination. Washington is leasing the riverboat from Snow Hill, which took a loan from Worcester County to purchase it. We added things that didnt get completed (earlier in the process), former Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber said. Its an asset, its an economic draw.. The Black-Eyed Susan, purchased by the town last year thanks to a loan from Worcester County, arrived in Snow Hill in early June and is now docked at Sturgis Park. Though the boat had a successful season in 2021, when the BES went to Norfolk early this year for a Coast Guard inspection thats required every five years, officials learned major repairs were needed. "We found that it's just going to be an astronomical number, that is far beyond the means of our small town to pay and to expect our taxpayers to pay," said Pollitt. } } Snow Hill's New Riverboat Now Accepting Passengers For Cruises Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Jim Washington, the riverboat's. Theres a little learning curve, he said. We are a tourist attraction, he said. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, which for months has been docked on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. I did the lunch cruise on a rainy day but found nothing but sunshine from the crew of the Black Eye Susan. Each trip along Pocomoke River on the Black-Eyed Susan lasts about two and a half hours. - Submit news tips Even after the boat is repaired, it would cost a good chunk of change to maintain. On Thursday, the Mayor and Council hosted the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to review a market and economic analysis update for a proposed sports complex next to Stephen, OCEAN CITY Resort officials this week approved a request for two new fire engines totaling more than $1.9 million. It may pass the legal test to take the $250,000 in advertising from the CARES Act but it doesnt pass the smell test, he said. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and the University of Richmond, she spent seven years with the Delmarva Media Group before joining the team at The Dispatch. Theyd been given a detailed presentation on the proposal. He added that Leonardtown officials had met last week to consider purchasing the boat. We have not had the opportunity to vet this.. More than 500 people accepted the Town of Snow Hill's invitation for an informal open house showcasing the long-awaited Black Eyed Susan riverboat on June 22. Use the 'Report' link on Black Eyed Susan boat finally paddling home | News | oceancitytoday.com Wes Moore Says he Plans to Sign Gun-Control Bills, Man Accused of Murder Brought Back to Delaware, Stabbing Incident Leads to Arrest in Laurel, Transparency Requirements for Group Health Plans. Black Eyed Susan upgraded | News | oceancitytoday.com Jewell said she anticipates customers coming from nearby towns to see Snow Hill and the boat. Be Proactive. He said the operator, who has not yet been identified, will decide what sorts of trips to offer on the boat. Itll be nice to take a ride on the boat myself. 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. How important this is for Snow Hill. 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 . Pocomoke City Manager Jeremy Mason agreed. 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. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 52F. The happy hour cruises seem to be a lot of fun, said Washington, who makes a point to mingle with passengers throughout the voyage. The 111-foot paddlewheel boat itself is nearly 33 feet tall, Weber added, with the lowest bridge itd have to pass under being 35 feet tall. Snow Hill's "Black-Eyed Susan" Riverboat Under Discussion The Black Eyed Susan Is An Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Ride In Maryland More:Snow Hill celebrates 23rd Blessing of the Combines: PHOTOS, More:NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens is playing in Bubba Almony's Celebrity Basketball Game. racist or sexually-oriented language. More:Virginia Shore residents may start getting new telephone area code. Higher wind gusts possible. - Save your favorite articles The Black-Eyed Susan was then taken in February to Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk for an extensive inspection that revealedmultiple issues with the hull, hydraulics system and paddlewheel frame, according to the release. The boat received Coast Guard approval to carry passengers Monday, according to Washington. The meal was excellent and the river cruise was interesting with . The Black-Eyed Susan, the Town of Snow Hill's riverboat, hosted its first guests in mid-August. Washington also adds, the cruises will be about two and a half hours long. SNOW HILL, Md. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and the University of Richmond, she spent seven years with the Delmarva Media Group before joining the team at The Dispatch. "I'm going to ask the council tonight to allow the town manager and our attorneys to put together a bid package," said Pruitt. Share with Us. There was a problem saving your notification. Jun 2012 Couples. Jamie Alvarenga is a writer and editor who loves all things Maryland. - Comment on articles On Thursday, the Mayor and Council hosted the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to review a market and economic analysis update for a proposed sports complex next to Stephen, OCEAN CITY Resort officials this week approved a request for two new fire engines totaling more than $1.9 million. They painted it and got the floors done.. The flowers can be used in bouquets. Pollitt, who traveled to a Norfolk shipyard last week to see the boat and reported back to the council Tuesday, said updated estimates pegged the cost of the minimal repairs at $193,000. Lord knows who else youre affecting by doing this. Its just not something that the taxpayers of Snow Hill can afford to carry.. Its all aligned.. Black-Eyed Susan riverboat: Partial repairs OK'd to make it - Yahoo! Black Eyed Susan Riverboat slated to bring tourism and business to the town of Snow Hill June 15, 2021 Jordie Clark SNOW HILL, Md. Impending Decision on the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat, Rt. (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. On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. A variety of 2.5-hour cruises are offered. Jim Washington, the riverboats operator, said he supported the towns decision regarding the boat. Chance of rain 80%. On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. The Black Eyed Susan isnt the only unforgettable tour in the Old Line State! Its separated, just like a regular boat with twin screws, Weber said. This was a revised number based on our visit with the shipyard last week, he said. 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!) Snow Hill, for the first time in probably 15 years, the mayor, the council, every department head, love respect and nurture each other every day. 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.. The Black-Eyed Susan, a riverboat purchased by Snow Hill Township, was scheduled to make its maiden voyage along the Pocomoke River on Tuesday. There were several things that we didnt have planned but got taken care of. 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. According to Snow Hill's town manager, Rick Pollitt, even keeping the boat afloat, while it sits unused, is costing the town money. The saga of Snow Hill's beleaguered Black-Eyed Susan riverboat is nearing a conclusion with the town's decision to sell it. Its what I believe to be a great opportunity to take advantage of the Pocomoke River. The boat is meant to bring tourism to the southern end of Worcester County. The recent purchase of the Black Eyed Susan Riverboat aims to bring a lot of business and revenue to the town. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. The commissioners agreed to loan Snow Hill and Pocomoke roughly $350,000 to buy the Black Eyed Susan, a 149-passenger riverboat that has been used in Havre de Grace. Though the boat seats 150 people, Washington said cruises have been reduced to 75 passengers to allow for more freedom of movement. There is no division whatsoever in our town. The town council meeting is tonight, January 10th, at 7pm in the Old Fire Hall. Firefighters. "As Proprietress of Chanceford Hall, we are excited to have the Black-Eyed Susan return to her home on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. Over the winter of 2021-22 . This story appears in the Jan. 20, 2023 print edition of the OC Today. that is degrading to another person. If that's the case, Pruitt said he'd like to have an idea of who's buying the boat within the next few months. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, The boat offers capacity to seat 100 passengers, seating on the second level and a bar where passengers can purchase beverages. 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. "There's three different factions, probably shouldn't name them yet, but there are three separate factions that have shown some interest in taking this boat off our hands," said Pruitt. Don't Threaten. - Follow your favorite authors Snow Hill boat tours The Black-Eyed Susan things to do Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. With the arrival of spring, people on the Lower Eastern Shore are asking about the status of the Black-Eyed Susan, the 149-passenger paddlewheel-driven boat with a Victorian-style interior, built in 1986 and acquired by the Town of Snow Hill last year to provide catered luncheon and dinner cruises up and down the scenic Pocomoke River. "We're paying insurance on it, we're paying to keep the electric going, we had to winterize it, there are ongoing expenses even if it sits there docked," said Pollitt. Fully stocked bars on all 3 levels. There will be an event to include anyone whos helped get the boat here.. Open House Provides Close Look At Snow Hill's New Riverboat A lot of the questions I asked, they had answers for in that presentation, Bertino said. All rights reserved. 2023 www.delmarvanow.com. When he asked to see the boats past financials, Weber said theyd been requested from Havre de Grace but had not been received. He said it would bring dozens of jobs for those in the restaurant business as well as actors and musicians. Weber left his position with the town this week. So for us here in Snow Hill to be the hub of that sort of entertainment, I think is wonderful, says Jim Washington, Operator and Caterer for the Black Eyed Susan. - Submit calendar events - Create your own user profile I think this is a venture thats going to be a big gain for the county.. The 111-foot paddlewheel boat is currently stationed at Murtech Marine in Salisbury, where it has undergone various repairs and renovations to prepare it for active use. On Tuesday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve a request for two new replacement engines. - Save your favorite articles JACK CHAVEZ / OCEAN CITY TODAY. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, which for months has been docked on the Pocomoke River in Snow Hill. - Submit classified ads Were told the boat will hold cruises along the Pocomoke River, in hopes of bringing more tourism and business to the area. The town of Snow Hill will have to wait for its famed riverboat, the Black-Eyed Susan, to return to its home port as it will undergo much-needed repairs. "We all want it to be successful at this point. - Follow your favorite authors PLUS get FREE stuff! Tickets for the boats cocktail cruise are $35 while tickets for the dinner cruise cost $65 for adults and $20 for children. Higher wind gusts possible. He said his contract with the town would be on hiatus while officials arranged for repairs and explored potential funding options. Soon people will be able to cruise along the Pocomoke River enjoying food, entertainment, happy hour cruises and even guest chef evenings. States Sports Complex Study Reviewed; Potential Task Force Eyed To Move Forward, Ocean City Council Approves $1.9M Fire Engine Purchase, Worcester BOE Working With County On Budget, OC Council Approves Property Tax Credit For Vol. A bevy of costly repairs and delays made it a financial boondoggle for Snow Hill. OCEAN CITY Officials say the formation of a task force could address concerns relating to a proposed sports complex. accounts, the history behind an article. With all due respect youre asking us for money without corresponding comprehensive information, he said. "So I assume the council will probably give the mayor the authority to look into disposing the boat.". It seems like these things are very desirable, he said. On Tuesday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve a request for two new replacement engines. A new attraction recently arrived in the Snow Hill Township, and the mayor said she hopes it will draw visitors from nearby towns. SNOW HILL Seats are filling quickly on Snow Hills new riverboat. Gary Weber Weve gotten a lot of compliments on our dinner cruise. The One Of A Kind Tiki Tour You Must Take In Maryland Before Summers End, This Sunset Wine Cruise In Maryland Is The Perfect Summer Adventure, The Boating Adventure That Will Show You A Side Of Maryland You Didnt Even Know Existed, Theres A Glowing Pumpkin Trail Coming To Maryland And Itll Make Your Fall Magical, 11 Unforgettable Tours Everyone In Maryland Should Take At Least Once, Theres A Little-Known, Fascinating Train Park In Maryland And Youll Want To Visit, The North Pole Train Ride In Maryland That Will Take You On An Unforgettable Adventure, This Dreamy Train-Themed Trip Through Maryland Will Take You On The Journey Of A Lifetime, Facebook / Black Eyed Susan Boat Havre de Grace. People with good intentions were blindsided by this whole mess, he said. That would be their option.. If you want to learn more about what the boat has to offer, or how to start making reservations, just contact the town of Snow Hill 410-632-2080. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. Its a nice little cruise.. Right now theres no set date on when it will be open to the public, but officials say it could be close to four to six weeks before its fully operational. OCEAN CITY Officials say the formation of a task force could address concerns relating to a proposed sports complex. He questioned the cost of moving the boat to Snow Hill as well as preparations associated with docking it. The Black Eyed Susan 5 reviews Unclaimed Boat Charters Closed See hours See all 21 photos Write a review Add photo Location & Hours Suggest an edit 2600 Boston St Baltimore, MD 21224 Canton Get directions You Might Also Consider Sponsored South River Boat Rentals 32 22.3 miles away from The Black Eyed Susan Michael O. said "It's perfect! I see it as a win-win not only for Snow Hill and Pocomoke but all of Worcester County, he said. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. or anything. There have been a lot of people involved in getting the boat to Snow Hill and Worcester County, Weber said. The Black Eyed Susan riverboat, pictured here entering Pocomoke City on Wednesday, will paddle into Snow Hill later this week. THE BLACK EYED SUSAN - 21 Photos - Yelp How theyve wanted something, needed something, craved something for economic development, employment, for jobs, to bring people to town so people will want to put businesses in these empty storefronts that have been sitting empty for years and years.. Voyages started in August 2021 with Washington'sInc. as the operator responsible for catered cruises along the Pocomoke River. Captains capable of steering the boat up and down the river are busy, and Washington said cruises were currently limited by their availability. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Find more here and have fun! Im kind of able to speak with everybody which is nice.. I implore everyone up here to understand that. How long these towns have been depressed economically. Washington said he is grateful for the opportunity afforded by the town government. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Sep 25, 2020 According to a story on WBOC.com, on Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 to purchase the riverboat 'Black-Eyed Susan' from the city of Havre de Grace. City Manager Terry McGean said the loss of revenue to the town would. Sign Up for the Daily Buzz E-News to receive the latest news around the area delivered to your inbox. Be Nice. They love our food, said Washington, who also operates a catering business. The Worcester County Commissioners last week told Worcester County Public Schools leadership that they wanted more details regarding the school systems $131 million budget. Riverboat in Worcester County Has Uncertain Future It wouldnt even have to leave the dock.. We are a Riverboat that offers dinner cruises, brunch, music venues from live bands to acoustic and also DJ's for a dance party. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 05/11/2022 | Snow Hill To Repair Riverboat | News Ocean City MD Bertino pointed out that neither did the commissioners yet they were being asked to make a decision now. that is degrading to another person. As far as tickets, he said prices ranged from $40 to $95 a person. You have permission to edit this article. SNOW HILL Town of Snow Hill officials voted this week to proceed with repairs to the Black-Eyed Susan.