Ocean City thin blue line plan hits roadblock

Ocean City received an outpouring of support when it was announced the town was painting a thin blue line along 65th Street in front of the Ocean City Police headquarters.

Mayor Rick Meehan was inspired to do the project by Ocean City, New Jersey, which painted a line during the fall of 2016.

However, towns in New Jersey who have painted a blue line in support of police officers have received letters from the Federal Highway Administration admonishing them for their use of a thin blue line on roadways.

"Our plan to paint a thin blue line on 65th Street in support of our officers is currently under review citing the recent developments in New Jersey resort towns," Ocean City Police Public Information Officer Lindsay Richard said. "There will be further discussion on this matter in the coming months."

Richard added she is certain the issue will be discussed again in upcoming Ocean City Police Commission meetings, however, she is unsure if it is on the agenda yet. The line was approved at the police commission meeting on Dec. 12, 2016 and by the whole board at the Dec. 19, 2016 regular city council meeting.

BACKGROUND: Ocean City to paint thin blue line to support police

The letters informed the New Jersey towns that per the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, the guidebook by which roads are constructed and laid out, the color blue on roads is reserved only for handicapped vehicles.

Additionally, the letter sent to these towns states the blue lines are in violation of code 3A.06 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, which states the two double lines on roads should have a discernible space between them.

The Federal Highway Administration cited safety as the reason why the thin blue lines should not be painted.

“We appreciate and understand the efforts by local governments and others that convey support for law enforcement officers," Neil Gaffney, a spokesman for the Federal Highway Administration, said in an email. "However, the yellow lines down the center of a road are meant to control traffic and modification of that marking could cause confusion, accidents and fatalities."

The Federal Highway Administration did not comment on any possible fine or punishment the town would receive if the thin blue line is painted.

While local legislators voiced support for the towns in New Jersey, Maryland officials have done the same.

Rep. Andy Harris, who represents Ocean City in congress, wrote a letter in support of the Ocean City Town Council's decision.

"During these turbulent times, perhaps more than ever, it is imperative that we show support for our law enforcement officers," Harris said in a letter. "Your initiative to paint this 'thin blue line' does just that."

However, the Federal Highway Administration's note has received push back from police advocacy groups.

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Sue Nickerson, the chapter president for the Maryland Concerns of Police Survivors, said she was disappointed and shocked at this news.

Nickerson added the thin blue line is significant of all people coming together to support law enforcement.

"When a town is proud of its law enforcement and wants to let them know they are proud there should be no fine or tax levied there," she said. "Law enforcement needs to know people are backing them up."

Staff reporters from Courier-Post contributed to this report.

rghughes@dmg.gannett.com

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