You Decide!
A few days ago I spoke with both Rick Pollitt and John Cannon on the phone and asked several questions about the Crooked Oak deal. The three main questions I had were:
1) When Can I see the appraisals?
2) What did the property appraise for?
3) Why are we seeking more real estate at taxpayers expense when taxes are so high and the economy is so poor.
John Cannon, for whom I voted, told me I'd have to speak to Rick in order to get an answer to #1.
He stated that the property appraised for around $18,000 per acre. He stated that one of the "comps" used by one of the appraisers was a GOLF COURSE in Delaware! What? Yep. He also stated that Bill McCain advised that this was an acceptable comp because certain "adjustments" are made to make it a more accurate comp.
I spoke to Rick, for whom I voted, who stated that I could see the appraisals as soon as the County made a preliminary offer to the land owners and they accepted it. He stated that such an offer was not binding on the County but was binding on the owners. I asked Rick if this would be completed in time for me to receive a copy of the appraisals so that I could review them prior to the meeting on 3/25 so that the PEOPLE could make educated comments. Rick told me that he didn't see why not and that he would have someone call me as soon as they were available for review. Today, 3/24, I received a call from Jim Fineran who advised that the preliminary offer had not been signed by the involved parties, therefore the appraisals would not be available for review.
No worries y'all....I'm fairly resourceful. I've spoken to MY appraiser and I got some figures. The appraiser of whom I speak is quite familiar with the property in question. I've used this firm extensively and trust their accuracy without question. BUT, as Ron Reagan said "trust, but verify". I also contacted a real estate agent who was kind enough to complete a market analysis and, just as I suspected, both came up with figures that were similar - and WELL below the asking price per acre. I'll be providing these figures tomorrow at the meeting. Civic Center - 7:00 p.m.
I am troubled that the appraisals which were paid for with OUR money wouldn't be made available for us to see BEFORE a meeting held for public comment.
There are still many questions that need to be answered but I doubt we'll get them tomorrow. Based on what happens at the meeting, I will write an additional post which will ask these questions and perhaps get the answers we deserve. Remember this folks. This is OUR money being spent. Nuff said for now. Everyone should try to be present.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
21 comments:
I emailed the county council and Rick Pollitt today about this property and the outrageous price per acre. Joe Holloway is the only one that has responded as of this evening.
How the hell can they justify $18k per acre for FARM LAND? It won't perk so we should bail John Davis out? Just like I told them, if Gary Mackes wants to buy that land let him do so at his own expense. He costs this county far more money than he brings in to the county.
joe, keep up the good work. its ppl like you who keep the public informed with no spin.thanks and keep us up to date.
as for as jim finerran is concerned i have never heard a srt8 answer from him. typical liberal! if you ask him what time it is he would tell you how to build a clock.
As a Wicomico County taxpayer, Thank You Granddad for your hard work in this matter.
I'm confused - While I understand the financial concerns, I thought the purchase price and much of the improvements would come from Federal/State Project Open Space funds.
In other words, if we don't apply for the open space grant, another county will get the $$. Am I mistaken? If not, I don't understand the local taxpayer revolt other than for principle of the Davis' ethical questions.
I'm a Realtor and a Wicomico taxpayer and am outraged that these people are, at this uncertain time economically, plowing forward with this bad idea of a project. I hope everyone who is opposed finds the time to show up and show these "decisionmakers" how we feel tonight. Even the DT will have to report on a room full of people boo-ing. Won't they?
I live in Wicomico county near Delmar. We'd love to have some open space park land around here. I'll bet some could be found that would "perk". Just because the money for a park isn't coming directly from the pocket of taxpayers, doesn't mean that it isn't our money. I say Delmar.
WE DESERVE A PARK, TOO!
ANON 8:31
You're missing the point. It doesn't have to perk, it only has to have a seller who is a friend or political supporter of these guys. Apparently if it doesn't perk it makes it a better option.
And what about the eastside? We could use some park space over here.
The east side has Winterplace. This is a wonderful park IF you can afford the rent for the pavillion. It, as most other parks, are underutilized(sp?) wastes of taxpayer money. I am not anti-park but some reason must be used when removing land from the tax rolls. This Crooked Oak scam is already a "Dunn Deal". The taxpayers will have no say as usual. Are you listening Mr. Pollitt?
anon 8:49 You are so correct Its still who one knows and be damn the ethical impressions. The Davis's are being bailed out by Gary Mackes PERIOd. I OWN 4 ACES FACING 113 IN WORCESTER COUNTY.yOU THINK I COULD GET THAT FARM LAND APPRAISED AT 18,000$ AN ACRE.Hell I would take a lot less. Hardhead
NO, ANON 7:59
NO, NO, NO.
This is Wicomico County only Program Open Space money. It can only be used in Wicomico. Never, I repeat never, has any county program open space money been taken away or withheld. Never in the history of the program, which is funded from a tiny portion of new home sales charges. Instead, it is "banked" for use at the appropriate time BY the county. There are also separate State Program Open Space Funds but, NO, emphatically, this money does not go away if not used now. So a more reasonable price and better site is the only way to go. There is NO rush, especially in this real estate market. Unless, of course, you happen to be John Davis and family sitting on some currently unsaleable land from a bad investment.
One of the reasons given for buying this property at this price, is that, supposedly, Mr Mackes has tried for ten years to buy land for a new park on the west side and Mr. Davis was the only one to "step up" to the plate...
This is a false choice. If Mr. Mackes would run an ad, offering that kind of price for farmland on the west side, you would have to have a lottery to pick from all the offers.
This price is outrageous, its far too much land for the county, and perhaps Mr. Mackes should go back to the drawing board.
By the way, this money isn't lost if not used. It can be used on any open space project for the County. It is not a use it or lose scenario. I have confidence that Rick, John, Stevie, Joe, and Gail will make the right decision.
Anon 7:59
Funding doesn't matter -
States don't have their own money, counties don't have their own money, Federal govts don't have their own money.
All of them seize their money under threat of force from you and I, the taxpayer.
The decision has already been made. An offer to the owners has already been made. This dog and pony show to be held tonight is just a way to let the taxpayers feel as though their input means something to the council. Reality is it does not mean a thing. They've decided they will bail John Davis out of debt and we can like it or not, doesn't matter.
It will matter come election time. Are you listening Mr. Pollitt, McCain and Cannon?
To HELL with waiting for election time! It's time to start a recall for the co too{tonight!} I'm sick to death with the theft scandels and personal bail out/ripoffs under their watch. If you Polliot think forcing this scam down the throats of us co residents will go thru without incedence....Your truely mistaken! You can kiss your wasteful fat democratic spending ass goodbye!! We're already pissed about the landfill{under your watch} GO AHEAD!!! DARE US!!! We'll show Salisbury what a real recall looks like!!!
There is a beautiful park on the East side. Winterplace Park. If the County took some of the money they are looking to invest on the Westside to promote Winterplace.....wouldn't that be more beneficial? People will go where the attractions are. Why does the County continually feel we NEED something on the West side? Why not utilize what we already have and make it better then trying to have one on the east and one on the west!
THERE ARE A LOT OF APPRAISERS WHO NEED TO DO SOME HARD TIME IN PRISON!!!
If the County wants to buy land why don't they do a reverse auction?
A reverse auction is where the specifications or qualifications are laid out for everyone to see.
Then qualified property owners can register their property, and the bidding starts out HIGH & GOES DOWN UNTIL THERE IS NO MORE BIDDING!!!
This is how the federal government buys everything from multi-million dollar leases to paperclips.
What a novel idea to be open and transparent, getting the BEST DEAL for the taxpayers as possible..
So is there something in the drinking water in this area. Whatever illness has its hold on the city is now getting ready to infect the county as well? Or has it been lying dormant in the county and now starting to show symptoms. I live in the city, therefore the county also. I am tired of bullshit spending. I am bleeding dollar bills for frills in these tough economic times. PRIORITIES PEOPLE.
If the county wants a park, then maybe a philanthropist can endow some money to purchase the land and maintain it.
As another poster said--what about the land we already have that is not being utilized? But first things first. Necessities.
Nalagirl.
It would not surprise me this is a done deal. It would sadden and anger me though. Especially when we have parks that are not taken care of or used to their potential. Will this meeting be on PAC 14 tonite?
Mr. Politt---I and many others----will be mad as hell if this goes through, and my memory will last at least until the next time to vote. Stop the madness, NOW!!!!
We need to call and email our council people and insist they vote against this crap.
Bah, bah, ole mayor,Have you any wool? To pull over our little eyes. Yes Mam, yes mam 2 bags full.One for me and only me and a second one for my lords and ladies who bow and kiss my feet.As Queen of Salisbury and nursery rhyme world,I promise magic and special favors to those closest to me.I will build parks, firehouses, Irish pubs, our own distillery ,etc. that will surround my castle. Excuse me, I mean the city of Salisbury.And we will live happy for the rest of our lives.
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