Joe
Regarding the Daily Times' Thursday story about $1.04 million being allotted by the gov. to fund the proposed Westside park. So please tell us how money has already been allocated when the county council has never, to my knowledge, (publicly) voted to support the proposed site (a requirement before funds are solicited), which is just down the road from the original proposed site that Pollit rejected. Fineran had "no comment on any ongoing negotiations"
What??? Don't you set a price and ask for funds BEFORE they are allocated AFTER negotiations???? Whats going on here. Pollitt assured those at the last meeting no decisions had been made, and no further information has been provided. And why, this time, was only one public meeting held....fears that the public would again overwhelming oppose it, I presume. All of this has apparently been done in the dark between Gary Mackes, Pollitt, and perhaps the council. I just don't think such a specific allocation is legal unless the county has secretly endorsed it already. At any rate, neighbors don't want it, the majority of those who speak and spoke at past meetings felt it was unneeded, and at any rate, the money is not going away. In fact, despite the current economic crisis, the Guv DID NOT TOUCH any Program Open Space Funds in his cuts and cutbacks. They continue to accrue and did not lose a penny.
The funds, based on real estate sales, are earmarked by county and are not a "use it or lose it" deal. In this economic climate, I find it hard to believe a better piece of property at a cheaper price can't be found. Word is (mentioned at the hearing) the area where the park is now proposed on Levin Dashiell Road failed perc tests when the owner tried to build some houses. So how was it valued at over a mil for 100 acres, if it cant be built on? Farmland value only. And this is being pushed through while the county's Comprehensive Plan appears poised to call for more farmland preservation. The whole deal stinks and we do not need this park.
Could the money perhaps be used instead to develop a truly needed boat ramp and marina at "Pirate's Cove" on Whitehaven Road. That property too was bought with Open Space funds a decade ago but never developed. Lets finish that first, eh? I hope this unneeded, intrusive proposed park--to be plopped into a quiet, rural, poorly-roaded site--can still be defeated.
Tom Leonard
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
12 comments:
All it was an allocation of open space funds for a park on the West side.
It was all done quite publicly in Annapolis.
Get off your conspiracy horse and get some facts...how bout simply calling Pollitt's office?....that would have taken you less time than your post.
As a state employee on furlough leave today, I am offended that my family has to do without while another unwanted park is going to be built. This should tell folks about how Martin O'Malley is doing as governor of Maryland.
Noone wants a park on the westside of town. We dont need the traffic or want you creeps coming near my place of residence. Keep all the homies away from the westside its the last frontier.
This county just never learns their lesson. My oh My. More things to surface 2 years from now to clean the slate.
Did this happen behind closed doors?
Tell me it ain't so.
As a property owner who resides near the proposed park site I was glad to see the county go forward with the park. I too was at the public hearing in the Fall and not everyone there was opposed to the idea of a park for westside residents to enjoy. I would much rather have a park for the public to enjoy over another housing development. Now I hope the Wicomico Parks and Recreation Department gives the residents some input on what activities and equipment should be in the park.
Well Mr. Mackes, anon 9:13 am--I assume that's who wrote this--you are wrong on two counts. One, the press release cited in the Daily Times, from the Governer's office, specifically cited purchase of land on Levin Dashiell Road, not simply an "allocation of open space funds for a park on the Westside," as you say. And two "done quite publicly in Annapolis" is a far cry from "done quite publicly near Hebron in the area of the park with multiple public hearings," as should have happened. I'm sorry, most of us were making a living that day and anyway, it was never publicized. Perhaps you failed to mention to the governor the overwhelming opposition. Go ahead, set a special yea or nea vote on the park...I'm not afraid of the results--are you? Obviously those who took this secretive action are.
I live within a 1/2 mile of the proposed site and am in favor of this park. It is about time that the county recognizes the needs of the westside.
I was in attendance at the public meeting and spoke in favor of the project. Others did the same so please don't say that ALL are opposed.
The westside has enough housing developments already. Hebron schools are way overcrowded as it is and Mardela Middle/High cannot take anymore students.
What is needed is a park, not another development. I applaud the county in using this area for good use. Great access from Rt. 50
Here's a great new and appropriate name for the proposed park: "Field of Schemes." The scheme this time was to do virtually everything behind the public's back, forcing Gary Mackes' will down our throats. A good lawsuit over procedural errors in the land acquision should end this boondogle. What exactly is there to hide, anyway? If you are opposed, contact the governor at http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/
This park has been needed for years and I am glad that our elected officials are stepping up to the plate and getting it done. Those of us on the westside have paid into this fund for years. It is about time. It is a shame that a few neighbors are so close minded. This park will reduce traffic - we won't have to drive all the way across the county to take my kids to their games.
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