Many Wicomico County residents know that Mr. Cannon’s family has rental properties in Salisbury. Some may know that they also have undeveloped land, much of which has development potential. Land formerly owned by his parents is now part of the big-box shopping mecca on Route 13, north. Much of their real estate has been transferred into various entities known as limited liability companies (“LLC’s”) for business and possibly tax reasons. Thus, many of the properties are no longer listed on the tax rolls in their individual names.
Not many folks know about the land on Gordy Mill Road, which runs from Delmar toward Rum Ridge Road, where it ends. Two parcels totaling about 225 acres located on opposite sides of Gordy Mill Road were deeded by Mr. Cannon’s father in 2005 to “REPC LLC,” a limited liability company that lists its address in the Land Records and tax rolls as 106 W. Circle Avenue (the “Cannon Building”) in Salisbury. The deed by Robert E. P. Cannon recites that “this Deed transferring title to the hereinbelow described real property is in exchange for his interest as owner of the Limited Liability Company.” The property conveyed by that deed is described in a table designated Exhibit A, which lists numerous parcels by street address, including 30875 and 30950 Gordy Mill Road. Those specific properties are designated as Parcels 98 and 80, respectively, on County Tax Map 21.
Now, at this point you may wonder why this is significant, so consider that the land on Gordy Mill Road is zoned in the County’s “Town Transition” district on the northwest side of Rum Ridge Road, which is an intermediate category for land located between municipal boundaries of Delmar and the more outlying agricultural (“A-1”) zoning district located on the opposite (southeast) side of Rum Ridge Road. The Town Transition zoning district allows for residential development with half-acre lots or, with community water and sewer service, 8,000 square foot lots (4-5 lots per acre, with streets).
It’s uncertain how much of that land can be developed, but the USDA soil maps indicate that only a small part of it along streams at the parcels’ periphery definitely cannot be developed. The total acreage capable of development could be sufficient to support the cost of on-site water and sewer “community systems” to get that density bonus of 3+ units per acre. The property appears to have significant development potential and related value for that purpose. Then there’s the potential of annexation into the Town of Delmar and even higher density development.
Whatever the current value, it will surely be increased if the nearby land in the A-1 agricultural zoning district is downzoned to no longer allow “cluster subdivisions” or significantly limit such development. One of the main goals of the downzoning is to direct future residential development from the agricultural A-1 district to toward the towns and areas such as those on Gordy Mill Road.
It is incredible that John Cannon may not actually violate the County’s ethics code by voting to either curtail or completely eliminate cluster development in the A-1 district. That code prohibits acts by County officials that “to their knowledge, would have a direct financial impact on them, their spouses or dependent children or a business entity with which they are affiliated, as distinguished from financial impact on the public generally.” But, the County’s weak ethical standard does not make an official’s action acceptable in the court of public opinion.
And that’s where Mr. Cannon would be tried if he decides to continue his political career beyond the end of his current term on the County Council. Even if the Mr. Cannon’s family members or their LLC’s own land in the agricultural district that will be reduced in value for development by the downzoning, if he votes to adopt it his action and the facts mentioned above won’t be forgotten.
But don’t wait until then the next election – let all the County Council members know what you think, now. Contact the Council Office: Phone: 410-548-4696; Fax: 410-548-7872; e-mail: mcreamer@wicomicocounty.org
Ask that you message be provided to each member as soon as possible.
Not many folks know about the land on Gordy Mill Road, which runs from Delmar toward Rum Ridge Road, where it ends. Two parcels totaling about 225 acres located on opposite sides of Gordy Mill Road were deeded by Mr. Cannon’s father in 2005 to “REPC LLC,” a limited liability company that lists its address in the Land Records and tax rolls as 106 W. Circle Avenue (the “Cannon Building”) in Salisbury. The deed by Robert E. P. Cannon recites that “this Deed transferring title to the hereinbelow described real property is in exchange for his interest as owner of the Limited Liability Company.” The property conveyed by that deed is described in a table designated Exhibit A, which lists numerous parcels by street address, including 30875 and 30950 Gordy Mill Road. Those specific properties are designated as Parcels 98 and 80, respectively, on County Tax Map 21.
Now, at this point you may wonder why this is significant, so consider that the land on Gordy Mill Road is zoned in the County’s “Town Transition” district on the northwest side of Rum Ridge Road, which is an intermediate category for land located between municipal boundaries of Delmar and the more outlying agricultural (“A-1”) zoning district located on the opposite (southeast) side of Rum Ridge Road. The Town Transition zoning district allows for residential development with half-acre lots or, with community water and sewer service, 8,000 square foot lots (4-5 lots per acre, with streets).
It’s uncertain how much of that land can be developed, but the USDA soil maps indicate that only a small part of it along streams at the parcels’ periphery definitely cannot be developed. The total acreage capable of development could be sufficient to support the cost of on-site water and sewer “community systems” to get that density bonus of 3+ units per acre. The property appears to have significant development potential and related value for that purpose. Then there’s the potential of annexation into the Town of Delmar and even higher density development.
Whatever the current value, it will surely be increased if the nearby land in the A-1 agricultural zoning district is downzoned to no longer allow “cluster subdivisions” or significantly limit such development. One of the main goals of the downzoning is to direct future residential development from the agricultural A-1 district to toward the towns and areas such as those on Gordy Mill Road.
It is incredible that John Cannon may not actually violate the County’s ethics code by voting to either curtail or completely eliminate cluster development in the A-1 district. That code prohibits acts by County officials that “to their knowledge, would have a direct financial impact on them, their spouses or dependent children or a business entity with which they are affiliated, as distinguished from financial impact on the public generally.” But, the County’s weak ethical standard does not make an official’s action acceptable in the court of public opinion.
And that’s where Mr. Cannon would be tried if he decides to continue his political career beyond the end of his current term on the County Council. Even if the Mr. Cannon’s family members or their LLC’s own land in the agricultural district that will be reduced in value for development by the downzoning, if he votes to adopt it his action and the facts mentioned above won’t be forgotten.
But don’t wait until then the next election – let all the County Council members know what you think, now. Contact the Council Office: Phone: 410-548-4696; Fax: 410-548-7872; e-mail: mcreamer@wicomicocounty.org
Ask that you message be provided to each member as soon as possible.
UPDATE: This really looks like a "done deal" -- here's the listing on the agenda for the Council meeting tomorrow:
10:40 a.m.
Edgar A. Baker, Jr., County Attorney:
Adoption: Legislative Bill 2009-5-Agricultural Standards
Adoption: Legislative Bill 2009-5-Agricultural Standards
52 comments:
The cynicism implied by this posting goes to show certain political factions of this county have no faith in government acting on behalf of the people to do what is right. If Cannon supports this bill it is because he does not believe the taxpayers of Wicomimco county should have to fork out their hard earned dollars to cover the expenses of development in rural districts of our county. It would be because he supports maintaining agriculture as the number 1 industry in the county. It would be because he believes the law should be fair to agriculture and not give a handout to the development industry. It may also be that he knows the majority of the people in this county support this bill, and that as a smart politician he would side with the majority of voters, which includes both major political parties.
If John Cannon does not support this bill, it is because a small, wealthy and vocal fringe group of special interests have threatened to discontinue their financial contributions to his candidacy.
Alongside this posting should be a list of Mr. Cannons campaign contributors and what their stance is on this bill. That would dramatically help clear the picture of what is about to occur.
This is enough to do a recall, and I hear that he wants to be the County Exec.
Can the county have a weaker ethics law than the state? What does the state say about it?
There is no surprise here. Cannon has no honor if he did he would have long ago made the people aware of this situation.
11:22-
No matter what color glasses you use, he's got a conflict of interest that's a mile wide and a mile deep!
Whoever contributed to his campaign several years ago is beside the point.
Interesting thought of 11:22. Maybe the people in Wicomico County and not just the landowners would be willing to put money toward perserving the land as open space. That is after all what the environmentalists are interested in. They only give lip service to wanting to preserve agriculture. CBF has been on the attack of farmers for as long as they have been organized. Cannon should put forth legislation that every citizen in Wicomico County puts 35% of their retirement forth to "save the farmer". Right, then Cannon wonders why he is dispised by those he is willing to take from. What a laugh.
What's that old song:
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer . . .
During the election I was continually told to not vote for John Cannon because he was the biggest slumlord in the county. Now I learn he also owns farmland. I won't make the same mistake the next election.
If you keep searching for HONOR in politicians you will drive yourself NUTS, its not there.
Reminds me of Mike Dunn and Sassafras Meadows. Will he recuse himself now that the cat is out of the bag like Mike Dunn did after Albero exposed him as well.
The word dispicable comes to mind, instead of the Honorable John Cannon, The Dispicable John Cannon is more like it.
11:57 No he won't. Are you kidding? The man has no integrity.
Johnny Cannon: You've been blogged!
Like someone said in an earlier comment,FOLLOW THE MONEY
Joe:
Then these's McCain. He's no better than Cannon.
The scams and shenanigans never cease in Wicomico County.
YIKES!
This makes Mikey Dunn look like an amateur.
Bill McCain is possibly the worst member of the council followed by MacLeod and Sample Hughes.
Saturday Cannon was at the little league opening. Irreton got a huge response from the crowd. Cannon had about 11 little girl softball players clapping. I guess they see eye to eye. This guy is a real piece of dung. maybe all the council should give up thier pay and lets just call it even. Just furlough them until the next election. Oh thats right they control the mney that will not happen.
Wanna bet that right now Cannon is beseiged by calls from the NIMBY's like Pretl, Groutt, Burnett, Stribling and Johannson urging him not to abstain, which probably would mean defeat for this ridiculous legislation?
its simple math. if this bill passes Cannons land wil be worth a lot more, possable 600 building lots, farmers land 1 lot/ 3 acres to 1 lot/ 15 acres worth a lot less. funny how cannons ag land is already signed up for anexation. hold your head high Cannon, possable 600 rentals WOW
Now we can understand why John Cannon is in favor of the property tax revenue cap!
I'm not sure if McCain is worse at being a councilman or a softball coach, but he sucks at both.
This guy has been gleaning special considerations foor years. Is he not the same guy who blocked the proposed entrance to the mall because of concern over property values of land he owns near it? just another person born on third who thinks he hit a riple.
The Cannon brothers have compiled an astounding record in elective office. John's brother, Bob, Jr., was on the Salisbury City Council and helped to stifle any form of landlord licensing during his term, and also voted to repeal the City's impact fee.
Does anyone know if the Cannon family owns any more farms or other land in the County that is zoned for residential development?
What about Mr. McCain. In his business there must be clients who stand to make out like bandits if the cluster development is reduced in the ag. district.
Exactly what I was thinking, another Mike Dunn! POS
Are the parcels of land on Gordy Mill Rd. the ones with the burned out house and the one falling down?
Could these parcels be annexed without annexing all the land between Delmar corporate limits and these two?
OK now the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. It's no surprise that real estate appraisers can manipulate the figures to inflate the value of property. Let us not forget that McCain tried to sell the county residents on farmland that would not perk for a park in Hebron for $18,000.00 an acre. He used a golf course in delaware as a comp. The people didn't fall for it. When one man got up and offered to pay for an appraisal for the same property by a reputable appraisal company which would rebut McCains statements of worth for that property, the issue went dead. They moved on to another property.
Now we have a "Save the farmland" bill championed by McCain among others. Cannon will without doubt be the tie breaking vote as the council president since this plan to infringe upon the personal property rights of others has split the council right along party lines. His vote in favor of this bill will help McCain get his bill through. This in turn will make the environmentalists very happy. These environmentalists will without doubt contribute to McCains campaign next year to the extent possible and will assist him in getting the financial support of others who support the environmental groups. In turn for this "favor" McCain's firm will be more than happy to appraise the land owned by the Cannons and listed in this post. I'm certain that the land will appraise high and they will be able to use that figure to obtain financing to build what ever they want when ever they want. Yes......this is a good bit of investigative reporting that should cause Cannon to recuse himself from the vote. Truth be known, if Robert Cannon hadn't placed this property in an LLC - meaning if the property had been purchased by the LLC from someone unrelated to the Cannons- it would have been impossible to find the names of the owners of the LLC's and the Cannons would not have been implicated at all.
If this bill is signed into law, the value of farmland will drop and the value of undeveloped land that can be developed - like that belonging to Cannon's family - will skyrocket as this recession subsides.
John Cannon I supported you and voted for you during the last election. Now I will make it my business to do what I can to support a candidate running against you. You need to GO!
You are right. Cannon needs to GO. He has been a big disappointment.
Be sure to call your council reps they might not be reading the blogs
410 548 4696
Joe, looks like this is a classic case of if the facts don't support your argument, assassinate the character of the politician. You need to post Cannon's campaign contributors, and every other council member, as well as property holdings for ever other council member. I think its pretty funny that someone like you is accusing another of corruption over land deals when its you who has been convicted on those charges.
8 AM:
What about this fact -- in 11 years there have been only 263 lots on less than 1,000 acres in cluster subdivisions, and over half of the subdivided land is now preserved open space. Like what's the problem, NIMBY?
There were 2 petitions presented to the council regarding this bill, one signed by 140 people in opposition one signed by 1400 people in support. A 2005 survey of Wicomico voters showed 60% support protecting rural lands even if it means restricting some development. There were more speakers for the bill than against it at last monday's hearing. Maybe this bill will benefit John Cannon's interest but he was elected to represent the interests of the whole county and clearly the majority of people want this bill to pass. If Cannon or Pollit vote no it will be becuase a few people who took out risky loans on the development potential of their land and not their earning potential think they will lose money are threatening to ruin him if he passes it. It will look to me like an unnecessary government bailout of these few land owners and the irresponsible bankers that gave the loans. Really, how will Cannon or Pollit justify not passing this in the face of all the public support it has? In case you all forgot this is America and the will of the majority of the people is supposed to rule not the will of the people with the majority of the money. I helped vote them into office and I will do my best to help vote them both out if they reject this bill.
although the brothers do not actually own the land , It is owned by their father and mother. They do have a sister as well who is also in the loop of the company. I have worked for the Cannon family in the past and they are snakes in the grass and when you call them slum lords the title fits them very well. Most of the house they own in Salisbury and surrounding areas are dumps that just barely make section 8 ratings. Keep in mind they also own property in other parts of Maryland. The two brothers need watching closely they're like buzzards just waiting for the right moment to pounce on the prey makes no difference the prey is dead.
Mr. or Ms. 8 o'clock:
What does Joe's situation have to do with this, even if it is what you say (which it isn't)?
And what is your name -- Pretl, Groutt, Burnett or Stribling?
Funny that you don't mention that Gail Bartkovich's son in law is one of the Rinnier developers or that Joe Holloway is subdividing his dad's farm and looking to sell a farm of his wife's for development.
Ahhhh wait, they are voting on your side so there's no need to share that info, huh?
Joe:
This is another great post -- facts that the local media would not touch if they even knew about them.
8:20-
But they didn't pass the current code and are not trying to change it in a way that would benefit them or their family, like John Cannon seems to be trying to do.
Isn't Ms. Barkovich against the downzoning change in the code? How would that help help the Rinniers if it's already that way???
That should be a "Cannon Deal" instead of a "done deal" -- but they are the same thing anyway.
-9:32
Typically developers buy the land from a farmer for 10% over ag land value then develop. If this change is passed then developers (like Rinnier) will be forced to pay fair market value for residential land instead of ag land prices. The whole idea that a farmer gets the development value of his land is a farce. Unless the farmer pays to have the plats, surveys, perks and roads then all he will get is ag land value. The middle man and developer are the only ones who profit from developments in the A-1 district.
Thank you 10:19, unfortunately the fringe elements on this website don't really care about the facts as long as there is a pipe dream conspiracy theory to drum up. If this bill fails, farmers are screwed.
RE: 10:19 Post
I'm a farmer and you need a psychological examination if you think that farmers are screwed if this legislation fails to pass.
They really will be screwed if this legislation passes.
Case-in-point. . .the G-7 is already mad at the US for the current discriminatory farm policy at banning imported grain by artificially propping-up domestic grain prices. The US farm subsidy bill is opposed by virtually every developed nation of the world with exception to the US. Moreover, if they - (G-7) decides to embark on making the Euro or Yuan the chief trading currency who do you think they'll target first for protectionism.
You guessed-it. . US because of the current US farm subsidy program propping up US grain prices. If the US decides to discontinue the subsidies due to foreign pressure you'll soon find out who's been royaly screwed.
Abandon the US farm subsidy program - coupled with downzoning, the farmer won't be able to give his or her property away as the taxes will become a burden. If the farmer decides to farm. . he's in for a rude awakening when grain prices drop 10 fold as a result of decoupling from US currency.
The farmer had better wake-up and try and kill this legislation.
Farmers should sell their land and do it fast. You farmers are nothing but a lot of wellfare recipients and crybabies that couldn't turn a profit off a winning lottery ticket. Why don't you get rid of your land and sell to a developer who can actually add some value to it.
What's the zoning on the Canon's and McCain's land?
3:38 -
See the post for info on the Cannon's land on Gordy Mill Road.
joe holloway would sell the pennies out of a dead mans eyes.
How is this differant from any other developer who was on council. WHY THE HELL do you think thye want to be on the council to help?
Its so they can bend rules get the heads up to make money on everyone.
Who was it who bought all the farm land cheap before bypass was put in. Got off council after wards to make it look legal?
Disgusted.
8:15 to answer your question ...." Really, how will Cannon or Pollit justify not passing this in the face of all the public support it has?"
Very easy! We are a nation of laws. If the public supported the lynching of someone without a trial...should it be carried out? NO! There is due process. If you think that this legislation is covered under the 5th amendment - your wrong. There has been no just compensation. This type of legislation is overturned in court when the landowners aren't compensated. This is the absolute taking of property rights from the rightful owners. That is why they MUST NOT pass this legislation regardless of the public support.
Listen clearly Cannon and Pollitt. If you want to exercise control over the property of another - BUY IT! See this:
http://www.law.fsu.edu/journals/landuse/vol19_1/richardson.pdf
Pollitt and Cannon are singing Woody Guthries old song "This land is MY land, this land is your land." "We'll take it from you, to lend a hand - "Me"
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