Notices for public hearings are posted in local newspapers routinely to give citizens the opportunity to attend these meetings, where they may learn more about zoning changes, pending legislature and many other significant issues. Attendance provides an opportunity to communicate their opinions on these issues.
Far too often, the public does not utilize this opportunity. I encourage Worcester County residents -- in particular, those who live in the Ocean Pines and northern (Ocean Pines, Showell and Bishopville) election districts -- to attend a public hearing regarding the property owned by J. Burbage, located on Route 589. The meeting isscheduled for Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101. For confirmation of the agenda, call410-632-1194on Monday.
This property (along with all properties in Worcester County) was reviewed in the Comprehensive Plan, then reviewed again in 2009-10 in the Comprehensive Rezoning Plan. In both cases, it was decided this property was best suited to retain its agricultural zoning status. To change a zoning classification, there must be one of two reasons: a change in the character of a neighborhood or a mistake in the zoning designation.
I do not believe the test has been met to support a change in taking this property from an agricultural (A-1) status to a commercial (C-2) status.
Should the rezoning occur, consider that what is stated for intended use may not occur. The approved usage includes retail business, personal service businesses, restaurants, convenience stores, bars, night clubs, general and professional offices, bowling alleys, arcades, theaters, funeral homes, veterinary clinics or kennels including outside pens and runways, gas stations and self-storage facilities.
Also consider the future impact to traffic and the community surrounding this property.
I hope citizens will contact their County Commissioners representatives to express their views and more importantly, show up at this public hearing. While minds may have already been made up, if you don't make your opinions known, it will be assumed they voted on the change appropriately, reflecting the desires of their constituency.
Linda Busick
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
6 comments:
Burbage will get what he wants! Anyone want to take a wager? He has a couple commisioners in his pockets! JB
Thanks for the heads up, Ms Busick. Is there ever a good reason for changing the zoning of a property? The owners purchased it knowing the zoning, didn't they?
Just Say NO to rezoning unless the surrounding property owners and those in close proximity agree. They are the ones who could be negatively affected.
The Casino is there now, no way to stop progress. The zoning will be changed. JB is right, Burbage will get whatever he wants. except water and sewer down 611, at least for the forseeable future.
Jack Burbage: "Jump"
Bud Church: "How high, Jack?"
Thanks for the heads up Linda...and I hope this DOES NOT happen..just because your last name if Burbage...doesn't mean you get what you want...do the right thing Commissioners..
If the Commissioners decide in favor of this it can and should be very easily challanged. The public record would have to be stated and that would be done in the statements made at that specific hearing. Ther is no way this would be held up in Maryland zoning law. You cannot take a piece of Agricultural land and rezone it to Commercial. It was not considered to be Commercial in the Comprehensive plan and would probably fail when challanged . BUT, this has to begin with the statement s in the hearing itself. If someone is opposing this an Attorney experienced in this should be retained to follow the process in the State of Maryland
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