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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Smith Island releases its Vision Plan for a thriving and resilient future

When the State of Maryland surveyed residents of Smith Island last year about their hopes for the future, the responses captured both their deep love and concerns for their home — Maryland’s last inhabited island in the Chesapeake Bay reachable only by boat. One resident said of his life on Smith Island: “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Another wondered how Smith Island might be made more attractive to outsiders.

Now a newly-released Vision Plan is helping islanders navigate the challenges ahead, while preserving what matters most — a way of life and spirit of community that make Smith Island an historical, cultural and environmental national treasure.

Questions about the future of Smith Island after Hurricane Sandy prompted the nine-month Visioning process, which is seen by many as an essential first step in taking control of their future. “This process turned out to be exactly what we needed to do,” said Vision Plan Steering Committee member Eddie Somers, who admitted to being skeptical at the beginning.

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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That "plan" is standard off the shelf BS that "consultant" sells for mega bucks to the buffoons. What a waste of tax dollars.

Anonymous said...

I heard from an islander friend that the consultant was told not to mention rising sea level. How crazy is that. I guess if they ignore it it won't happen!

Anonymous said...

20 yrs and the island will be underwater. Sad but true.

Anonymous said...

their plan is on our dollar , an island that is drowning shortly.

Anonymous said...

Please relocate to West Virgina , they have the same dialect and education background. I'm moving there soon , it's a beautiful place with real people.

Anonymous said...

We need to take a lesson from China on island building.They are the worlds best at actually creating islands where none previously existed.That same technique could be used to increase island volume and elevation.

Anonymous said...

What are all those structures lined up south of Smith Isle between it and Tangier?