I believe the Town Council should delay the public hearing on—and a vote to adopt—the draft 2026 Easton Comprehensive Plan until Easton’s citizens have had ample time to review its contents, for several reasons.
The draft plan is 285 pages long. On Wednesday, April 1, Ms. Ruff emailed 747 pages of documents to be discussed at the April 6 Town Council meeting. Expecting citizens to review these materials, formulate questions and comments, and attend a public hearing the day after Easter is unreasonable and, frankly, an affront to our community—particularly to those most affected by the Planning Commission’s recommendations.
The Town and County comprehensive plans must be in sync, and both should clearly demonstrate how they comply with Maryland’s Planning Principles related to land, transportation, place, and ecology. For example, did Easton’s Planning Commission consult with Talbot County planners regarding the County’s plans for the Poplar Hill Farm property?
Many of the maps are difficult to read, lack clear legends, and/or contain too much information to interpret—even with the ability to enlarge them digitally.
Proposed new structures—both buildings and roads—should be presented with scale maps or drawings showing exact locations, along with clear explanations of how they will address existing problems and benefit residents and local businesses. What will these projects cost taxpayers, and who will be responsible for maintaining them? Is maximizing tax revenue through development and infrastructure expansion a primary goal of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan?
Were any changes made to the plan following the Commission’s February 19 meeting? If so, the draft provided for Council and public review should be dated April 6, 2026, with all changes between February 19 and April 4 clearly highlighted.
Members of the Council should hold separate public meetings with their Ward residents at the Easton Firehouse to discuss the draft Comprehensive Plan before voting on a document that will guide the Town for the next decade. Staff from the Planning and Engineering Departments should attend these meetings to answer questions, and all meetings should be recorded.
In summary, I respectfully request that the Council:
- Delay Monday’s public hearings; and
- Adopt a process that includes individual Ward meetings and a joint public meeting of the County and Town Councils to address constituent concerns.
Respectfully submitted,
Clara Kelly
Easton, Maryland
Yes. That’s a great idea. I think this comp plan is only partially delivering the message for the town of Easton’s future 10 year plans. Much has not been discussed.
The issue of form based zoning that many many citizens have requested time after time in planning meetings and at council events has been brushed aside by planning , and It’s gotten to then point that we cannot afford to wait for that department to begin to understand. It’s clear that planning is stalling and it’s costing the city. . We are talking about implementing critical Growth control tools , and planning doesn’t want to because they don’t want the extra work. Really? Don’t citizens who pay their wages matter?
The council should be listening. We need action now , This important addition to growth regulation is not a heavy lift. I can explain. The time for it is now, we cannot afford to wait.
Heartily agree. Delay it.
I agree with Ms. Kelly. DELAY!
285 pages, some that require a magnifying glass is a book.
I know how long it takes me to read a book.
Great letter and totally agree. Development seems to be happening too fast opening questions as how and what new infrastructure is being built to support all this development? Who benefits? Do the citizens of Easton and this county want this? Or is it just about profits? Hmmmm.