Two resolutions were scheduled for consideration at the Talbot County Council public hearing this week. The possibility of a new town office on a lot being offered to the town of Trappe for $1 was discussed, but there is also an offer from Lakeside’s developer to donate land and contribute $1.5 million to build a town office there.
There was also a suggestion that with 2,500 homes, Lakeside could become an appropriate location. There are only a few hundred homes in town, and possibly other issues with a $1 sale.
The park board is recommending that the lot be sold to the town with a concession for a playground; and the town could conceivably either purchase the lot for $50,000-75,000 or purchase it for $1 and build a playground. The council requested either an appraisal or an assessment of the value of the lot. The resolution approving purchase for $1 is open for public comment until Friday.
A second resolution concerned the approval of $950,000 to replace the failed community center ice rink, a treasured community asset. The Eastern Shore Hockey Association’s 180 players are not looking forward to waiting until next year, and neither are possibly even more recreational skaters. But concerns remain, and a third reader was requested.
With few additional items for consideration, council members seized this opportunity to share memories of the 40-year-old ice rink. There wasn’t anything better than “Friday night skating,” and council members are united in their appreciation of the opportunity to serve on this council and come together “for about 6 more weeks.” Despite differences of opinion, they are getting things done.
A signed contract for the county’s new safety complex was also announced. This meeting would adjourn in a timely manner, but not before council member Price expressed concerns regarding the Blueprint for schools and lack of information provided to the council. Having also heard suggestions from council candidate Stepp on the campaign trail that “half a million” has been spent on CRT (Critical Race Theory), perhaps now we will learn more.
Inspired by the Kirwan Commission and introduced by the Maryland Board of Education in 2021, the Blueprint “aspires to eradicate achievement gaps and ensure opportunity for every student.” We may not agree with the plan, bur counties will draft their own plans over a period of years – and may just be getting started. The past two years have been challenging.
Talbot County Board of Education meetings are open to the public and available online, and board members look forward to addressing our concerns. At their September meeting we were also reminded that business is conducted only in open public meetings.
The Talbot County Board of Education carries out the provisions, articles, bylaws, rules and regulations of the State Board; and decisions are not made in closed sessions. We are also notified of texts and books under consideration, and those are made available at the library for our consideration.
The lot in Trappe will likely be purchased, and a new ice rink is on its way. County government is working. We might also be gaining a new appreciation for the hard work involved in preparing our children for the challenges ahead.
School board members: https://tcps.k12.md.us/about/board-of-education/
Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.
Reed Fawell 3 says
Regarding this element of the article –
“Two resolutions were scheduled for consideration at the Talbot County Council public hearing this week. The possibility of a new town office on a lot being offered to the town of Trappe for $1 was discussed, but there is also an offer from Lakeside’s developer to donate land and contribute $1.5 million to build a town office there.
There was also a suggestion that with 2,500 homes, Lakeside could become an appropriate location. There are only a few hundred homes in town, and possibly other issues with a $1 sale.”
BEWARE OF GREEKS BEARING GIFTS.
People on the Council need to take a deep breath and think, not react. And the lame duck council ought not act at all on Lakeside matters.