Take a close look at this photo. We’ve all seen it a hundred times… and it says it all. Big, and jarring, and in your face: LAKESIDE. Not what we associate with Talbot County, where billboards are strictly limited. Could find that sign anywhere in America…say Howard County, or PG. The developer, from Northern Virginia, promises us just what we want, right? A pre-packaged “Lifestyle Community For All Ages,” (whatever that means), because Talbot County itself does not offer the lifestyle we really want.
And then look in the bottom right, that little brown sign. Rural Life Museum.
The centerpiece, though, is that even smaller yellow traffic sign in between: CROSSROAD. Yep, that’s exactly where we are, at a crossroad. The symbolism is perfect: Lakeside in one direction, rural life the other.
The County Council majority of Messrs. Callahan, Pack and Divilio have made clear they want Lakeside as their legacy, notwithstanding citizens’ views and the determination by our Planning Commission that, as presently conceived, Lakeside is not consistent with our Comprehensive Plan as it threatens public health and our unique environment. And under Maryland law, the Commission’s determination is final on that question, not the Council’s.
Readers should know that the Lakeside Litigation Fund, our community-wide self-defense effort is rolling! Not a charity to “help others,” but a statement of self-reliance , as we must look out for our own self interests. In just days we have topped 40% of our ambitious goal of $500,000. (Litigation can be expensive!). Community leaders such as Wayne Hockmeyer, Cathy McCoy, J.T. Smith, the Seips, Richard Marks, Jeff Horstman and very many others have come together to defend Talbot, all based on networking and word of mouth. Send a generous check if you can to Talbot Integrity Project, 8404 Aveley Manor Lane, Easton 21601.
Folks, we are all in this together, irrespective of personal resources. Unless you, reader, are prepared to kiss off any hope of defending the Talbot County we know, you will want to join the effort. To facilitate investments of $200, or $500, or $25, whatever, we have set up the GoFundMe page here, for fast and easy reaction. Or, your kids can go see rural life at the Museum.
Please contribute to the Lakeside Litigation Fund today.
Dan Watson, Acting Chair
The Talbot Integrity Project
Jill Poe says
What a shame that you missed out on the money that went to move the Talbot Boys Statue. That is also part of the new “toxic” legacy of Talbot county. The land of not so pleasant living.
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, M.D. says
Ms. Poe, thank you for bringing up the issue of the community response to the Talbot Boys. Yes, money had to be raised to move it elsewhere. However, that was because no entity in Talbot county was willing to take ownership. As to Lakeside, it’s an entirely different issue. I encourage Talbot County residents to closely study the issues around this development.
Robert Thomas says
There was a property owner in the Trappe area willing to take monument, by the way who actually owned the monument? Did the county own it or did the Shanahans own it?
Paul Scuderi says
I’m afraid 40% of $500,000 is $200,000, not the $22,000 raised to date.