The Talbot County Circuit Court yesterday dismissed a lawsuit brought by ten citizens and the Talbot Integrity Project (“TIP”) that sought to compel the Maryland Department of Environment (“MDE”) to honor the Planning Commission’s 2021 determination that the Lakeside subdivision is “inconsistent with Talbot County’s comprehensive plan.” Says the Court: Citizens cannot make MDE do the right thing…it’s in their discretion to do so or not. That is a big disappointment, for sure.
But often, when one door closes, another opens. On May 9th, prompted by issues raised by citizens in the TIP/citizen lawsuit, MDE sent Talbot County a letter, couched as a confirmation but it’s essentially a directive: the County is going to revise the map of the Trappe Sewer Service Area to correct errors and mistakes in the maps adopted under Resolution 281 (“R281”)—the key map that includes the Lakeside subdivision.
So, there will be new legislation affecting Trappe; there will be a new map. The old “Map 24,” the root of much mischief, will be discarded completely. The objective is to fix mistakes and errors made in the past. These include gross errors of two types: odd and un-explained mis-mapping of many parcels on the west side of Rt 50, and, more importantly, Lakeside.
Talbot County gave Lakeside the green light for 2501 homes and a ton of commercial space, the great bulk of it as “immediate priority,” based a critical falsehood–that Map 24 controls. The former Council’s accepting of that falsehood at face value was the essential error in the adoption of R281, the “mistake” that led to Lakeside’s approval.
It was represented to the public, the Planning Commission, and the Council over and over again that, 20 years prior, the then County Council had said Lakeside should go forward in “3-5 years.” That assertion by the developer was just flat out wrong—the property was never designated to get sewer; in fact, in 2004 the County Council had turned down the developer’s proposal unanimously, 5-0.
MDE’s May 9th directive presents the Talbot County Council the opportunity to fix Lakeside, if it has the will to do so. And this is what FIX LAKESIDE means:
FIX LAKESIDE means, rather than already having green lighted the entire 2501 home subdivision (plus shopping centers!), each new phase of development beyond the first 120 houses now under construction must come back to THE COUNTY for a new determination, including two rounds of public hearings and a review by the Planning Commission prior to action by the County Council.
On Friday, the ad hoc Committee to FIX LAKESIDE, an independent group that TIP supports, sent to the Council a Petition that, in three-day’s time, had 120 signers urging that the Council take advantage of this opportunity to achieve essentially what Ms. Mielke’s R338 was designed to achieve. As of this morning at 8:30 A.M., 341 Talbot Countians have signed on. You can review the petition here, should you wish to join.
One door closes, another opens. The question is, does Talbot County have the will to step over the threshold, take a clear-eyed view of what happened, and fix a past mistake?
Dan Watson
The Talbot Integrity Project
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, MD says
I wish to add my support of the „Fix Lakeside“ effort, of which I am a participant. In addition to signing a petition and posting a road sign, please contact all of the Talbot County Council members! There is an urgency to this matter as The Council must respond to the MDE request by end July.
James Grimplin says
Hey Dan,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to address the concerns you have raised regarding the construction of new housing in our area, while also acknowledging the importance of environmental preservation. I understand that you have genuine concerns about maintaining the integrity of our surroundings, and I appreciate your commitment to protecting the environment.
While it is crucial to prioritize environmental preservation, we can also consider sustainable approaches to housing development that strike a balance between accommodating growth and protecting our natural resources. Responsible construction practices, such as incorporating green building techniques, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing effective waste management systems, can help minimize the environmental impact associated with new housing projects.
Furthermore, by focusing on urban infill and redevelopment, we can utilize existing infrastructure and repurpose underutilized spaces rather than encroaching upon pristine natural areas. This approach not only helps preserve our environment but also promotes efficient land use and reduces urban sprawl.
It’s important to recognize that the demand for housing continues to rise, and failing to address this issue could result in unintended consequences. A housing shortage can lead to increased commuting distances as individuals are forced to seek housing in more distant areas, thus contributing to more traffic congestion and higher carbon emissions. By providing adequate housing options closer to job centers and amenities, we can promote a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
I believe that it is possible to find a middle ground where we can accommodate our growing population while safeguarding our environment. By engaging in thoughtful planning, incorporating eco-friendly practices, and considering the unique characteristics of our area, we can foster a harmonious balance between growth and preservation.
I appreciate your concerns and encourage you to continue advocating for the environment. It is through open and constructive dialogue that we can find innovative solutions that benefit both our community and our planet.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective. I look forward to further discussions and working together towards a sustainable future.
Warm regards,
-Grim
Jay Corvan says
Talbot county and its engineers knew this faulty sewage tier Map was a huge problem and did not correct it. It’s been a problem since 2010. Do you have any idea how much money and volunteer efforts that was spent and time to fight this because of that one mistaken map? And the MDE bad judgement ?
You can’t make this stuff up, it’s right out of a southern town Grisham novel. Corruption runs deep In government and the feds always get blamed , but it’s a serious local Problem too. Developers will Find ways to corrupt. It’s just who they are. The only way to best them is through stronger development restraints. But people have to rise up. And lawyering up won’t get you past home rule.