As a long-time resident who loves the largely undeveloped open fields and forests of Talbot County and its little villages throughout, I am concerned about sewer lines. What’s wrong with sewer lines you ask? First of all, I am one hundred percent in favor of sewer lines to remedy failing septic systems. The problem is that sewer lines can promote unacceptable growth (read sprawl). Here is what could easily happen. Mr. Developer sees sewer lines running along a nice piece of property and, bingo, he has encountered a windfall.
Solution: continue with the much needed sewer lines, but add a restraint. Laura Price has offered an amendment (#4) to Bill 1401 that clarifies the overall intent of our Comprehensive Plan to preserve our rural countryside. Her amendment, supported by fellow council member, Dirck Bartlett, provides that the fact that a sewer line is extended past a property is not, standing alone, sufficient to show “substantial change”. (Substantial change is required for zoning ordinance change, so this seemingly innocuous phrase is of great importance: it could open the door to uncontrolled development.)
At the County Council’s August 14 public hearing Council President Jennifer Williams, Chuck Callahan and Corey Pack were silent when Laura Price proposed her amendment. Let them know that you support this legislation that will protect the County from overdevelopment that otherwise could easily creep in. Do your part in protecting the rural character of our County by sending an email c/o Susan Moran at [email protected] Support for Laura’s proposal is essential prior to the Council’s August 28 meeting.
Jane Bollman
Talbot County
Alan Boisvert says
Talbot county could sure use some additional development. The more sewer lines the merrier and the cleaner the bay as a result.
Carol Voyles says
This is about more than preserving our rural character and not wanting to become Delaware. Not only does critical area prone to flooding cover much of our county, taxes would likely go up.
There are already days when a 4-lane highway down the Bay Hundred peninsula would be welcomed. Development brings more taxpayers, but rarely pays for the infrastructure required without raising taxes.