Like many other Talbot County citizens, I have followed with interest (and trepidation) the proposed installation of sewer lines westward through the County through the Bay Hundred villages. This much needed installation will contribute to the necessary task of protecting the environment by relieving failed septic systems and helping to improve the health of the Bay. What could possibly go wrong?
It is essential that Talbot County citizens understand the full portent of the sewer extension. Unfortunately, along with these planned improvements comes the risk of new development, increased density and the inevitable sprawl. At present, to obtain a zoning or density change a developer must show that there has been a “substantial change in the character of the neighborhood or community.” There is no written guarantee that unnecessary, unwanted growth won’t occur…only the verbal statements by three members of the Council: Jennifer Williams, Corey Pack and Chuck Callahan. Most citizens want something more: a written document that would prohibit unbridled development.
At the last meeting, Council member Laura Price introduced an amendment that would hopefully add some meaningful language to prevent any misunderstanding of how the wording regarding “substantial change” is interpreted. The proposed legislation, (Amendment #4 to bill #1401) provides that: “The fact that a sewer line is extended past a property is not, standing alone, sufficient to show “substantial change.”
Three votes are needed from the Council for passage of this important amendment. At present only Laura Price and Dirck Bartlett are in favor.
The final vote on this matter and the new Zoning Ordinance is scheduled for either August 28, or at the latest, September 11. Don’t delay in taking a stand to preserve the rural character of the Bay Hundred area by contacting Council members Jennifer Williams, Corey Pack and Chuck Callahan stating your concerns and urging passage of Amendment #4 to bill #1401.
Rebecca F. Gaffney
Oxford
Alan Boisvert says
If you don’t want the growth, don’t extend the sewer line. Period.
David Lloyd says
Agree 100% with the concerns expressed here. There definitely needs to be some language that protects Talbot County residents from “unwanted, unnecessary growth.”