Citizens anxious to hear County Council Vice President Pete Lesher’s update on growth and development filled the Oxford Community Center Monday evening. This presentation was sponsored by Talbot Citizens Informed, and Mr. Lesher was introduced by Michele Johnson of Trappe.
“Talbot County is a special place,” he reminded us. “We have a deep appreciation for its history, and Talbot County has more shoreline than any other – 602 miles. Land and water are delicately intertwined, and issues that challenge the rural character of this place can challenge all of us. “
He then explained that his role is to provide a vision of where we’re going. He’s “one of those people” who gets excited about zoning, and he saw Easton expanding at an accelerated pace. Our 2016 Comprehensive Plan envisions a green belt around Easton and towns with a growth boundary – a line drawn around each specifying areas for concentrated development.
Easton is also working on its next plan, and “this is the time to be paying attention.”
Something remarkable happened in Royal Oak In 2016. “People spoke out, and their voices were heard.” Another principle he especially appreciates is growing inward whenever possible. Infill development doesn’t require as much new infrastructure.
Coming developments include 201 homes on Matthewstown Rd. and 439 homes in Poplar Hill Farm, a development on the Easton beltway and “possible traffic concern for Oxford Rd.” The County has a seat at the table at Poplar Hill, though. Due to an adjoining waterway, only so many acres can be developed; and Easton has used all its critical area. “We must hold developers’ feet to the fire.”
The Lakeside development in Trappe “annexed significant territory in 2002.” Those 924 acres are not critical area, but the County does have water and sewer leverage. The plan for a development of 2,501 homes was narrowly favored by the Planning Commission and passed 4-1 by the Council on August 11, 2020, but this decision has since been questioned.
Originally under the impression that all of Lakeside would be serviced by ENR (Enhanced Nutrient Removal), the County has since learned that the first 120 homes would be hooked up to Trappe’s existing underperforming wastewater treatment plant. This plant will be replaced, but how long that might take is the question.
Ways to deal with this issue include modular units or pump and haul; and a resolution requiring Trappe’s plant to be upgraded to ENR before connections are made has been introduced. This is currently being considered by the Planning Commission, which must approve changes to our Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan.
Affordable housing is also an issue. Ashley Commons (behind Lowes) was cited as a model for development, as it not only provides housing for working class families, it is within walking distance to services and retail outlets.
Broadband service is also an issue in Talbot County. Real estate transactions have been known to fail due to lack of service, but thanks to U.S. Agricultural funding and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, Talbot now stands a chance of becoming the first county on the Eastern Shore where every residence is connected.
Easton Point is also in the planning stages. Port St. has always been both residential and commercial and it will remain a mixed-use waterfront destination. Developer Paul Prager shares the County’s vision of low-rise buildings, public access and a boardwalk. This is also another example of growing inward and things working well when the town and county can work together. Fostering cooperation is important for both making developments successful and retaining our rural character.
A question was asked regarding how all this development could impact our schools and other services. Talbot County does not have an Adequate Civic Facility Ordinance, a plan requiring impact fees to be paid by the developer. These plans rarely cover all those costs, though. Our Comprehensive plan and our Comprehensive Water and Sewer Plan are currently our primary planning tools.
And what about Lakeside’s proposed spray wastewater system? We were reminded that there are 3 basic systems: discharge to waterway, spray discharge, or discharge into groundwater. St. Michaels and Easton currently have ENR service, and Tilghman’s plant needs work. Mr. Lesher was not familiar with the failure rate of spray wastewater systems, but liability in this case would be Trappe’s, not the County’s. Talbot County is taking over Wye Mills spray wastewater system, but those served are bearing the cost of improvements there.
Might we have an Environmental Impact Study? Maryland Department of the Environment cares about this project because the people care, but such a study has not been considered.
County Council Vice President Lesher then reminded us that our voices are heard and that development can be done well. He requested that we carry this good news away.
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.
Alan Boisvert says
It’s not Ashley Commons(behind Lowes)it’s Ashby Commons. Otherwise known as a popular cut-through to the shopping center. A bad place to live if you have a family and/or hate constant traffic.