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June 10, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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News News Homepage

Easton Historic District Commission Unanimously OKs Removal of Confederate Monument from Talbot Courthouse Grounds

October 12, 2021 by John Griep

Easton’s historic district commission voted unanimously Monday night to allow the removal of the Confederate monument from the county courthouse square.

The Easton Historic District Commission voted 7-0 in favor of a certificate of appropriateness that will allow Talbot County to remove and relocate the monument.

Commission members noted the town’s historic district guidelines have little guidance on statues, but a national historical preservation organization supports removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces.

The monument outside the entrance to the Talbot County Court House is believed to be the last Confederate monument on public property in Maryland.

Attorney Dan Saunders, representing Talbot County, said a majority of the Talbot County Council had determined it was in the best interest for public health, safety, and welfare to move the monument from the courthouse grounds

“The statue is on county land. It is controversial. It is divisive sadly,” Saunders said. “And it is hurtful to certain citizens of the county. So the county council has made this determination…. They are the elected officials charged with making that kind of public policy decision. And it would not be inappropriate for this body to give some deference to their thought process….”

“Because it’s controversial, it needs to be someplace where people can choose to go see it or choose not to go see it, not in a place where they have to go see it in order to conduct the business that is conducted at the courthouse,” he said.

Three residents spoke against removing the statue.

Lynn Mielke said statues for Talbot County’s Confederate and U.S. troops were erected in 1884 and 1888, respectively, at Culp’s Hill at the Gettysburg battlefield.

After the county’s Civil War veterans visited Gettysburg in 1913 for the 50th anniversary of the battle — and no doubt saw the two statues, Mielke said — efforts began to raise funds for Confederate and Union monuments at the courthouse.

The Confederate monument was funded and built; the Union one was not but a new fundraising effort is underway for such a monument, she said.

A rendering of a proposed monument to Talbot County residents who fought for the United States during the Civil War. The proposal also would include informational plaques about Talbot County’s role in the Civil War.

“108 years later a group, Build the Union Talbot Boys, has investigated, designed, and begun to raise money for a Union Talbot Boys companion monument to complement the Talbot Boys in gray monument, with informational plaques, to make a complete statement on the courthouse lawn about Talbot County’s unique role in the Civil War, (including) the Talbot Boys, the Union Talbot Boys, the USCT (United States Colored Troops), including the Unionville 18, and Frederick Douglass,” Mielke said.

“The Talbot Boys memorial is is not a memorial to traitors,” Mielke said. “And it is not a memorial to non-veterans.”

Clive Ewing noted that the town’s historic district booklet includes two photos of the Confederate monument.

He said the county council’s resolution removing the monument only refers to the statue and argued that language doesn’t include the monument’s base.

David Montgomery, president of Preserve Talbot History, said moving the monument 200 miles away “to a battlefield in the Shenandoah Valley” does not help tell the story of Talbot County’s divided loyalties during the Civil War.

Commissioner Grant Mayhew said the historic district commission should look at guidance from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The National Trust issued a statement about Confederate monuments after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer sparked protests “in support of racial justice and equity.”

In its June 18, 2020, statement, the National Trust said:

“This nationwide call for racial justice and equity has brought renewed attention to the Confederate monuments in many of our communities. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has previously issued statements about the history and treatment of Confederate monuments, emphasizing that, although some were erected — like other monuments to war dead — for reasons of memorialization, most Confederate monuments were intended to serve as a celebration of Lost Cause mythology and to advance the ideas of white supremacy. Many of them still stand as symbols of those ideologies and sometimes serve as rallying points for bigotry and hate today. To many African Americans, they continue to serve as constant and painful reminders that racism is embedded in American society.

“We believe it is past time for us, as a nation, to acknowledge that these symbols do not reflect, and are in fact abhorrent to, our values and to our foundational obligation to continue building a more perfect union that embodies equality and justice for all. We believe that removal may be necessary to achieve the greater good of ensuring racial justice and equality.

“And their history needs not end with their removal: we support relocation of these monuments to museums or other places where they may be preserved so that their history as elements of Jim Crow and racial injustice can be recognized and interpreted.

“We recognize that not all monuments are the same, and a number of communities have carefully and methodically determined that some monuments should be removed and others retained but contextualized with educational markers or other monuments designed to counter the false narrative and racist ideology that they represent, providing a deeper understanding of their message and their purpose.

“Our view, however, is that unless these monuments can in fact be used to foster recognition of the reality of our painful past and invite reconciliation for the present and the future, they should be removed from our public spaces.”

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: civil war, confederate, county council, Easton, historic district commission, monument, removal, slavery, statue, Talbot County

Hearing Tonight on Easton Draft Zoning Code

July 6, 2021 by Spy Desk

The Easton Planning and Zoning Commission recently completed a comprehensive examination and revision to the town’s zoning code.

The Easton Town Council will have a public hearing on the draft zoning code at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, in the council meeting room at 14 S. Harrison St. in Easton.

The planning commission has highlighted the following as “the most significant proposed changes” in the proposed zoning code:

1. A revised Planned Unit Development (PUD) Chapter. Currently there is one process and set of standards/criteria for any proposed PUD, regardless of type or context of the development proposal. The new DRAFT Code proposes to distinguish three types of PUDs, with standards unique to each development scenario. The three PUD subtypes are PUD – General, PUD – Infill, and PUD – Redevelopment. The intent of this change is to move away from a “one size fits all” PUD for any development type to three slightly different types corresponding to specific development scenarios, with corresponding review processes and development standards believed to be more appropriate to each scenario. A primary goal of this change is to facilitate more infill and redevelopment projects.

2. A revised Sign Regulations Chapter. In addition to a general reformatting of this chapter, provisions for temporary signs are extensively and significantly revised to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling and window signs are proposed to be regulated for the first time.

3. The Critical Area Chapter is revised as required by a mandated update of our Critical Area Program. The chapter follows the latest State model for this chapter of our Code with a few local modifications carried forward from the existing Ordinance.

4. A number of measures are proposed to promote the general theme of increasing housing options and opportunities, especially in the general area “in and around Downtown” and with a particular focus on affordable housing options. Such measures include increased density in some contexts/locations, the identification of new housing types (e.g., so-called Middle Housing types including triplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, mansion apartments, and courtyard buildings), and a simpler review process for certain housing types in certain locations.

5. The rezoning of parcels currently zoned CG (General Commercial) located in relatively close proximity to Downtown from CG to CBD (Central Business District) in recognition that such parcels are more like Downtown in their development characteristics than they are the commercial areas along Route 50, Elliott Road, or Marlboro Avenue, which are also zoned CG.

6. The elimination of the I-1 and I-2 Zoning Districts and the rezoning of any properties zoned as such to either BC (Business Commercial) or I (Industrial). This was done in recognition of the fact that many of the Town’s industrially-zoned areas have transitioned to more of an office/service/light industrial area as opposed to traditional industrial uses. The BC Zoning District was created in part to reflect this land use. The I Zoning District is proposed to reserve lands for the more traditional industrial uses.

 7. A number of proposed changes for Port Street between the Parkway and Washington Street focused on infill and redevelopment consistent with the Port Street Small Area Plan, with the intent to insure that this corridor serves as an important link between the Waterfront and Downtown.

The proposed chapters of the code may be viewed at the links below:

  1. 2021-04-13 Proposed Zoning Map DRAFT
  2. Table of Contents
  3. ARTICLE I – GENERAL
  4. ARTICLE II – PERMITTED USES
  5. ARTICLE III – ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
  6. ARTICLE IV – Critical Area_Model_Town_Ordinance
  7. ARTICLE IX – SITE PLAN REVIEW
  8. ARTICLE V – Planned Redevelopment Overlay
  9. ARTICLE VI – Historic District
  10. ARTICLE VII – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
  11. ARTICLE VIII – PLANNED HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
  12. ARTICLE X – SUPPLEMENTAL ZONING REGULATIONS
  13. ARTICLE XI – SIGNS
  14. ARTICLE XII – NON-CONFORMING LOTS, USES AND STRUCTURES
  15. ARTICLE XIII – Administration and Enforcement
  16. ARTICLE XIV – AMENDMENTS
  17. ARTICLE XV – DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AGREEMENTS

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: critical area, districts, Easton, planning, public hearing, PUD, rezoning, signs, town council, zoning

Talbot County, FEMA Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at Easton’s Elks Lodge May 11-14, 16

May 7, 2021 by Spy Desk

The Talbot County Health Department in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic May 11-14 and May 16 at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622 for individuals aged 18 and older.

Appointments for the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) one-dose vaccine can be made at marylandvax.org, the below links, or with assistance by calling the Health Department’s vaccination helpline at 410-819-5641. The helpline is operated Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Gov. Larry Hogan and FEMA announced March 29 that these mobile clinics are part of the nation’s first federal mobile COVID-19 vaccination units launching in the State of Maryland.

“We are excited to again offer the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine to our community,” Dr. Maria Maguire, Talbot County Health Officer said. “After a thorough review, the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration determined that the J&J vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19. The brief pause on the use of the J&J vaccine was proof that the surveillance systems to monitor the safety of vaccines are in place and working.

“This vaccine is a great option for many people — one dose and you’re done! And it’s never been easier to get the COVID-19 vaccine — you can make an appointment in advance, or stop by when it’s convenient for you,” Maguire said as she encourages the public to share this information with individuals and groups who haven’t been vaccinated.

Though everyone 16 years and older is now eligible to be vaccinated, these specific clinics are open to people age 18 years and above because that is the minimum age the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be given per its FDA authorization. 16- and 17-year-olds interested in getting vaccinated require the Pfizer vaccine, which is available through the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the state-run mass vaccine clinic in Salisbury.

Elks Lodge #1622 is located at 502 Dutchmans Lane in Easton. Appointments are suggested but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Vaccinations available on a first-come, first-served basis. The mobile units are designed to provide a minimum of 150 doses per day. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 11- Friday, May 14, and Sunday, May 16.

Registration links for FEMA Vaccine Clinics at the Easton Elks Lodge are as follows:

Tuesday, May 11, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3ttUBCW

Wednesday, May 12, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/2R1BbZ5

Thursday, May 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3bcBZRE

Friday, May 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3usNhZz

Sunday, May 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3xW9kKD

More information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 is at talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: clinic, Covid-19, Easton, elks, FEMA, johnson and johnson, Talbot County, vaccine

Easton Incumbents Unopposed in May 4 Election

April 27, 2021 by John Griep

Easton voters go to the polls Tuesday, May 4, to vote for council president and town council members for Wards 2 and 4.

The three incumbents — President Megan Cook, Ward 2 Councilman Donald Abbatiello, and Ward 4 Councilman Rev. Elmer Neal Davis Jr. are unopposed.

All three are seeking a full four-year term to their respective positions:

• Abbatiello won election in May 2019 to serve the last two years of Pete Lesher’s term. Lesher won election to the Talbot County Council in November 2018 and vacated his town council seat.

• Cook was elected town council president in a special election after the death of John Ford.

• Davis was appointed after Cook became president, vacating her Ward 4 seat.

The election will be held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Easton Firehouse, 315 Leonard Rieck Drive, in Easton. Absentee ballots must be returned to the town office by 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 4.

Easton has staggered four-year terms for elected officials, with elections every two years. In 2023, voters will choose a mayor, and town council members for Wards 1 and 3.

This article has been corrected from its original publication.

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: don abbatiello, Easton, election, megan cook, president, rev. elmer davis jr., town council, ward 2, ward 4

FEMA Will Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic with Moderna Vaccine at Easton Elks

April 16, 2021 by Spy Desk

The Talbot County Health Department in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic with Moderna vaccine April 20-22 and April 24-25 at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622 for individuals aged 18 and older.

 Appointments for the 1,000 Moderna vaccine can be made at marylandvax.org, the below links, or with assistance by calling the Health Department’s vaccination helpline at 410-819-5641. The helpline is operated Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information regarding second dose appointments will be given when they arrive for their first dose.

Gov. Larry Hogan and FEMA announced March 29 that these mobile clinics are part of the nation’s first federal mobile COVID-19 vaccination units launching in the State of Maryland.

“We are appreciative that FEMA offered us this opportunity with Moderna vaccine to help bring much needed vaccine availability to our communities,” says Liz Whitby R.N., infectious disease control program supervisor for the Talbot County Health Department.

Though everyone 16 years and older is now eligible to be vaccinated, these specific clinics are open to people age 18 years and above because that is the minimum age the Moderna vaccine can be given per its FDA authorization. 16- and 17-year-olds interested in getting vaccinated require the Pfizer vaccine, which is available through the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the state-run mass vaccine clinic in Salisbury.

“These federal units complement the vaccine clinics that are currently operating in Talbot County, including those organized by community organizations, our local health care providers, and retail pharmacies,” Dr. Maguire, Talbot County health officer, said.

Easton Elks Lodge #1622 is located at 502 Dutchmans Lane in Easton, Md., with appointments required, and vaccinations available on a first-come, first-served basis. The mobile units are designed to provide a minimum of 200 doses per day and include cold storage for vaccine doses, staff office space, and generators.

The site also includes parking and a mobile shelter for vaccinations. Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 20, 24, and 25, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 21 and 22.

Registration links for FEMA Vaccine Clinics at the Easton Elks Lodge are as follows:

  • Tuesday, April 20, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3dkyjik
  • Wednesday, April 21, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3djRSal
  • Thursday, April 22, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3g9Sstj
  • Saturday, April 24, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3wXQ8vg
  • Sunday, April 25, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.: https://bit.ly/3g9Swt3

More information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 is at talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: COVID-19, News Homepage Tagged With: clinic, coronavirus, Covid-19, Easton, elks lodge, FEMA, moderna, vaccination, vaccine

Update: All FEMA Vaccine Clinics at Easton Elks Lodge Cancelled This Week

April 14, 2021 by Spy Desk

All FEMA vaccine clinics at the Easton Elks Lodge will be cancelled this week. Those scheduled will receive an email stating their appointment has been cancelled.

Original story:

https://talbotspy.org/fema-clinic-at-eastons-elks-lodge-cancelled-amid-caution-about-johnson-johnson-vaccine/

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: COVID-19, News Homepage Tagged With: clinic, coronavirus, Covid-19, Easton, FEMA, vaccinations, vaccine

Easton Council OKs Mail-in Ballots for Town Elections

March 16, 2021 by John Griep

The town council voted unanimously Monday night to allow mail-in ballots for town elections.

Ordinance 758 amends the town’s code to allow any qualified town voter to vote by absentee ballot rather than in person. The current code limits absentee ballots to those who may be absent for any reason from the town on any election day, or who may be unable to vote due to illness, disability, or emergency reason.

All five members of the Easton town council voted in favor of the ordinance after a March 15 public hearing. Easton Mayor Robert Willey signed the ordinance that night and it becomes effective April 4, in time for the town’s regular May election.

The new law requires an application for an absentee ballot to be submitted to the town clerk no later than the Tuesday preceding a town election.

Completed absentee ballots must be received by the town by mail or in person by 8 p.m. on election day in order to be counted.

Regular town elections are held every two years on the first Monday in May. This year’s election will be for council president and for council members for the second and fourth wards.

Easton Ordinance 758 Absentee Ballots

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: absentee, ballot, council, Easton, election, mail-in, mayor, vote

Split Easton Council OKs Zoning Change Allowing Home Improvement Centers to Seek Larger Size

February 2, 2021 by John Griep

A split town council approved a zoning text change that will allow home improvement centers to propose stores larger than 65,000 square feet.

The Easton Town Council voted 3-2 Monday night to approve Ordinance 756, which amends the town zoning ordinance to add a definition of home improvement center and excludes those stores from the town’s size limit on major retail.

Councilmen Alan Silverstein, Ron Engle, and Rev. Elmer Davis Jr. voted to approve the ordinance; Council President Megan Cook and Member Don Abbatiello voted against.

Supporters said the zoning text change does not approve any specific project, but allows a home improvement center to seek approval from the town council for a particular project.

Opponents said the amendment should be considered during the coming update to the town’s comprehensive plan.

Engle, speaking before the vote, said many of those commenting on the amendment were confused about its effect.

“The purpose of this ordinance is to propose a pen and ink change to create a definition for home improvement center,” he said. “If passed, it would only allow the council to review, through the PUD process, a proposal for a new home improvement center is larger than the maximum 65,000.”

Engle said the current comprehensive plan was started in 2007, approved in 2010, and was intended to cover a 6-year period. The state later extended the plans to ten years and Easton is set to begin updating its plan this year, a process that could take two years.

“It’s too late. We’re already a regional shopping destination,” Engle said of concerns about allowing big box stores.

He said the current plan encourages new retail development in or near existing shopping centers, but “we should then look to existing commercially zoned properties in town. Not to non-commercially zoned properties or properties not in town that we would have to annex.

“There are only two parcels where this can occur,” he said. “The commercial area between Route 50, U-Haul, and Olive Garden clearly is the most attractive commercial area in town.”

Abbatiello agreed Easton was a commercial hub, but said any change involving big box retail stores should wait until after the comprehensive plan is updated.

“Those of you who want to think the town of Easton is still the quaint small town from the past are ignoring reality,” Abbatiello said. “Easton is growing and becoming a hub for commerce on the Mid-Shore.

“The question therefore isn’t whether or not development will come to Easton, the question is what form will it take,” he said. “(W)e currently have a mechanism for answering that question through the comprehensive plan.

“As a result, I think any current proposal should follow the comprehensive plan that is in place,” Abbatiello said. “And I believe that the new comprehensive plan, beginning to take shape this year, should look seriously at where a large home improvement store can go.”

Cook agreed that the comprehensive plan update should come first and said the majority of those who emailed comments supported that idea.

“During the last rewrite, there were roughly 850 people involved which shows that the comprehensive plan process is the correct venue for the community to consider, not just this proposal, … but for the general idea of big box stores within the town of Easton,” Cook said.

Davis noted the comprehensive plan has been amended since its last update in 2010.

“So it is not a plan … that was etched in stone and no one went contrary to what was written. I am of the feeling that this ordinance does not guarantee any business being built in the city of Easton,” he said. “This is just to change some verbiage and language, and I would hope and pray that this be considered, because from an economic point of view, that if it came to fruition, it will afford minorities, people who look like me and other people in the community a job, and I think that’s essential. Economic development is essential.”

Two people spoke Monday night against approving the zoning text change.

Pete Lesher, a former town councilman, said the zoning code should not be changed,

“Easton has a sound rule. And there are good reasons for that rule concerning the location of big boxes in our community,” Lesher said. “I said in my written commentary that the colocation of big boxes with with smaller retailers necessarily has a beneficial effect to those smaller retailers and linking those two in the rule requiring them to be co located, is something that does help our smaller businesses and I’d hate to see that advantage lost in a rule change here.

“The second is really that principle of encouraging redevelopment. I think we do have a sense that Easton is overbuilt with retail space, and while … we don’t have an empty big box, there are … retail spaces in this community that are ripe for redevelopment,” he said. “The rule as it stands encourages redevelopment into those spaces rather than the breaking of new ground for new development.

“We shouldn’t change the rulebook for one potential applicant — that smacks of picking winners and losers,” Lesher said. “And that just doesn’t seem the right way to govern.”

Laurie Forster, a resident of Mulberry Station, urged the council to “stick to the plan.”

“We have a process called the comprehensive plan. I just read the one from 2010 I never thought I’d be doing that,” she said. “And I understand a lot more about the comprehensive plan now that it’s community involvement that really is to drive that plan.

“And we have a saying in our house, stick to the plan. And so I guess I’m asking you to stick to the plan,” Forster said. “The plan does not allow for this size or this type of business in that spot. I won’t debate the effects that it might have on our neighborhood because I know that’s not the issue at hand tonight but I am concerned.”

The town’s current 65,000-square-foot size limit for major retail uses does not include stores that expand, redevelop, or are adjacent to shopping centers approved before Aug. 25, 2004. Ordinance 756 would add “home improvement centers” as a use that is not subject to the size limit.

The Easton Planning and Zoning Commission considered the proposed text amendment at its November meeting and unanimously recommended the town council deny the request. Changes to the town’s size limit on retail stores should only be considered during the upcoming comprehensive plan review, the commission urged.

The town will start its review and update of the comprehensive plan this year, with the update expected to be complete by 2023.

The zoning text amendment, sought by the Gannon Family Limited Partnership, has prompted speculation that Home Depot is again interested in building a store in Easton.

During the town’s Jan. 19 hearing on Ordinance 756, a representative for the family partnership said a home improvement center was interested in purchasing property at U.S. Route 50 and Chapel Road, but would want to build a store larger than the current 65,000-square-foot limit. The partnership then applied for a zoning text amendment to allow for a larger size for home improvement centers.

DraftOrd756

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: big box, comprehensive plan, development, Easton, home improvement center, planning, size limit, zoning

Comment Period Closes Feb. 1 on Proposal to Allow Home Improvement Centers to Exceed Easton’s Size Limit

January 28, 2021 by John Griep

The town council will be taking written comments until Monday, Feb. 1, on a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow home improvement centers to exceed 65,000 square feet.

The 65,000-square-foot size limit for major retail uses does not include stores that expand, redevelop, or are adjacent to shopping centers approved before Aug. 25, 2004. Ordinance No. 756 would add “home improvement centers” as a use that is not subject to the size limit.

The Easton Planning and Zoning Commission considered the proposed text amendment at its November meeting and unanimously recommended the town council deny the request. Changes to the town’s size limit on retail stores should only be considered during the upcoming comprehensive plan review, the commission urged.

The town will start its review and update of the comprehensive plan this year, with the update expected to be complete by 2023.

The zoning text amendment, sought by the Gannon Family Limited Partnership, has prompted speculation that Home Depot is again interested in building a store in Easton.

During the town’s Jan. 19 hearing on Ordinance 756, a representative for the family partnership, said a home improvement center was interested in purchasing property at U.S. Route 50 and Chapel Road, but would want to build a store larger than the current 65,000-square-foot limit. The partnership then applied for a zoning text amendment to allow for a larger size for home improvement centers.

Attorney Zach Smith said there are no existing sites in town that would readily work for the home improvement center and the store also would like to be on the east side of U.S. Route 50 where future growth is planned.

Approving the ordinance, Smith said, would simply allow the home improvement center to “proceed with a design, bring that design forward to the town council, the town council can lay it out to the public and we can have a robust discussion in the context of an actual concrete plan about the pros and cons of a home improvement center.

“I guess if you are of the mind that ‘no way, no how, we don’t want another home improvement center in Easton,’ then there’s no point in making that change as it is not necessary,” he said. “And certainly I suspect there are folks in our community that have that opinion. I also think there are probably folks in our community who would say, ‘it can’t get here soon enough, open the door, let’s bring ’em in.'”

Tom Alspach of the Talbot Preservation Alliance said the proposed text amendment “raises what has been over the last 20, 25 years probably the most contentious, controversial issue regarding development that the town of Easton has faced.”

Alspach said the issue started in the late 1990s when the town adopted a moratorium on big box developments. Big box stores were addressed in the 2004 and 2010 comprehensive plans and subsequent zoning ordinances.

“This is not some minor matter that we are being asked to tweak in the town ordinance,” Alspach said. “This is something that goes to the very heart of how this town should develop in terms of its commercial enterprises ….”

Written comments on Ordinance 756 may be emailed to the town council at mayor&council@EastonMD.gov.

DraftOrd756

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: big box, comprehensive plan, development, Easton, home improvement center, planning, size limit, zoning

Maps of Easton’s Rails-to-Trails Network

December 22, 2020 by Spy Desk

The Easton Rails-to-Trails opened in 1998 with a nearly 3-mile trail spanning most of Easton running north to south. The trail has been a popular spot for walking, jogging, biking, and sightseeing.

The trail provides access to local stores, parks, destinations, and schools. The original railroad station (converted into Town of Easton offices) is near the midpoint of the trail near Goldsborough Street.

Parking for the trail may be found in Idlewild Park (115 Idlewild Ave). Bike or walk two blocks east from the park to access the trail. Parking is also available next to the Talbot County Public Schools building (12 Magnolia St.) and the North Easton Sports Complex (1078 N. Washington St.)

Over the years, the town has added a western spur that goes to Easton Point and recently celebrated the opening of the Easton Village portion of the trail, which includes a footbridge across the Tred Avon River connecting Easton with new housing developments to the west.

Additional plans include building a small parking lot for the trail in Waterside Village, near the St. Michaels road traffic signal. When complete, there will be five and a half miles of trail in the town of Easton.

Note: All Town of Easton parks are open sunrise to sunset.

Town-of-Easton-Rail-Trail-System

 

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Filed Under: News Homepage Tagged With: Biking, Easton, jogging, map, outdoors, rails-to-trails, trail, walking

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