July 31, 2010
Mill Cove "High Density" Housing Planned and the Effect it Will do to the Community
Tonight I attended the Public Forum for the Mill Cove Community and how some developers want to force through “High Density” housing, right in the Critical Area. All the Town Hall Alliance guys support your issue. It is a “Quality of Life” issue and how this development will change the Character of your community. This is no different than the Hillville area re-zoning of 620 acres to Industrial without the neighbors being told about it. Tonight the Developer was there in force along with a Lawyer, and other Builders and trade folks. I agree with them that these are hard times, but to just build such “High Density” and change the Character of the Community for the “Big Bucks” to be made is just wrong. And does the Developer and other folks who are in support of this “High Density” plan live in the Community? Of course not. I bet if this was in their Community, they too would be balking at it. Many folks will be forced to hook to the Public Water and Sewage, even though their Septic Systems are working just fine. And who will be buying these homes? I continue to get alerts on my e-mail of over 100 foreclosures in Saint Mary’s County. I have a house next door that was built in the housing boom that foreclosed and is now being sold by the Bank. This house next door to me is on the water and is still not selling. And I also mentioned when I spoke that there is already data points from the Woods at Myrtle Point Development. This Development has been approved for 358 homes and as of November 2009 only 19 have been built, and they have had a devastating effect on the Community in the order of Sediment Pollution. In 2007 (April-May) the developer was fined $60,000 for such Sediment Pollution. And now another Developer wants “High Density” housing. Now you have an additional Environmental Impact from this “High Density” development.
Now some side notes from Commissioner Larry Jarboe:
“That was one well attended public hearing.
The neighbors MUST send letters to the editior as of lunch tomorrow to the Enterprise and ST. MARYS TODAY insisting on withdrawal from the Lex. Park Dev, District in the Comp Plan. It is too late for County Times.
You all have one shot for press that they must do it immediately.
The final Comp Plan review is afternoon of Mar. 9.
They must use it or loose it.
Larry J.
St. Mary's Today: staff1@stmarystoday.com
Enterprise: jbabcock@somdnews.com
or
The Enterprise
"Letters to be considered for the Friday edition must be received by 9 a.m. Wednesday. To be considered for the Wednesday edition, letters must be received by 9 a.m. Monday. Fax letters to 301-737-1665, mail them to Letters to the editor, P.O. Box 700, Lexington Park, MD 20653, or e-mail them to rboyd@somdnews.com.
Letters also may be dropped off at the office at 23125 Camden Way in the First Colony Commercial Park in California. " (Courtesy of The Enterprise)
http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/broadcast.asp
Here is the Video Link to last nights Public Forum
Printer-friendly version
Looks like another "Good Old Boy" deal with the developer at the expense of the Community.
When I looked at the video, I noticed the Lawyer laughing at the statement from that woman that said she was concerned of Children Possibly Drowning. I don't know about you, but being a Parent, that upsets me that someone would laugh at a Child's death. And this Lawyer is supporting this Land Developer. Check on the video at time 1:53:19 and see if you like this.
Looks like all the developer is interisted in is making a Buck. Higher density of homes making more children exposed to water access, and possible drowing is of no concern.
I hear that land owner Sypher and developer Curley are in bed with Dement, Russell, Mattingly, and Raley. So how can Mill Cove get a Fair Shake?
52 homes/lots in the area(Mill Cove, Mill Cove Harbor, Sypher, and Cove Manor). Character of the area is the big concern. Do not want "transient” neighborhood. 22 lots/homes are not occupied by the owner(rentals or vacant land). 42%! 14 homes have been purchased in the area since 2005. 2 in 2009, 1 in 2008, 2 in 2007, 6 in 2006, and 3 in 2005. And the two homes currently for sale. That is 16 of the 52 homes in the area or 30% turnover rate in 5 years. Is that not "transient" ? 15 more dating back to 2000. That is 59% turnover in 10 years. These are rough numbers done quickly! But they paint a picture! And keep in mind, they all purchased a home in the development district!
"Joy Point" at the end of end has a COMMERICAL MARINA with 20 slips and public bathhouse. Is it FOR SALE/SOLD! How much more transient can an area get-20 boat owners pay a few grand and then invite unlimited number friends to join them any time of the day or night to go for a boat ride or overnight on the boat. Additional, Pathways owns a home that is COMMERCIAL ASSISTED LIVING (AMBULATORY) for Patyhway’s Psychosocial Support. I applaud the work they do and it is a need service but is this not “transient” also. 2 Commercial Properties is as “developed” as you can get.
Finally, People have talked about water quality. If the water and sewer is turned down, then each home owner should be willing to agree to have their private septic systems inspected and tested every year-To ensure the water quality & honor their pledge to protect the quality of water. And if any one of their systems is failing or in need of repair, then they should be required to upgrade to nitrogen septic system Chesapeake Bay Nitrogen Reduction Act of 2009. And be made to pay for the systems ($15,000-$20,000). Then they will not be complaining about per year water and sewer fees.
In closing, the people against development could buy the land in question and preserve the area as they want. Most purchased their homes knowing that it was in the development district-did they not do their homework on what do happen in their neighborhood. Buyer Beware. It is unfair to tell builders/landowners, here are the rules and live by the rules. Then change the rules. And how many times is the compressive plan with development districts going to be changed or revisited. As county commissioner or commissioner to be, how much of the tax payers money are you going to spend on developing a plan for 5 years then changing in every 2 years. Thounsands? Millions? That is a waste!
The Maryland Office of Planning has expressed their own concerns with the large size of the Lexington Park Development District. For two terms now, I have pushed to get Myrtle Point Public Waterfront Park out of the Development District.
The community request for removal is not unreasonable to maintain the character of their community. With the park and Mill Cove/Myrtle point area shaved off, there would be about 800 acres removed to appease the Md. Office of Planning and relieve the neighbors.
The Comp Plan final review is taking place on March 9 at 1:00 pm at the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown. When this time is verified, I hope Richard, our Webmaster, will post it on the events schedule.
This is a very simple solution that fixes the problem at the most basic level with minimal cost.
Larry Jarboe
Lexington Park Development District covers what % of St. Mary's County? And if you remove what is Development going to be?
The community request? How many residents in the community are going to effect the whole county?
Appease? If The MD office of planning had a real problem, then they would find the tools to enforce what they wanted done. And there is NOT "a problem" that needs to be fixed. It has been fixed and decided before.
Define character of the community? Is that house types, number of childern, lot sizes, roads, etc... Because their are renters, 60 year dumps to commercial marina, and over 50 popluation in the area. Homes built closer to the water than other areas.....
The developer cares a Rat's ass about the community. The developer and landowner just want to make a buck at the expense of the community. Do they live in Mill Cove? Of cours not. Typical developer, fuel money to local government officials so that they get a free ride.
Yea, typical developer. Putting money in the pockets of County Commissioners so they do their bidding. Developer is the "Puppet Master" with strings connected to Dement, Mattingly, Raley, and Russell hands. He pulls the string and they all rais their hands and Vote Yes to this dense development.
Post new comment