Regional Park

Please pass this on to all who you feel may be interested…

Before I proceed with the main emphasis of this note, I want to remind all who may be interested that the culminating informational meeting regarding the various forms of government will be held at the new administrative building January 31 (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. If you’ve missed the other three meetings, this will be a chance to catch up…if you did attend any or all of them, you won’t want to miss the final meeting. It has been suggested that we take (but don’t hold me to this) a fun and very informal vote from those here to see what the feeling is among those who are paying attention.

AND NOW TO THE MAIN POINT OF THIS LETTER:

We’ve been hearing many questions about the acquisition of the McMillan property to be used as a County Regional Park. Many have a negative take on this and I feel a need to clarify a few points. First, I believe there is a general lack of understanding of how the process works (not your fault, as little information has come to the public on this process...but then comes the problem of finding the means of getting that information OUT THERE.)

These negotiations have been ongoing for some time...actually every since I came on board. But every discussion has been within closed session as required by law when discussing contracts and appraisals and offers, etc. So, of course, there was no way for the public to understand detail on this acquisition and no way for the commissioners to communicate this (as closed sessions .... again by law... must be kept private.)

Some may say the land is overvalued…but then one must consider the standards that are used. There are different appraisal practices for different purposes. If the land is appraised strictly for agriculture use, one standard is used. If for commercial…another…and so it goes.

In this case, the standards used by the Open Space Program set up by the STATE (POS is a STATE program) and they have their own evaluation procedures and guidelines. This Open Space money has been set aside from a portion of recordation fees on real estate purchases and so is not from tax-payer money, as such. The POS money is collected on an ongoing basis and is available to be used by those who apply for it. If it is not used, please don’t think that it is then money that is saved. Rather if one applicant is granted the funding, then it will be awarded to another.

The money that is available through State Program Open Space is given out on the basis of very strict guidelines…one of them that appraisers from the State’s approved list are used. The county could possibly have used other appraisers not on the list….but to do so would be to risk losing consideration. So, the County did use STATE approved appraisers (two separate appraisals were conducted…to compare). The end result was that The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $2,558,000 in Program Open Space funds for the acquisition of the McMillan Farm. This funding was divided into $2,540,000 for land cost and $18,000 for incidental costs. Cecil County portion to be used for this property is $114,474. (Not bad for acquisition of 100 acres).

One misconception is that the intention of POS money is to preserve farmland. Although this is one aspect, Program open space was set up for the acquisition of parks, forests, wildlife management areas, scenic rivers, greenways, Chesapeake Bay access and other important natural and recreational areas. The preservation then goes hand in hand with setting aside areas to be enjoyed by the public. As you are well aware there are other programs actively preserving farm lands….the MALF being one.

In further explanation, I have lifted from the POS webpage the following:
Program Open Space (POS) is a nationally recognized program providing dedicated funds for Maryland's state and local parks and conservation areas. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, POS symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens.

Almost all of the land purchased by the DNR in Maryland in the last 37 years was funded at least in part through POS. Today there are more than 5,000 individual county and municipal parks and conservation areas that exist because of the program.

One of the criticisms heard against this land is that it contains wetlands. This is precisely one of the considerations that awarded us ‘points’ toward being awarded this State funding. The State considers wetlands as needing to be preserved and this was a plus in winning this acquisition. Also, consider that not all parklands are to be thought of as sites for ball fields for various sports. There is a need for walking trails, bike trails, and places to come simply to enjoy nature. We visualize that someday there may be opportunity for educational use (making use of the wetlands…bird-watching perhaps). There are many possibilities for this land.

Please know that my first consideration is the well being of the citizens. I don’t make spending decisions lightly, and at first I had many questions myself about this project. However through months of gaining detail, I’ve become comfortable that this will be of benefit to many at little cost to the Cecil County citizens. If we were to ‘ditch’ this and begin again (as some are suggesting) we would lose several more months and most assuredly would lose the POS funding that we have currently been awarded.

So, please know that I consider this a future benefit to the citizens and will support accepting this State POS money for this purchase.

Rebecca J. Demmler

Baltimore Sun.com - State to buy Cecil County farm for $14.3 million

The Board of Public Works agreed yesterday to pay $14.3 million to protect a 743-acre farm that sits on the Sassafras River in Cecil County.

Preservation Of 101 Acres In Cecil County

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Cecil County will acquire 101 acres of agricultural and forested land as a site for the County�s first regional park with $2,558,000 in local-side and state-side POS funds. Bisected by a small bay tributary that flows into the West Branch of the Little Northeast Creek, preservation of 26 wooded acres on the site will protect water quality as well as small animal and bird habitat.

�We have so many projects in Maryland, and a lot of communities may not think they are touched by the State, �said Treasurer Nancy Kopp. �I hope that citizens realize the significant support that the State regularly provides for these local park and recreation projects through Program Open Space.�

In total the BPW approved funding for 14 local park and recreation areas and preservation of 406 acres of agricultural and forest land in 10 Counties today.

Since 1969, Program Open Space has provided funding for acquisition of nearly 322,000 acres for open space and recreation areas. Most Maryland residents live within 15 minutes of an open space or recreational area funded by this program.

The Cecil Land Use Alliance Newsletter

The Cecil Land Use Alliance Newsletter

Volume One, October 2007 Number One
The CLUE

Calendar of Events

Cecil Land Use Alliance business meeting (open to all) Wednesday, October 10, 7 p.m. at the North East library.

A Broader View of Public Facilities

We hear a fair amount about an “Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance” (APFO) for Cecil County. It’s a law that would regulate growth in an area according to the local capacity of designated parts of the county infrastructure: roads, schools, emergency services, public water and sewer, etc. The idea is that we shouldn’t be adding to the population in areas where, for example, schools are already overcrowded or the roads can’t handle the additional vehicles. An APFO must, however, provide a funding mechanism – usually some sort of “impact fee” on new development – that allows the county to expand the needed facilities within a reasonable time. About half the counties in Maryland already have an APFO. Last year, the county’s Council of Governments, which includes the mayors of all eight incorporated towns and two of the county commissioners, drafted an APFO for Cecil County. There is a lot of information on this on the CLUA web site; look under “Land Use Documents”.

This year, unfortunately, the APFO has gotten bogged down in a discussion of what should be included as a “public facility”. I’m not going to get into that dispute here, but I simply want to point out that there are resources that are usually not considered public utilities for APFO purposes that actually should be factored into plans for residential development. For example, the recently adopted “BRAC Action Plan”, that CLUA has endorsed (http://www.ccgov.org/news/BRACactionplan.cfm), takes quite a broad view of the resources required by development. In addition to roads, schools, police, and water service, the plan also discusses things like public transit, social services, workforce training, information technology, and medical access.

Let me expand on that last one. Did you know that there are two areas in Cecil County – in Conowingo and Perryville – that are already designated “Medically Underserved Areas” by the Federal government? One doctor in Rising Sun has stopped taking new patients. The county Health Department intends to request that Cecil County as a whole be designated a “Health Professional Shortage Area”, which will provide some resources to help recruit and keep doctors here. All this will undoubtedly come as a surprise to people who will be moving into all the developments on the books in the western part of the county – they are probably not expecting that they will have to travel to Bel Air or Newark for even primary medical care. (My thanks to Stephanie Garrity, Deputy Health Officer, Cecil County Health Department, for this information. I have a more complete report by Stephanie for anyone who is interested.)

My general point is that we need to think “outside of the box” and ask a lot of questions of our leaders – questions that are beyond the usual arguments about zoning density and bridge repair – as the county attempts to plan for growth. Otherwise we will likely all be victims of the law of unintended consequences.

George Kaplan, President

CLUA Priorities for study and statements of position by end of year:

APFO / impact fees
Definition of growth areas / TDR receiving areas
Water & sewer in the growth corridor
Enforcement of existing ords & regs for development / Comprehensive Plan
No shared facilities in agricultural areas
Commuter rail
Annexations

Commissioner Demmler on the Comprehensive Plan:

The following was within a message that Commissioner Rebecca Demmler sent to the mayors and the planning commission members to keep them informed on the process of selection of the committee members for the Comprehensive Plan Review: ”I thought it may be of interest to citizens following this process. There has been a RFP put out for a consultant who will oversee the review. The following is copied from a section of that Request for Proposal which describes what is expected of the consultant we seek and gives other background.

”The successful consultant will work with the staff of this office (meaning P&Z) as well as a citizen oversight committee appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to develop the next Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Cecil County. It is anticipated that the successful consultant will initially need to meet with the oversight committee on a monthly basis with potential for more frequent meeting if it is deemed necessary by the Committee. It is also anticipated that this process will last for a minimum of two years. The successful consultant must prepare a draft Plan that includes the requirements of Section 1.01 and section 3.05 of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Particular attention needs to be paid to the recent requirements contained in HB 2 and HB 1141 regarding the priority Preservation Areas Element, Water Resources Element, and the Work Force Housing Element. An examination of the nutrient caps pertaining to point to non-point discharges into the Chesapeake Bay as a result of the 2000 Chesapeake Bay agreement should also be accomplished as the caps could have an effect on where the majority of the future growth of the County is directed.

In addition to the above referenced work, the successful consultant will also prepare a sub-area plan concentrating on the Mineral Extraction District situation between the Towns of Port Deposit, Perryville, Charlestown and North East. The sub-area plan will need to recommend the most appropriate future land uses, identify infrastructure (water, sewer, gas, etc.) and transportation needs contemplated to adequately serve growth in this area once the minerals have been extracted or they are no longer economically recoverable.

The respondents need to include examples demonstrating effectiveness on projects of similar nature as part of their responses.”

Timelines:
RFP Issuance 4 September 2007
Responses Due 1 October 2007, 4:30 p.m.
Respondent Interviews: 2 October – 16 October 2007
County Review: 2 October – 16 October 2007
Commissioners Award: 6 November 2007
Notice to Proceed: 7 November 2007

Comprehensive Plan Citizens Oversight Committee Members

In response to CLUA concerns, regarding the make-up of the Comprehensive Plan Citizens Oversight Committee, (see recent letter at http://cecillanduse.org/clua/To_BOCC_re_committee.pdf) CLUA is pleased to see that the committee has widened to be more inclusive of the concerns of our community.

This is the updated and most recent (26 September 07) list. It will very likely be the final list. Names of the 40 contemplated members of the above referenced committee have been submitted for the Boards review. They are as follows:

Planning Commission – B. Patrick Doordan
Economic Development Commission – Robert Hodge
Soil Conservation Service – Daniel Polite
Board of Realtors – Paula Gilley
Sheriff’s Department – Jeff Clewer
Chamber of Commerce – Brian Bolender
Bainbridge Development Corporation – Dr. Robert Gell
Development Community – Mike Pugh
Board of Parks & Recreation – Linda Snyder
MD Park Service – Shawn Day
Agricultural Advisory Board – Vic Priapi
Tourism – John Poole
Land Trust – Sandra Edwards
Forestry – John Bennett
Council of Governments – John Bunnell
Farm Bureau – Dan Derr
Fireman’s Association – Donna Deckard
Environmental Health – Chuck Smyser
Stewart Associates, Inc. – Gary Stewart, Jr.
ARCA – Ed Cairns
CHARGE – Kennard Wiggins
FORS – Diana Broomell
CCLUA – Owen Thorne
Fisheries – Harold Cheney
Board of Education – Henry Shaffer
Concerned Citizen – Will Whiteman
Concerned Citizen – Donna Tapley
Concerned Citizen – Eileen Butler
Concerned Citizen – Vernon Duckett
Concerned Citizen – Vaughan Ellerton

Commissioner Tome’s Appointments – Walter Buck, Jr., Philip Schaub
Commissioner Demmler’s Appointments – Phyllis Kilby, Rupert Rossetti
Commissioner Guns’ Appointments – Sarah Colenda, John Denver
Commissioner Manlove’s Appointments – Patricia Folk, Carl Walbeck
Commissioner Lockhart’s Appointments – Dan Whitehurst, Anne Jackson

The Rural Problem of Light Pollution

It is now estimated that less than ten percent of Americans have an opportunity to gaze upon the Milky Way. Growing up in the country near Newark Delaware some 50 years ago, the Milky Way was a relatively common sight. My few neighbors then had maybe a porch light on, if company was expected. The Milky Way is now invisible virtually all the time in Newark, in Elkton, and in Perryville etc. The glow of the stars is now easily outshone by the glare of Baltimore, Wilmington and Philadelphia in our hazy skies. The splendor of the night sky has all but been extinguished, unless one travels to the desert, the mountains, or the artic.

Still, one can look for the more common stars and planets, view the moon, and perhaps see a meteor or a comet, if it is bright enough. The annual late summer meteor showers known as the Perseids can still be seen in rural Cecil County. That is, unless your neighbors have sodium vapor high intensity spotlights that create a local glare where you might choose to look. Or unless the streetlights in your neighborhood are unshielded, and spread their light in all directions, or unless you happen to live near an automobile dealer or fast food outlet.

I’d like to suggest that light pollution is as bad for us as polluted water, smoggy skies, or neighborhood litter. Spending money to burn carbon, to light places that require no lighting is a bad idea in general, but even worse when our local governments and municipalities do it with taxpayer money. Aside from the fact that it despoils the rural charm that some of us seek, it is wasteful and unhealthful. Medical studies link our circadian rhythm to light. A disruption of the body clock can have unhealthy results. We humans have evolved to see reasonably well in dimly lit conditions. Try going for a “moon walk” on a country lane and you will be charmed by how well you can see without the aid of a flashlight, once you have acclimated your eyes. The use of spotlights and streetlights destroys our natural night vision. The extreme contrast of bright lights, makes us unable to perceive the landscape in the deep shadows. It has the same effect on animals, insects, and migrating birds who suffer habitat loss to light pollution. High intensity lighting actually can abet crime by creating the dark shadows that the lighting was intended to illuminate. The darker the night, perversely, the less light that is needed to light areas for human use.

It is perhaps small beer compared to the many issues we face today, but I think a little attention to this issue by our elected officials and planners would be a positive step ways towards improving our quality of life, saving money, and saving energy. It would cost next to nothing to write ordinances that would govern new and future public lighting, and begin to reverse a very unsettling trend. People have a perfect right to light their homes and their businesses, but like smoke, or run-off, if their light impinges unwanted on a neighbor, then it becomes a public policy issue, that begs for regulation. Fortunately, there are many shielded and energy efficient designs on the market that can easily meet this need. I recommend to our readers a very thorough essay on this topic at: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2007/08/20/070820fa_fact_owen or you may want to look at the International Dark Sky Association website at: http://www.darksky.org. Lighting ordinances to protect dark skies are not
a wild idea; cities like Tuscon and San Diego in the southwest have passed
such ordinances, and the web site provides some sample language.

Ken Wiggins, CLUA Vice President












Our newly elected Board of Directors and Officers


CLUA Officers:

President: George Kaplan
Vice President: Ken Wiggins
Secretary: Rupert Rossetti
Treasurer: Wendy Moon

CLUA Board of Directors

Diana Broomell
Ed Cairns
Vernon Duckett
Paul Hughes
George Kaplan
Wendy Moon
Jim Mullin
Ted Patterson
Rupert Rossetti
Ken Wiggins
Terms of office:

Ending at end of 2007: Ed Cairns, Paul Hughes, Jim Mullin, Ted, Rupert Rossetti

Ending at end of 2008: Diana Broomell, Vernon Duckett, George Kaplan, Wendy Moon, Ken Wiggins

Committee Chairs:

Research: Vernon Duckett & Ed Cairns (co-chairs)
Policy: Jim Mullin
Outreach: Ken Wiggins
Political: Ken Wiggins
Finance: Paul Hughes





The Cecil Land Use Alliance newsletter is published periodically under the auspices of the Board of Directors. It is provided to all members, directors and available to the public at large. Suggestions and articles are welcome. They should be submitted to the Editor by e-mail to Milheritage@aol.com, or by mail to P.O. Box 215, Colora MD 21917. We encourage our readers to visit our website at http://cecillanduse.org

Presidnet George Kaplan
Vice President and Editor, Kennard R. Wiggins Jr.

Letter to the Editor from the Cecil Land Use Alliance

August 17, 2007

Letters to the Editor
The Cecil Whig
Elkton, MD 21917

Dear Editor:

There are some promising signs that, as far as smart growth is concerned, our elected county officials are beginning to “get it”. The joint meetings between the Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission continue to show promise. The BRAC Action Plan is a solid, coherent plan for dealing with growth in the county (BRAC or no BRAC) and has been endorsed in its entirety by the Cecil Land Use Alliance (CLUA). This year’s appointments to the Planning Commission are good, thinking people with a county-wide perspective.
However, one of the most important things the County Commissioners will do this year is appoint the committee to review and revise the county’s Comprehensive Plan. The process by which the committee for the Comprehensive Plan is being assembled is neither transparent, fully representative of all stake holders, nor well thought out, and we have expressed our disappointment to the Commissioners.

At the joint Commissioners-Planning Commission meeting on July 24, there were public assurances that the original list of organizations that was published in the Whig on July 4 -- assembled by Planning and Zoning chief Eric Sennstrom and County Administrator Alfred Wein – was just a first cut. That list has a distinctly pro-development tilt. Yet it now appears that the organizations listed in that article have been contacted and that many have already nominated representatives. That is, the committee is indeed being assembled according to the Sennstrom-Wein list, rather than using objective and balanced criteria that conform to a strategic vision put forward by the elected County Commissioners.

There are many questions that can be raised about the Sennstrom-Wein list and we believe that a more representative committee could be assembled.

For example, we wonder why the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission both have representatives, when their interests are nearly identical? In contrast, why does the agriculture industry, which is quite diverse, have only a single representative? Are all the incorporated towns also to be represented by a single person? Who will speak for historic preservation? How does Bainbridge Development Corporation merit its own seat? Why does the school system (or School Board) not have a representative — the schools are on the front line of growth pressures, and are struggling to deal with growing enrollment. Similarly, the health system needs representation: two areas in the western county most vulnerable to BRAC growth have been declared Medically Underserved Areas by the Federal government, and the BRAC Action Plan recommends that the county apply for a designation as a Health Professional Shortage Area. We also believe that the committee needs an environmental professional, particularly one familiar with the Bay’s issues and the state’s strategy. An expert on water resources (professional hydrologist) should also be on the panel, given the county’s water supply needs and heavy reliance on groundwater.

We ask the County Commissiones to assume leadership over this process and to start from square one. This is not a task that should be left to county staff. The Comprehensive Plan will guide the county’s future for many years, and the Commissioners need to take ownership of the committee appointments.



Sincerely,


George H. Kaplan
President, Cecil Land Use Alliance

Jim Mullin files for 1st District County Commissioner Seat

Jim Mullin filed to run for the 1st District County Commissioner seat in 2008. This is his second attempt, in 2004 he lost to Democrat Bill Manlove. The mayor of Cecilton has filed earlier this year as a Democrat to run for that position.

No one has yet to file for the 5th District, Mark Guns position. Also the voters will have an opportunity to elect school board members to represent Elkton and Bohemia Manor. And here is the rest of it.

Full Moon Picnic and Sustainable Energy Fair

Cecil Land Use Alliance, PO Box 215, Colora, MD 21917
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Full Moon Picnic and Sustainable Energy Fair
ELKTON Maryland: 21 June 2007
Plans have been finalized for the Cecil Land Use Alliance sponsored “Full Moon Picnic and Sustainable Energy Fair” at Kilby Cream, 129 Strohmaier Lane, Rising Sun, MD on Sunday, July 1, 2007. (click on story to continue)
The gates will open at 3:30 PM. The picnic will commence at 5:00 PM and continue until 8:00 PM. Music will be provided by the well-known Sin City Band, a Texas Swing group, as well as Bluegrass by Mark Unruh and friends starting at 7:00 PM and continuing until 9:00 PM. Admission is $12.50 at the gate, or $10 advance, children under six are free. Advance tickets may be obtained from Alice Arbuckle at 410-392-9071, or Wendy Moon at 410-885-2198.
According to Paul E. Hughes, chairman of this event, “While there are plenty of fun and games in the offering, our purpose is to show individuals how they can make a difference by saving energy, saving money and saving the planet.”
The following exhibitors are scheduled to participate in the Sustainable Energy Fair
CMI Electric: Solar power and installation. Solar panels and Solar Energy Demonstrations

Energy Services Group: Home Energy audits and will be doing demonstrations at the fair.

International Energy Academy: Information and a global perspective on Sustainability and Viable Technology

Ted Patterson and his Organic Farm Products
Chesapeake Fields: Information and Products...Buy Local...Save Carbon

J. David Barr and The Corncob Furnace:

Ground Loop Heating and Air: Lectures and Demonstrations on Geothermal technology and other energy saving Tips....
Suntrust Mortgage of Christiana: Information on Energy Efficient Mortgages

Solar Rental: Company has contracts for installation of solar on your roof and you pay monthly...you don’t own, you rent the system and pay a monthly fixed rate per a long term contract.
Historical Society of Cecil County: The History of Rail Transit in Cecil County and its relationship to our present.
Voter Registration Booth: Sign up to vote
Cecil Land Use Alliance: Find out what you can do to manage growth and plan land use to save energy

Paul E. Hughes, Event Chairman, added, “We promise you top quality entertainment, terrific food, and the chance to make a difference in our community. We’ll have games, prizes, and dancing. But the reason we’re eager for folks to attend is to visit our sustainable energy fair. You’ll learn what you can do to cut our carbon emissions, and how you can insure a future for our kids.”
Proceeds from this Picnic and Fair will benefit the Cecil Land Use Alliance. The Cecil Land Use Alliance seeks ways to responsibly manage growth in Cecil County, preserve our Eastern Shore rural way of life, protect the environment, and strengthen agriculture and tourism as vital parts of our economy. More information on the alliance can be found at http://cecillanduse.org.

Interview Contact: Paul Hughes, Event Coordinator, 443-553-5888 or e-mail at PYUI@aol.com. For further information contact Ken Wiggins at wiggili@aol.com

Cecil Land Use Alliance Full Moon Picnic and Sustainable Energy Fair, “Having fun for a serious purpose”
Kilby Farm, Rising Sun Maryland, Sunday, July 1, 2007, 3:30-10:00 PM, See http://www.kilbycream.net/. 129 Strohmaier Lane just off of Hopewell Road, about a mile south of the main part of town, near Rising Sun Elementary School

Land Use

Good Afternoon CLUA,

The Community and Environmental Defense Services recently updated their online publication entitled "How to Win Land Development Issues: A Citizen's Guide to Preserving and Enhancing Quality of Life in Developing Areas Through Responsible Growth Management." I thought that this publication would be of interest to CLUA. Specifically, Chapter 42 "Electing and Retaining Decision-Makers Committed to Responsible Growth".

Here is the link to the Community and Environmental Defense Services homepage

http://www.ceds.org

Here is the link to "How to Win Land Development Issues" publication

http://www.ceds.org/publications.html

Thanks and have a great weekend,

Morgan Ellis
Land Use Planner
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy
PO BOX 169
Queenstown, MD 21658