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Hearing on wetlands destruction
People now have a chance to speak up about a highway project in Southern Maryland that could destroy one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most important fish breeding grounds.
A public hearing has been scheduled to discuss whether federal and state officials should grant a permit to Charles County to allow it to destroy seven acres of wetlands around Mattawoman Creek to allow a highway.
The Charles County Cross County Connector would cross the stream—one of the most fertile fish breeding grounds in the Chesapeake region—and serve more than 8,000 homes planned in what is now a largely forested area.
Posted by: Sammy on 07/22 at 06:33 PM
- 1 · "But Charles County officials have argued that the roadway won’t encourage the construction of more subdivisions, instead only serving new homes that would be built anyway."
The Commissioners are preaching to the choir - just look around you - wherever there's a new road, there's ALWAYS accompanying development. Unless it's a designated Parkway owned by the State or Federal Government, development will occur.
The ONLY purpose of this highway is to accommodate development - nothing more!
Comment by cheryl on 07/23 at 07:10 AM | Back to Top - 2 · People now have a chance to speak up about a highway project in Southern Maryland that could destroy one of the Chesapeake Bay's most important fish breeding grounds.
I don't get it. Here in Charles County we have the MOST important fish breeding ground that feeds the Chesapeake Bay. We have oodles of bass tournaments launching off Smallwood State Park that bring a nice amount of $$$$ to CC. We have, so far, been lucky that the Mattawoman can entertain swimmers, canoeists, kayakers, bird-watchers, and recreational fisherfolk along with those who will soon partake of the Hiker/Biker Trail. Why don't the Commissioners understand that a polluted, dead Mattawoman will destroy ALL of the above?
Times change. The CrossCountyConnector and its "big brother", the Western ByPass, are ideas whose time has run out.
I would urge anyone who has an interest in the bass tournaments to make sure you attend this public hearing. Your livelihood depends on it! And for the rest who find the Mattawoman equal to the Hope Diamond, see ya' at the hearing!
Comment by seahorse on 07/23 at 08:47 AM | Back to Top - 3 · "Why don't the Commissioners understand that a polluted, dead Mattawoman will destroy ALL of the above?"
Because they don't give a rat's behind about any of THAT! All they're interested in are $$$$$$$ from developers and their ilk.
Even the State won't agree to pay for any of it because it's not necessary!! So what's that tell you??
So it will be the COUNTY TAXPAYERS who will have to pay for it - currently at $60M - and by the time construction were to begin, we could be looking at a pricetag well over $100M!
So for anyone who may not be interested in the environmental or growth aspects of it, you sure as hell better think about what it will COST and how much you're willing to pay!!
Comment by cheryl on 07/23 at 09:11 AM | Back to Top - 4 · So for anyone who may not be interested in the environmental or growth aspects of it, you sure as hell better think about what it will COST and how much you're willing to pay!!
Yep, just goes to show how that massive amount of Charles County resident tax money, earmarked for this Commissioner's Boondoggle, affects EVERYONE and ANYONE who calls CC home!
And don't even get me going on the amount of trailers school children are packed into along with the amount of dollars needed for school repairs and renovations!
Does anyone REALLY think Charles County is so flush with a huge influx of tax money that the CCC is a feasible expenditure?
Comment by seahorse on 07/23 at 09:29 AM | Back to Top - 5 ·
The CIP is $190 million out of balance. To fund all of the projects that were requested, additional taxes would be needed or another revenue source established.
This quote is from a presentation to the County Commissioners back in January of this year from PGM entitled "FY2009-2013 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
To continue with planned projects from last year an additional $6.7 million in local funds will be required over the next five years.
PROGRAM" (and I did NOT add the bold print...it was bolded in the presentation).
Comment by The Quack on 07/23 at 09:36 AM | Back to Top - 6 · Shouldn't the Commissioners concern themselves with balancing the county's budget rather than getting us even deeper in debt?
First it was the stadium and other entertainment venues, now it's a totally unnecessary 4 lane highway!
Yet as seahorse says the kids are packed into trailers because the Commissioners are unwilling to spend money on improving the schools we already have.
And don't even begin to get me started on the water supply to serve these 8,000 new houses anticipated along the CCC extension!!!
Comment by cheryl on 07/23 at 09:59 AM | Back to Top - 7 · To continue with planned projects from last year an additional $6.7 million in local funds will be required over the next five years.
Thanks, Quack. Would this bunch o' Commissioners really dare raise taxes this close to the election? Folks might not care about much of the stuff that goes on in CC, but raising taxes would be well remembered come voting day.
Comment by seahorse on 07/23 at 10:00 AM | Back to Top - 8 · They won't even consider raising taxes until after the next election cycle...and regardless of who's in office, taxes will most assuredly go skyhigh to pay for this "development corridor".
Now is the time to STOP IT BEFORE IT STARTS!!
Comment by cheryl on 07/23 at 10:05 AM | Back to Top - 9 · Shouldn't the Commissioners concern themselves with balancing the county's budget rather than getting us even deeper in debt?
They certainly aren't practicing fiscal responsibility, that's for sure, and I'm not one to demand that every penny squeaks. I question whoever is giving them advice (assuming they're listening) as I would think the Commissioners would have to rely on staff for anything regarding the budget.
Quack posted from a presentation to the County Commissioners back in January of this year from PGM entitled "FY2009-2013 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM" I question why the budget was allowed to get so much out of balance. I question why school repairs and renovations were not expedited in a timely manner. Isn't anyone tracking on monies in/monies out? Or budgeting for needed repairs and upgrades? Does no one pay attention to what's happening the real world of falling home prices, foreclosures, etc.? It sounds like those in charge of the budget live only in the past and to hell with the present and the future!
Seems to me that trying to fund a road as expensive as the CCC is ridiculous!
Comment by seahorse on 07/23 at 10:20 AM | Back to Top - 10 · The enterprise funds in the County have to set aside funds for new projects, repair of equipment and purchase of new very expensive equipment whe n the other equipment finally cannot be repaired anymore.
The landfills enterprise fund has always been in balance and has the reserve funds- maybe thats why they want to privitize- to raid the reserved funds?
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 07/23 at 10:57 AM | Back to Top - 11 ·
People now have a chance to speak up about a highway project in Southern Maryland that could destroy one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most important fish breeding grounds.
This says it all and tells me everything I need to know about the Fab Five! To me, this is tantamount to a masked gunman asking family to voice their opinions before he has his way with the farmer's daughter. Chances are that they'll stand in opposition but I doubt it's going to matter!
Comment by Birdman on 07/23 at 01:52 PM | Back to Top - 12 · You're right, Birdman. That very first sentence does say it all! It may sound conspiratorical to wonder why they set this important public hearing at the very end of July. Hoping many will be on vacation??????
Comment by seahorse on 07/24 at 08:06 AM | Back to Top - 13 · Åll the more reason to have a great showing, i.e. Hughesville.
If they see hundreds of people show up in the middle of vacation season, they'll definitely get the impression that the opposition is serious.
Plus inundate the Corps and MDE with letters, letters, and more letters!!
Written comments can be sent to:
Mr. Steven S. Harman
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
Attention: CENAB-OP-RMS
P.O. Box 1715
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-1715
Ms. Judy Cole
Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Division
Water Management Administration
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 430
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
.
Comment by cheryl on 07/24 at 08:20 AM | Back to Top - 14 · BJG, I'd bet that enterprise fund isn't enough to cover much of anything so your comment about privatizing the landfill makes sense. I thought they wanted to privatize so they didn't have to pay for county employees.
Comment by seahorse on 07/24 at 08:33 AM | Back to Top - 15 · "A public hearing has been scheduled to discuss whether federal and state officials should grant a permit to Charles County to allow it to destroy seven acres of wetlands around Mattawoman Creek to allow a highway."
SEVEN ACRES! Ok, I'll be the Devil'e advocate once again. Ever notice that when almost anything is proposed--a new road, a shopping center, a pipeline, a radio tower, a bridge--you name it, there is always an endangered species at risk, a wetland that is at risk, a forest that is at risk, a tundra that is at risk, a water source that is at risk, etc. etc. Just think about it. Practically nothing in the World that is now a days being proposed anywhere is free of objections by someone or some group demanding endless studies, changed designs, cessation of plans, etc. It's no wonder that our infratructure is in such poor shape. The cost to surmount the costly hurdles that so many place in the face of these proposals and the arguable need for them as the population continues to grow, just delays the inevitable and costs taxpayers millions. Prudent considerations for projects are, and should always be welcome but, we should not let uncontrolled and unreasonable zealots dictate the future.
Comment by Iamangttia on 07/24 at 01:34 PM | Back to Top - 16 · In my mind this Coss County Connector and the Bypass should be looked at as a whole.
All those in the process of planning and wanting the 2, says they are two seperate projects and should be looked at and approved as seperate projects.
To me and perhaps others- it is not JUST 7 acres for a CountyConnector- it is also paving the way to make it easier to have a super highway cut even closer thru the watershed with an even greater impact.
Approve this and the other one will certainly follow. Disallow this and the bypass is NOT then a given.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 07/24 at 02:13 PM | Back to Top - 17 · Iam, I understand what you're saying, but as BJG has said, it's NOT just the 7 acres that many of us are concerned about....it's that this 4 lane highway will open up the entire area to INTENSE development (similar to Waldorf) and will serve to "justify" in time, a bridge linking Charles County to Woodbridge VA.
This idea was first "floated" in the mid-60's but because there wasn't enough development in Çharles Çounty at that time, it was shelved and now it appears that the pieces are falling into place for the "interested parties" who are supporting this "plan".
Unless a new road is designated as a State or Federal Parkway, it is for all intents and purposes a "development corridor". In time, due to development and resulting traffic, there will be a "need" for more roads to accommodate that additional traffic.
Just look around you, and name any new road that hasn't resulted in more residential/commercial development.
Not only that, but have you even considered the COST of this new highway? It will be FULLY FUNDED BY THE TAXPAYERS OF CHARLES COUNTY! Right now it's estimated at around $60M. IF it is built, by the time construction starts, we could be looking at a pricetag well over $100M!
AND it will come out of ALL our pockets!
Then with all this new development, there's the water supply issue, but that's another story for another day...
Comment by cheryl on 07/24 at 04:04 PM | Back to Top - 18 · If you could stop people from coming into Charles County then you would not have to spend every waking hour at hearings to defeat new roads and developments. Developers don't waste their money by building homes and buildings where there is no demand; and, taxpayers don't approve or will vote out of office, politicians who spend $60,000,000.00 on a road that they feel they don't need. What comes 1st--the chicken or the egg? In this case it is the growing population then the roads and then the development. If you can't stop people from coming then plan on 7 acres of swamp land being disturbed and then more land taken up to house and service a growing population. If you control population then you won't have to control development; but, of course, that is eliminating the cause rather than treating the symptoms and no one wants to touch that subject on this forum.
Comment by Iamangttia on 07/24 at 06:05 PM | Back to Top - 19 · I remember in the early 90's when Southbridge, a development north of Dumfries in Prince William County was proposed. The bridge between Charles and Prince William was brought up then also.
If you haven't been over there lately, go take a look and see the explosive growth in Eastern Prince William...
Southbridge, Potomac Club, Powells Landing, Powells Landing II, Eagles Pointe, Lake Terrapin Villages.
One could easily surmise the same thing would happen to Western Charles.
Comment by Craig Barrett on 07/24 at 06:40 PM | Back to Top - 20 · Craig, I think you know real estate on both sides of the Potomac--right? Well, then you know Western Charles County is being developed just as fast as Eastern Prince William was 10-15 years ago. It's just that Charles County is always years behind, even though it eventually catches up. With or without the bridge it is and will continue to happen just as it did there without the bridge. The only thing the bridge will do is make it more convenient for both sides to commute and actually might get a lot of Federal funds just like the Pomonkey Airport has for security benefits.
Comment by Iamangttia on 07/24 at 07:27 PM | Back to Top - 21 · True, I do understand and see the value in your point. But I think the fundamental differences between the two are: the way each County manages progress; the support from the respective State agencies; and the way communities in those Counties engage growth.
Comment by Craig Barrett on 07/24 at 09:25 PM | Back to Top - 22 · Craig, I don't want you to mention any names--especially mine but, if you are the Craig Barrett I think you are, we had an on going business relationship about 4-5 years ago that we both worked very hard on. If you are the correct Craig Barrett, I just want to say 'hello' once again and tell you that I appreciate all of the hard work you put into that matter and it is good to know that you are still in the mix of things.
Comment by Iamangttia on 07/24 at 09:53 PM | Back to Top - 23 · But Iam, why do you think the State has refused to fund any of this? Because it's not necessary - there's already a link from 228 to 210 at Accokeek, and look at all the new development that has attracted. Just an example of what this CCC extension will look like in the coming years.
Furthermore, if "you build it, they will come", so the way I see it, is "if you DON'T build it, they WON'T come". Remember, at least 8,000 new homes are already "planned" alongside this new "development corridor" and as I said before, just name for me ONE new road that's been built where there hasn't been subsequent development.
Look at the thousands of homes currently up for sale in the County...obviously more new homes are not necessary. It's just that the the developers and their ilk, are looking to make some big bucks from this project.
Don't forget how much it will cost the taxpayers of Çharles County - geesh, they're bleeding us dry.
Comment by cheryl on 07/25 at 07:17 AM | Back to Top - 24 · Building new roads to ease congestion is sometimes necessary. This proposed road in addition to all the potential environmental damage has no plus side.
There is currently nothing resembling a traffic issue and though not offically a road to nowhere, taking out what would be required for construction actually makes it worse than that.
Comment by burningcoal on 07/25 at 07:25 AM | Back to Top - 25 · I hate to keep "harping" on this, but this is part of a very well orchestrated effort by the developers and their enablers in county government to turn the western part of the county into another Waldorf or worse.
Just look at the "potential" that exists along the waterfront in the western portion of the county. We could be looking at another National Harbor someday along the western shoreline.
Now to get it started there must be a link WITHIN the county (not in P.G. like the 228/210 Accokeek link).
Then the Maryland Åirport must be expanded to allow small commuter planes.
Without a 4 lane superhighway nearby to accommodate hotels that will be necessary for business travelers, then all the "plans" for shoreline development and the Lower Potomac bridge are for naught!!
Comment by cheryl on 07/25 at 08:35 AM | Back to Top - 26 · In terms of biodiversity wetlands are disproportionately important in relation to their size, sustaining ecosystems over a scale that ranges far beyond the wetlands themselves. You will notice that four acres of wetlands that were on the original plans just disappear off of the current plans. Secondary and cumulative impacts of the proposed highway affect many more acres than those listed as directly impacted. If you read the wetlands justification permit (and you should) the county plans on DIVERTING Mattawoman Creek during construction. The "NEPA" report was prepared by the applicant (the County) but a REAL NEPA report would be prepared by an independent third party. If the highway (which is supposed to be part of an outer beltway) is built we will have to change our motto from "where eagles fly" to "where developers rule-and the best interests of the citizens at large are ignored".
Comment by mora on 07/25 at 09:15 AM | Back to Top
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