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INDY LTE: Impact statement is sensible way to examine connector issues
I applaud the Maryland Independent for supporting, in an editorial, the proposition that an environmental impact statement must be produced for the proposed extension of the cross-county connector across the Mattawoman Creek watershed [‘‘Environmental study is warranted,” Aug. 15]. It is the right thing to do.
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The problem with this argument is that the applicant for the permit, our county government, makes no logical case as to how building the new highway would increase safety. In fact, as reported by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, studies show that construction of new highways increases traffic on surrounding roads. In this case it would certainly be the case, as the whole point is to open up virgin territory for development and to replace one-stoplight Bryans Road with a new edge city. So we would have even more accidents on Billingsley Road, and a whole new category of accidents on the new highway.
Posted by: Sammy on 08/21 at 05:09 AM
- 1. · This is interesting. This is one of the few times that I get to stand up, point my finger at someone (or a group) and declare that they are outright liars! I would never even consider doing so without irrefutable evidence. In this case, I rely on my own eyes and ears. I attended the meeting on July 31st and can say with complete confidence that the hearing was not "highjacked by an angry mob" as described in a recent letter from the Realtors Association. I know the housing market is miserable but c'mon folks, that's no reason to stoop to such depths. There was no angry mob. The speakers at this meeting were occasionally impassioned but, moreover, they were armed with facts. One of those facts was that the supporters of the CCC all stand to gain financially from its completion. You have to ask yourself why the vast majority of people in that room showed up to speak out against the CCC. They aren't paid lobbyists, they don't stand to make money by preventing the CCC from being completed and they probably aren't just trying to stir the pot because they're bored. Why, then, would ecologists, scientists, engineers and outdoorsmen give up their time to research the facts surrounding the disruption of the Mattawoman and then sit in a crowded room for hours to deliver a 3 minute oratory that might not make any difference? This is a no-brainer. I only hope the Army Corps of Engineers possesses adequate intestinal fortitude to tell our commissioners that an EIS is required.
Comment by Birdman on 08/21 at 11:57 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 2. · In my opinion the only moment that almost became out of control was when Sheriff Coffey over reacted to the speaker who wanted the podium turned around.
It appeared at that point in the hearing that there was a hope from supporters of the CCC that it WOULD get out of control.
Comment by burningcoal on 08/21 at 12:35 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 3. · Duly noted. IMHO, the gentleman that launched into his forray into why the podium was faced the way it was faced for the opponents was a bit out of line. I understand that he was making a "statement" but it could have just as easily been handled by calmly asking to have the same priviledge of facing the audience as the supporters. His brief outburst sort of takes away from the legitimate message of others. He was only one of hundreds of calm, informed citizens. There was no angry mob!
Comment by Birdman on 08/21 at 03:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 4. · Fanastic letter and hopefully one that will turn the casual eye a bit upwards - those who could care less, maybe will indeed take a moment and pause to look a little deeper when driving down the roadways.
Some excellent points and the author should be awarded big thumbs up!
Comment by gizmo123 on 08/21 at 03:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 5. ·
He was only one of hundreds of calm, informed citizens. There was no angry mob!
I totally agree, Birdman. I was there...
Comment by Sammy on 08/21 at 03:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 6. ·
This is interesting. This is one of the few times that I get to stand up, point my finger at someone (or a group) and declare that they are outright liars!
Now Birdman don't be too sure....you've been wrong before.
Comment by patmd on 08/21 at 10:12 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 7. · I thing a crowd that is impssioned- does not equate into an angry mob.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 08/22 at 02:45 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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