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Many up in arms about shooting range

Proposal would also have tactical driving course

Maryland Independent, by NANCY BROMLEY McCONATY

Nanjemoy residents said that they expect a large number of people to attend a public hearing next week in La Plata to protest the granting of a special exception that would allow a facility to open in Nanjemoy that would conduct firearms and weapons research and offer courses in emergency preparedness, vehicle safety procedures and projectile testing.
[...]
The corporation said in its special exception application submitted to the county’s planning department that it plans to conduct research, development, testing and evaluation services in a variety of defense and public safety areas, including technical courses for emergency preparedness, emergency and governmental vehicle safety and projectile testing.


Posted by: Sammy on 02/20/09 at 12:38 PM
    Page 1 of 1 pages
  • 1. · Added comments.. that i had offered..
    The DUCK rocks !!!!!//

    Another observation I have is.. this whole process of special exceptions seems to be broke and I don't blame this applicant for that. Why doesn't the most wired COUNTY in Maryland post these applications, and county comments ONLINE for Citizens well before the hearing? The applicant has months to prepare and posture, but the public gets a 2 week notice.

    ...........
    http://www.nanjemoybar.com

    "Dont Tread on me.."

    we are ready to launch the Nanjemoy Homeland Defense Consortium.. wink//

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/20/09  at  08:13 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 2. · One more cool link... // Democracy, and Representation at its best !!

    http://nanjemoy.net/nimb/?p=54

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/20/09  at  08:45 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 3. · These people are about as stupid as the Hughesville retards.

    Perhaps they have not seen the DOW Jones industrial average. We are fortunate to have corporations investing in Charles County and the NIMBY crowd is pissing them away.

    Our local economy is based on retail sales at the mall and revenue from local restaurants. I highly doubt this revenue can sustain the county through the Greater Depression.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/21/09  at  02:51 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 4. · Hey cowgirl, the Nanjemoy and Hughesville residents & all of us living in Welcome, DON'T WANT ANY OF THIS CRAP!

    Whether it's a gravel washing plant, or a "para-military" training facility, it doesn't matter, we DON'T WANT IT and we'll fight to keep them OUT!


    Call us Nimby's or retards, but our motto is:

    "Don't Tread on me..."

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/21/09  at  07:34 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 5. · The article also states:

    "The main testing and research areas will focus on teaching people how to safely maneuver a vehicle during hostile situations..."

    This sounds to me as though they have plans to construct a driving course, similar to that in Beltsville for the Secret Service.

    This course involves driving vehicles at high speeds, day and night, and is required training for anyone who may, at any time, drive in the Presidential Motorcade..

    These "maneuvers" can't be taught in a classroom...

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/21/09  at  08:00 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 6. · Perhaps they have not seen the DOW Jones industrial average. We are fortunate to have corporations investing in Charles County and the NIMBY crowd is pissing them away.

    Is there any reason that Charles County has to accept every POS quasi-business that comes down the pike? Does anyone know who the CEO/owner is of this so-called company? Or if Washington Security Group has an income to sustain them in this economy? Or are they a shill with little creds taking advantage of a bunch of bumpkins?

    Why does Charles County have to be a dumping ground for corporations like power plants that cause pollution and suck up OUR drinking water that no other county in Md would approve? Are we so desperate for a substanstial tax base that we have to accept all comers?

    HELL NO, we don't! Nor should we!

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/21/09  at  10:27 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 7. · "Why does Charles County have to be a dumping ground for corporations like power plants that cause pollution and suck up OUR drinking water that no other county in Md would approve?"

    --I've wondered that myself seahorse...my guess is that it's for the tax revenue primarily, because if it was for any other reason, I would think we'd have better...

    I surmise that the new Energetics Center in Bryans Road is a step in the right direction, however, it will induce more sprawl which will lead to more roads, and thus even more development.

    Charles County is now entwined in this cycle of development and it seems to me that it's going to continue.

    The plans for these new "waterfront villages" will only result in more outward sprawl and before you know it, Charles County will look more like Northern Virginia, but without the high- end development & businesses seen in Northern VA. Instead we'll see just more cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls.

    The people in Hughesville are doing it right and the Commissioners would do well to encourage this in other areas throughout the county.. WITHOUT THE GRAVEL OPERATION....Nanjemoy is also on the right track unless it's ruined by special interests.

    However, when the tobacco buyout ends next year, all bets are off, and I fear the worst is yet to come.

    Pitiful...

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/21/09  at  11:31 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 8. · TODAYS PAPER SAYS:
    At the same time Wall Street is losing jobs and prestige, the nation's capital is gaining steam as it ramps up to fight the recession
    Look out, New York. Washington is gaining on you.

    As the nation's most populous metro area feels Wall Street's pain, the fourth-largest -- Washington -- is barely sensing the recession. In fact, Moody's Economy.com estimates that metro Washington's economy will actually grow 2.5% from mid-2008 through mid-2010. New York's economy is expected to shrink 4.2%.


    SEEMS LIKE THIS IS THE TIME WE MAY BE PICKING UP SOME GOOD COMPANIES IF WE DO IT RIGHT.

    and stop building houses! Build our economy thru businesses where we will not be running a deficiet in services vs taxes collected.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/21/09  at  04:04 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 9. · "and stop building houses! Build our economy thru businesses where we will not be running a deficiet in services vs taxes collected."

    Houses breed kids and kids cost too much to educate--let some other county do that.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  02/21/09  at  04:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 10. ·
    Whether it's a gravel washing plant, or a "para-military" training facility, it doesn't matter, we DON'T WANT IT and we'll fight to keep them OUT!


    ...

    but without the high- end development & businesses seen in Northern VA. Instead we'll see just more cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls.


    Ha ha!

    You are a hoot! Charles county is NOTHING BUT cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls. You forgot every fast food chain restaurant you can think of. The biggest reason for this is the lack of jobs. Charles county has a minimum wage economy fueled by the overabundance of retail stores and restaurants. And you think this will change by turning AWAY military contractors and munti-million dollar gravel operations that provide good paying jobs?!?

    Good luck with that.

    Seriously, good luck naming someone who makes a $80K+ salary in this county who does NOT commute to DC or Northern Virginia every day! (Jim Richmond doesn't count.)

    I can somewhat understand the hype against the gravel operation, mainly because its' opposition is based in ignorance and eco-fear mongering. However, the gravel companies are the largest corporate employer in Charles county and provide a decent living wage to many hard-working residents. I doubt the kitchen workers at Outback or the cashiers at Sears enjoy the pay and benefits of those employed by Chaney Enterprises.

    You expressed a desire for high-end development. I have a news flash for ya: military contractor development *IS* the high end development you have been pleading our commissioners for. The impact on most of Charles County will be minimal, professional jobs (engineers, etc) will be brought to the county, and they will be paying into the tax base. I agree the new Hughesville business park will be nice, but unless the ecomomy picks up, I envision another empty strip mall, albeit a high-end one.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/21/09  at  05:29 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 11. ·
    "and stop building houses! Build our economy thru businesses where we will not be running a deficiet in services vs taxes collected."

    Houses breed kids and kids cost too much to educate--let some other county do that.


    I'll second BOTH of those statements. Until some of the empty forclosures sell, building more homes is further lowering the rest of our property values.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/21/09  at  05:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 12. · "You expressed a desire for high-end development."

    No, I did not - I said that "before you know it, Charles County will look more like Northern Virginia, but without the high- end development & businesses seen in Northern VA. Instead we'll see just more cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls."

    I was just pointing out that when they "develop" it's done the same way it's been done since the 50's - no "vision", no innovation, just the same 'ol, same 'ol.

    As for the gravel pits and gravel washing plants, it's obvious that you have never lived near one. They are dirty, noisy, create traffic hazards on the roads, and result in lower property values.

    A gravel washing facility will use hundreds of gallons of precious DRINKING water every day, but will Chaney be forced to compensate residents who need to drill a new well due to ITS withdrawals?

    "military contractor development *IS* the high end development you have been pleading our commissioners for..."

    WHERE did this come from? You certainly can't be talking about me...

    Finally, as for the proposed "Research" facility, it will only be used for "training" purposes and most, if not all the trainees will not be from Charles County. That does not contribute much to the tax base, especially if there are barracks on site for the trainees to stay overnight.

    All it will do is contribute to the degradation of one of most beautiful areas in the county.

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/21/09  at  06:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 13. · From what I understand, those "Hughesville retards" understand the need for ALL types of businesses and that each has their place. The "retards" also believe in the concept of "Smart" Growth as opposed to Stupid Growth. It is stupid to plop a business down in the middle of an area where it is inappropriate - where the state of Maryland also agrees it is inappropriate.

    Stupid is as stupid does...

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/21/09  at  06:13 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 14. ·
    A gravel washing facility will use hundreds of gallons of precious DRINKING water every day, but will Chaney be forced to compensate residents who need to drill a new well due to ITS withdrawals?


    ...and it is obvious you know nothing of the gravel industry. Unless you plan on obtaining your precious drinking water froma grey water sediment lagoon, you will not be competing for water with a grave washing plant. On site wash water is obtained from containment ponds and recycled.

    Furthermore, the gravel plants run on electric motors. Unless you are trespassing on the property, you should not hear much.

    As for traffic hazards, please cite the supporting data.

    Once again, more eco-fear mongering and scare tactics.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/21/09  at  06:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 15. · "As for the gravel pits and gravel washing plants, it's obvious that you have never lived near one. They are dirty, noisy, create traffic hazards on the roads, and result in lower property values.

    A gravel washing facility will use hundreds of gallons of precious DRINKING water every day, but will Chaney be forced to compensate residents who need to drill a new well due to ITS withdrawals?"

    If you want concrete, then you have to get the gravel for it where it exists. Charles County is one big gravel pit so get over it. Virginia doesn't have gravel so they have to grind rock--would you like that better? Believe me, gravel is much more important to the economy and to the whole Washington Metropolitan Area then the so-called town of Hughesville that it's not even a matter of discussion. If anyone in Charles County longs for green spaces, blue skies and abundant water, they would be well advised to direct their energy to finding their way to a pristine place in Wonderland rather than trying to stop the inevitable future here.

    Cowgirl--you are the best breath of fresh air that I have encountered on this Forum since my own entry.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  02/21/09  at  08:11 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 16. · psssttttttttt ):(

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/21/09  at  09:56 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 17. ·
    Charles county is NOTHING BUT cookie cutter subdivisions and strip malls. You forgot every fast food chain restaurant you can think of.


    We don't have Sonic, Waffle House, or Cracker Barrell - all of which I would be in favor of, but am not on any crusade to bring them in. smile

    Comment by The E.R.  on  02/21/09  at  11:31 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 18. · "On site wash water is obtained from containment ponds and recycled."

    But during droughts when the "ponds" are dry where does the water come from? You got it - A WELL!

    Unless the ponds are spring fed, they dry up during a drought.

    Also, I lived about a mile away from a gravel pit for over 20 years and I can tell you the trucks consistently ran over the 50 mph speed limit and many of the drivers were downright dangerous.

    The gravel kicked up from the tires resulted in numerous broken windshields in the area. Also, the number of traffic accidents decreased significantly once the pit closed and Rt. 6 is now MUCH safer and quieter.

    It all boils down to the fact that gravel pits and para-military "research" facilities are not conducive to Comprehensive Plan designated "villages" such as Hughesville, Nanjemoy or Welcome.

    Fortunately, Governor O'Malley has proposed that local governments follow their Comp. Plans which I'm sure the legislature will pass.

    "If anyone in Charles County longs for green spaces, blue skies and abundant water, they would be well advised to direct their energy to finding their way to a pristine place in Wonderland rather than trying to stop the inevitable future here."

    At the rate we're going the inevitable future here appears to be one of wall to wall subdivisions (with gravel pits in between) and a county with water shortages ...now think of what THAT will do to real estate values!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/22/09  at  08:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 19. · Unless you plan on obtaining your precious drinking water

    I for one find drinking water quite "precious," and it's rapidly being depleted, not just in Charles County, but globally.

    The biggie for me is that Charles County has a Comprehensive Plan. It's not a good one and it's outdated, but they do have one. It's was ginned up because they had to follow demands from the state of Maryland. There's a reason certain areas are off-limits to heavy industry. When even the State of Maryland agrees that Chaney should be told no way, no how, that tells ya' something. Rarely does the state get involved with county business.

    Cowgirl61, if you'd like to rope yourself the Water Resources Advisory Committee Report and educate yourself as to why Cheryl is so adamant about depleting aquifers go here http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:OI3EO262qLUJ:www.charlescounty.org/webdocs/pgm/Water

    Hope this helps.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/22/09  at  09:02 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 20. · THANKS seahorse for posting this link!!!

    Now people will have no excuse to say they don't know about it.

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/22/09  at  11:45 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 21. · for all of us who want Smart Growth _ have you considered joing 1000 friends of Maryland?

    1000 Friends of Maryland

    It s motto is Protecting natural areas -Restoring Vibrant Communties. lots of its physical work is done in Baltimore where it is located- but it does promote pressure on the Govt for Smart Growth, honoring Comorehensive Plans of County's and many of the issues here. That pressure has translated to many of the policies coming out of Annapalis.

    The current focus is battling Sprawl and recovery of our economy.

    One set of Statistics in its current newsletter is very compelling and has the numbers for something I harp on.

    Balancing the County budget by building sprawling housing units and poorly planned developments causes deficiets- businesses and smart growth does not.

    Here are a few numbers:

    $69,000 per unit! estimated cost of providing infrastructure to low density growth 10 miles from central services (IN 2004 $ )

    does the new proposal :
    Naming it the "preservation subdivision," design firm Lorenzi, Dodds, & Gunniill have asked the commissioners to expedite the development of minor subdivisions in the county's rural areas in exchange for the voluntary downzoning of the parent parcel.

    A minor subdivision is limited to five lots or fewer, and is not subject to the county's full set of subdivision regulations. The measure would allow developers to speed these small developments through the approval process in exchange for setting up a private road that the county would not maintain and putting restrictions against future development on the land.


    Sound like it makes good fiscal sense to the County? No- it makes more of a deficiet we have to then plug with money from something else.

    How about this one: COST of providing services to new residential development (comp: in fredrick County in 2004 $ ) per dwelling for each $1 generated in tax revenue $1.14! (Remember this is in old dollars) SO for each new house we are in the hole per year by .14 cent on each $1 in taxes. Multiply that by how many thousands and you get as politicans say: Real Money.

    We will never be sucessful as a County by just building residential units.

    We will be digging even further in the pit for each dwelling that is not in the development zone...

    THIS needs to be imparted to each and every citizen- maybe they can undertsand not making ends meet now , in this economy.

    There is no better time than now, in this economy, to address these matters and to strenghten our policies, our planning issues so we have a better economic base and a better environment.

    This is the time to reinvent Waldorf and strengthen the 301 corridor infrastructure: Improving the roadway- acquirng a mass transit corridor and reducing the need for any outlaying new bypasses.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/22/09  at  02:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 22. ·
    But during droughts when the "ponds" are dry where does the water come from? You got it - A WELL!

    Unless the ponds are spring fed, they dry up during a drought.


    A 20 foot deep, 200 foot long, 100 foot wide containment pond might dry up in west Texas, but not likely here.

    I for one find drinking water quite "precious," and it's rapidly being depleted, not just in Charles County, but globally.


    Me, too. But I don't intend to drink from a stagnant pool of grey wash water adjacent to a gravel plant. I prefer mine from a well, thank you.

    Also, I lived about a mile away from a gravel pit for over 20 years and I can tell you the trucks consistently ran over the 50 mph speed limit and many of the drivers were downright dangerous.


    Anecdotal. I have seen school busses do this, too. Shall we cancel school?

    The gravel kicked up from the tires resulted in numerous broken windshields in the area.


    What's good for the goose is good for the gander. When every driveway in Nanjemoy is paved, I'll consider this a valid argument. Perhaps tailgaiting isn't such a good idea, is it?

    At the rate we're going the inevitable future here appears to be one of wall to wall subdivisions


    This is where I will agree with you. We need to quit building new homes NOW. The county services are overburdened and further development overburdens them further. But, we need to pay for these services, and residential property taxes can't do it alone unless you want a tax hike. Personally, I can do without one. Let Frank Chaney and the military contractors pay the big taxes.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/22/09  at  05:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 23. ·
    A 20 foot deep, 200 foot long, 100 foot wide containment pond might dry up in west Texas, but not likely here.


    Where do you get these dimensions from? Is this the "standard" size for such a pond, or are your dimensions "anecdotal"? Also, without knowing the withdrawal rate during operations, one can't know at all whether or not such a pond would dry up around here. The annual evaporation rate for a pond this size in this area under normal weather conditions would be approximately 625,000 gallons. Extreme drought conditions could easily double or triple that rate. I suppose a good portion of the water used in such an operation would be reclaimed, but not all of it. If we knew how much water is lost, say, daily during normal operations, we could easily calculate how long it would take for a hypothetical pond 200 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 20 feet deep to dry up. Here's a better estimator: how much potable water is Chaney drawing today in his current location for his gravel washing operation?

    Comment by mbillard  on  02/22/09  at  06:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 24. ·
    The annual evaporation rate for a pond this size in this area under normal weather conditions would be approximately 625,000 gallons.


    Finally, a hydrologist has entered the fray. Where can I find this information?

    I am curious why none (...that right, NONE...) of the former gravel pit ponds in the Waldorf area dried up in the last two summers of drought. They are EVERYWHERE in Charles county- in neighborhoods and along the roads. Many were low, mbillard, but none were dry. As a person who lives on a farm, I can attest to the drought, anecdotal as my testimony may be.

    The size of the pond I used is not standard. As a matter of fact it is significantly SMALLER than most of the gravel pit ponds I routinely fish. The smaller size was intended to give the naysayers the benefit of the doubt. In fact, many of the gravel pit ponds are WAY bigger than I indicated.

    Here's a better estimator: how much potable water is Chaney drawing today in his current location for his gravel washing operation?


    Good question. However since their operation is located in a semi urban area and was constructed before water recycling was considered good environmental policy, I doubt their resource use would be comparable to a new facility in an area capable of hosting newer technologies. Point is, if Hughesville can host a pond and Waldorf does not, then Charles County, if not Hughesville, will actually benefit environmentally from the relocation.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/22/09  at  06:42 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 25. ·

    When every driveway in Nanjemoy is paved,


    How bout when every ROAD in LaPlata and Waldorf is paved.

    Some roads here are horrendous mudholes and the County claims no responsibility as they have been there so long. One I know was originally paved and now after weather- it is a mass of holes, ruts and mud.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/22/09  at  08:11 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 26. · I have several friends who live in Hughesville that have had to drill new wells because their wells went dry. It's my understanding that the gravel washing facility would use about 16 acres. Even with Chaney’s donation of land for the college and the “Hall of Charities", that leaves 100+/- acres to be sold for Heavy Industrial uses. Who knows how much more water would be needed for these other sites?! Furthermore, who knows how much more traffic/heavy truck traffic these other industrial sites would generate. Certainly the gravel washing facility would generate a large amount of truck traffic per day. Chaney’s own traffic analysis for this site said that there would need to be a total of 5 lanes and a traffic light. The site entrance is approximately ¼ mile from the round-a-bouts and less than that to the north bound entrance to the Bypass. A traffic light located less than a quarter of a mile from the Bypass…hmmm…sounds like it’ll defeat the purpose of the Bypass to me. How many millions were spent on the Bypass?!

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/22/09  at  08:11 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 27. ·
    I have several friends who live in Hughesville that have had to drill new wells because their wells went dry.


    I don't doubt that a bit. But this is a result of overdevelopment, not gravel mining.

    Even with Chaney’s donation of land for the college and the “Hall of Charities", that leaves 100+/- acres to be sold for Heavy Industrial uses


    Cite? I haven't seen that on paper. I have only heard that from the Hughesville "village" crowd.

    sounds like it’ll defeat the purpose of the Bypass to me.


    It might if it was going to interfere with the flow of traffic on Rt. 5. But the light, if it ever comes to pass, would be on 231 and would installed in order to benefit those attending the CSM Hughesville branch.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/22/09  at  08:57 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 28. ·
    Cowgirl--you are the best breath of fresh air that I have encountered on this Forum since my own entry.


    Thank you. I try. smile

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/22/09  at  08:59 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 29. ·
    #3 - Fulfillments of My Dreams. As mentioned by others, it is true that the "One-Stop Shop" for Charities and the College of Southern Maryland seem to be permitted uses under the current zoning for our property — but the property provides just a small piece of what we need. It's the millions of dollars needed to pay for the development itself including the infrastructure (roads & utilities) that we must have to make these two dreams of mine a reality. Without the re-zoning we don't have Marketable Industrial Property to sell to pay for the development to provide "finished lots" for the non-profit uses. Thus without the re-zoning it greatly decreases the chances that we can fulfill my two dreams — a location for the College of Southern Maryland and a location for a "One-Stop Shop" for Charities both in Hughesville.


    This excerpt was taken from Chaney's "Dream" letter submitted to the Planning Commission dated 4/15/2008. (Copy available from the county government)

    A light on Rt. 231 so close to the round-abouts could back up traffic from the exit ramps back onto the bypass. Currently, Rt. 231/Prince Frederick Road averages 17,000 vehicles a day. Add the unknown, at this point, factor of additional vehicles going into and out an unknown amount of businesses on the 150 acres...

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/22/09  at  09:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 30. ·
    Cite? I haven't seen that on paper. I have only heard that from the Hughesville "village" crowd.

    Duck Hotline—Chaney’s letter to the Planning Commission

    From Chaney's letter:
    B. Why does Chaney Enterprises need this rezoning?

    #3 - Fulfillments of My Dreams. As mentioned by others, it is true that the “One-Stop Shop” for Charities and the College of Southern Maryland seem to be permitted uses under the current zoning for our property — but the property provides just a small piece of what we need. It’s the millions of dollars needed to pay for the development itself including the infrastructure (roads & utilities) that we must have to make these two dreams of mine a reality.
    Without the re-zoning we don’t have Marketable Industrial Property to sell to pay for the development to provide “finished lots” for the non-profit uses.     Thus without the re-zoning it greatly decreases the chances that we can fulfill my two dreams — a location for the College of Southern Maryland and a location for a “One-Stop Shop” for Charities both in Hughesville.


    Comment by Sammy  on  02/22/09  at  09:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 31. · "I have several friends who live in Hughesville that have had to drill new wells because their wells went dry."

    Hurry! Let Chaney know immediately that he just might not have enough water to wash his gravel if he wins his zoning battle. I can't believe that a smart corporation like the Chaney Corporation would work so hard to get the right to wash gravel in a place that has no water.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  02/22/09  at  09:22 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 32. · I think the wells going dry issue is being taken out of context. I think the point is, we are NOT JUST talking about gravel washing. If the entire 150 acres is rezoned to heavy industrial and only 16 are needed for gravel washing, the other uses are unknown at this time.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/22/09  at  09:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 33. · Real funny, Iamangttia. Never said there was no water.

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/22/09  at  09:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 34. · "Without the re-zoning we don’t have Marketable Industrial Property to sell to pay for the development to provide “finished lots” for the non-profit uses. Thus without the re-zoning it greatly decreases the chances that we can fulfill my two dreams..."

    AWWWW, poor Frank is moaning that HIS dreams may not be fulfilled....well, buddy how about OUR dreams!

    Are HIS "dreams" any more important than ours?

    His "dreams" of expansion and more bucks to fill up his bank account are NOT why this project should be approved...if anything it's further justification NOT TO APPROVE IT!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/23/09  at  08:09 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 35. · I live on Rt 6, one mile from the 344/Rt.6 intersection. On a clear day, I can hear the "fire in the hole"(repeated 3 times) and then the huge ka-boom from the ordinance disposal at Stump Neck. When the Marines get to doing artillery practice, I can hear them clear as a bell from Quantico. Blossom Point has been quiet lately and I think I am too far away to hear Dahlgren. My point is that we don't need yet another noise-maker to disrupt West County. I suggest they try Fort A.P. Hill, please!!

    Comment by Angler  on  02/23/09  at  09:32 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 36. · The bottom line is that something like this does NOT belong in Charles County.

    Nanjemoy is designated a "village" in the Comprehensive Plan, and a para-military "training" facility with a driving course is definitely outside the scope of this designation.

    But hey, since when does the Comprehensive Plan matter?

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/23/09  at  09:53 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 37. · THANKS ANGLER- for getting back to the subject. WE will only get 3-minutes to express OUR concerns so lets be on point. I expect alot of residents of Charles County to be there as this is not just a NanJEMoy thing. Special exeptions can get out of hand. WE must look to the purpose of existing zoning and ask if it does not mean anything than why do we have agicultural conservation zones ? why do we have resource protection zones? WE need to point out that this is inappropriate and make clear why. SEE YA THERE

    Comment by amphibia  on  02/23/09  at  10:21 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 38. · "Perhaps tailgaiting isn't such a good idea, is it?"

    No it isn't! However, many of the windshields were damaged from trucks traveling in the opposite lane, i.e. if a resident was going west on Rt. 6 and the gravel truck was going east.

    This happened to many neighbors, friends and family members of mine.

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/23/09  at  10:35 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 39. ·
    Is there any reason that Charles County has to accept every POS quasi-business that comes down the pike?
    Why does Charles County have to be a dumping ground for corporations like power plants that cause pollution and suck up OUR drinking water that no other county in Md would approve?
    Seahorse, the answer to these questions is very clear to me...If you believe in a representative democracy (and I have no reason to to doubt that you do), then you must realize that the will of the majority is being exercised here. The current board of commissioners was elected by the people of Charles County. I, personally, believe that this board of commissioners is just plain lazy and have not made a concerted effort to attract the kind of business necessary to add needed taxes to the county coffers and provide the talented workforce of this county with a local choice for employment. Cowgirl has some very compelling points. If the only option on the table right now is the WSG training facility, then we can't just say no or do nothing and HOPE that our county experiences "smart growth." It doesn't work that way. Growth is inevitable. This may not be the best choice out there for a new local business, but it's all the Fab 5 are giving us! If it's not WSG, who's it going to be next? Obviously, the property is available. If we convince the county to deny this request, maybe the next business to roll the dice might be a distribution center for Hustler magazine or something even noisier that runs three shifts, 7 days a week.

    Cheryl, you know that I've rarely (if ever) disagreed with you on issues posted here on the Duck, but looking at this one situation, and examining the totality of the situation facing Charles County, I think this is a bad place to make a stand. We need new and unique employment opportunities in this county. My preference would be a federal government headquarters office or a corporate office building for Lockheed Martin, Boeing, TRW, etc. The first step toward making that happen is getting rid of the Fab 5, a tall order for the demographically changing county in which we live. The (D) on the ballot is a powerful thing in Maryland!

    Comment by Birdman  on  02/23/09  at  11:48 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 40. · "We need new and unique employment opportunities in this county. My preference would be a federal government headquarters office or a corporate office building for Lockheed Martin, Boeing, TRW, etc."

    Gosh, you sound like my husband talking!! I'll tell you the same thing I tell him - That's fine but NOT in Nanjemoy, Welcome, Hughesville or any of the other rural/ag areas - keep it in the Development District.

    "If it's not WSG, who's it going to be next? Obviously, the property is available. If we convince the county to deny this request, maybe the next business to roll the dice might be a distribution center for Hustler magazine or something even noisier that runs three shifts, 7 days a week."

    I see what you're saying, but remember Nanjemoy and the rest of Western Charles County, (except Bryans Road and Indian Head) are currently zoned AC - Agriculture Conservation and the businesses you speak of just wouldn't be allowed. For one thing, there's no public water or sewer in these areas, nor should there be, as it will only encourage more dense development.

    Your points about the Commissioners are true in that they "have not made a concerted effort to attract the kind of business necessary to add needed taxes to the county coffers and provide the talented workforce of this county with a local choice for employment" -

    All they seem to be concerned with is where to put the next housing development or the next gravel pit, neither of which is attractive to the types of businesses you mention.

    Charles County is in a precarious position, either become another P.G. or develop responsibly IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN...which at this point I see as ineffective and not worth the paper it's printed on.

    Currently, I see a "perfect storm" gathering in Charles County, i.e. possible water shortages in the future, irresponsible development, and a complete lack of VISION for the future direction of the county.

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/23/09  at  12:29 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 41. ·
    If the only option on the table right now is the WSG training facility, then we can't just say no or do nothing and HOPE that our county experiences "smart growth."


    Are we really so desparate we should take the first thing that comes along?

    I look at this from the same perspective as choosing a spouse. The decision is a forever, life changing moment. Do we take the first person who comes a courting just because there's no one else around? Or, do we take our time and seek out what would be a better match in the long run?

    And, I'm not suggesting we just sit and wait for something to come to us. If our commissioners, in conjuction with our Economic Development Department, were doing a better job, perhaps we would attract more desirable businesses.

    Perhaps those in the position to attract businesses are giving off the perception of desparation, which makes Charles County ripe for the less desirable.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck as CCCitizen

    Comment by Pauleen Brewer  on  02/23/09  at  12:31 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 42. · I agree with CCC, folks. We dont give in to the lesser- we wait and find the best.

    When we becomne the best they will be fighting to get in.

    Right now, what does a person who may be looking for a place see when he travels 301? Traffic and bad development practices.

    Start reinventing- good environment, good water, good transportation system, good schools, good planning. Start the smart growth and for the great businesses we want-it will not be such a hard sell to get them to locate here.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/23/09  at  01:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 43. · Oh, I agree whole-heartedly that the business development for CC should be contained in the Waldorf-White Plains industrial areas. No question there. But, the fact remains, that the development zone is too big and includes a lot of rural area including the path to Bryans Road.

    I do take issue with the assertion that we are taking the "first thing to come along." We denied a commercial bakery a few years back that would have employed a lot of county citizens because the commish was unwilling to wave a sewer hook-up fee. Plus, by not actively seeking out a slot in the competitive market for big business, we are, in essence, turning down opportunity left and right.

    Look, maybe this isn't the perfect business or the perfect location but given the scope and nature of the facility, it's not something that easily lends itself to a lot somewhere along Crain Highway. In the end, if the WSG is turned away, the commissioners will say, "Well, we tried...it's not our fault there's no good jobs in CC...you people didn't want them." That would be bull, of course, but if they can demonstrate that "the people" fight them on everything they suggest, then they look like the good guys to the uninitiated. And there are a LOT of uninitiated citizens here! I just see WSG as a gateway opportunity that will, hopefully, lead to something else.

    I saw a commercial on TV this morning that was paid for by the state of Michigan. They were trying to recruit business from all over the nation to relocate to Michigan because they were laying the groundwork for the nation's "greenest" businesses. They had a pretty good ad, actually. I used to listen to WTOP on my way to work every day and I'd hear ads for Loudon County too. They were specifically extolling all the good reasons that the Fed should put offices there. Charles County needs to give businesses a good reason to come here. We can already show that we have a highly educated work force, good housing, good schools, etc. So what don't we have and how can we fix it? Well, we have a transportation infrastructure problem. That's big. We have a water concern. Also big. We also have a declining image that's a result of crime encroaching from the north and the pollution of our natural resources. I don't believe we've reached a point of no return on any of these but we're getting close on some. Personally, I don't believe that any of the sitting commissioners have the necessary sophistication to negotiate for big business on behalf of Charles County. This isn't Mayberry any more. What we need is a group of commissioners that understand the rural characteristics of CC but can also meet face to face with the CEOs of large corporations and walk the walk necessary to compete with Loudon, Montgomery and Alexandria.

    Comment by Birdman  on  02/23/09  at  02:27 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 44. ·
    but can also meet face to face with the CEOs of large corporations and walk the walk necessary to compete with Loudon, Montgomery and Alexandria.


    I'd be embarrassed at the thought of any of them meeting a CEO of a big business or even a Federal Govt official, isnt that sad? They made an issue of image in the last election and they thought clothing is what made the man- or woman.

    Dressing appropriatly for the occassion is important- but it is also the manner of professionalism and the ability to get over the "star" in their eye tyoe thing- what Im saying is they tend to gush over meeting someone they think is important- name drop- be impressed with who others may know....and not just be confident in being themselves and being a representative of our COunty.

    Did I impart that in a way that makes sense?

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/23/09  at  02:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 45. · BJ, I was thinking the same thing when I wrote my last post. There are people out there who are just at ease when talking to anyone of any background or position. I don't think we have any of them in office right now. There is nothing wrong with being country-folk. Nothing at all. The problem is one of perception. When competing on the world stage, you have to possess a certain level of sophistication and "worldliness." Let's face it, if our representatives give the impressioin of "small-time", then Charles County will never be taken seriously.

    Comment by Birdman  on  02/23/09  at  03:16 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 46. ·
    Look, maybe this isn't the perfect business or the perfect location but given the scope and nature of the facility, it's not something that easily lends itself to a lot somewhere along Crain Highway. In the end, if the WSG is turned away, the commissioners will say, "Well, we tried...it's not our fault there's no good jobs in CC...you people didn't want them." That would be bull, of course, but if they can demonstrate that "the people" fight them on everything they suggest, then they look like the good guys to the uninitiated. And there are a LOT of uninitiated citizens here! I just see WSG as a gateway opportunity that will, hopefully, lead to something else.


    Thanks, Birdman. Thats what I have been trying to say. You just said it better than I could have.

    Comment by cowgirl61  on  02/23/09  at  05:08 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 47. · Thats one way I feel about Mayor Fenty- Williams before him started it and paved the way- but now with Fenty DC finally looks like it has some class and can compete for anything. He has class.

    I felt Candy had that persona, maybe it was her business presentation background, or her travels.

    Of all that is in Administration in the County, Hancock has more the presence when he is allowed. He has to bow and scrape for these guys in office at the moment, but he could hold his own out there.

    I had hoped Collins would have the presence. He does in looks and movement but he is too hesitant or explanitory or maybe deferring when he asks questions. If he would 'own' his area- he would be much better.

    Maybe it is just something you have to grow into or have already traveled in the circles of those you need to smoosch with - its an assurance and confidence that cant be taught but can be learned with experience and time.

    I think we really need that.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/23/09  at  06:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 48. · Look, this may be some sort of employment opportunity for someone. Unless you plan on making a career of retail or the food service business, this may be a good thing. Maybe some of the people in Nanjemoy could work there instead of getting Government hand-outs. Just my opinion.....

    Comment by Maria  on  02/23/09  at  06:29 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 49. · #48 are they going to put us all to work? Are the people who work there going to show up on van go? Will this help our schools our roads our water ways? Will this increace property values? How many will work here and where will they come from? How much will it increace tax base? COWGIRL will you come out tonight get on the mic and say-" These people are about as stupid as the Hughesville retards" IAMAN-will you come beg them to put this next to your house instead. I sure hope so . It will make your area much more desirable and a gateway of opportunities is sure to follow. THANK YOU

    Comment by amphibia  on  02/24/09  at  09:51 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 50. · Not only does it appear as though business is well underway in Nanjemoy but that WSG is not in the business of research alone.

    Washington Security Group's (WSG) GSA contract GS-025-0017V Instructor-Led Training describes the Nanjemoy operation as “complementary” to WSG’s Dulles Training Center (DTC):

    “complementary facilities located 35 miles from Washington, D.C. includes an *outdoor private training facility* known as Washington Field. WSG’s Washington Field is an 80-acre facility operated exclusively by WSG and includes a[n] FAA-approved private airport with a 2,400–foot runway (FAA Identifier 70MD).

    This location allows for a *CBRNE* forensics and biometrics training including decontamination training, environmental sampling, intermediate and advanced biomedical sampling, and scenario based exercises including custom target mock-ups. It also serves as a *staging areas for exercises* for participants to prosecute targets throughout Washington, DC; Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Washington Field is a *Government-approved Class “R” Biomedical Research Facility*.”

    *CBRNE is an anacronym for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  10:03 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 51. · Now folks, is this something Charles County needs?

    A "staging area for exercises" sounds to me like "wargames" and the presence of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRNE) agents is particularly disturbing!!

    Notice that it mentions "environmental sampling, intermediate and advanced biomedical sampling and scenario based exercises including custom targe mock-ups"...so what exactly does this mean?

    What chemical and biological agents will be used to conduct this "sampling"?

    What precautions will WSG have in place to prevent accidental release of any of these chemicals or biological agents?

    DO WE REALLY WANT THIS IN CHARLES COUNTY?

    Think long and hard about this- if these chemicals and biological agents are "accidentally" released into the air, water or soil, there's just no telling what the consequences will be!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/24/09  at  10:24 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 52. · Furthermore, this is just another indication that Charles County has become the State of Maryland's dumping ground....

    With gravel pits dotted across the landscape like measles, wall to wall subdivisions, strip malls, and now the possibility of a para-military "research" training facility, that MAY include biological and chemical materials, I have to wonder what else is "planned"?

    Pitiful....

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/24/09  at  10:39 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 53. · To give WSG the benefit of the doubt, I would assume that they use inert agents for training, or thats what the public will hear tonite.

    I wanna know what Class R Research means? Is it related to animal testing, or shooting animals to "research" skull fragmentation??

    The public just needs more info for sure. So we can get beyond the rumors, and sidestep any deception. I hope to see a 90-120 day continuance to help both sides make the case.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  10:41 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 54. · Hold on, now. As I stated in previous posts, no one has indicated that any "live agent" training is going to occur. Do you realize the necessary precautions that must be in place to have a facility like Redstone Arsenal, APG Edgewood Area or Ft. Detrick? You don't just walk around Nanjemoy with a vile of VX or a nuclear weapon. You can, however, train for the possibilty of an NBC attack. The only detractor that I see resulting from this operation might be the sound of gunfire/small ordnance or vehicles during simulation runs.

    If WSG constructs the kind of facility necessary to house any kind of chem-bio hazard, I can say without hesitation that it will employ a lot of people and will require years worth of planning, construction and testing. Nowhere have I seen anything to indicate that that is the case. You have to be fair when discussing this proposal. If you don't want this business in CC, then by all means, make your case and let the citizens decide. I am all for democracy. I just want to make sure everyone has the accurate facts before passing judgment.

    Comment by Birdman  on  02/24/09  at  10:54 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 55. · Wise Words Birdman... Tonite will tell and the blogoshere can post What the Applicant says and claims for THIS SITE... not just what has clearly been advertised.. that they HAVE these facilities - Not will have, or could have.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  11:37 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 56. · Congratulations, 'nanjemoynet'! I think you are the one-millioneth poster to this thread which already will go down in history as one of the longest on this Forum. Yada, Yada.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  02/24/09  at  11:47 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 57. · sweet.. do i get a Duck prize..? wink //
    --- this has been a long ass two weeks..

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  12:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 58. · #44 Did I impart that in a way that makes sense?

    You betcha'! It's called professionalism or in the case of CC the lack of.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/24/09  at  02:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 59. ·
    I wanna know what Class R Research means? Is it related to animal testing, or shooting animals to "research" skull fragmentation??
    I'm just guessing, but I believe it refers to the Library of Congress Classification System. If that is the case, "Class R" Research refers to medical-related research. "Class R" seems to cover pretty much anything related to humans, health and welfare. This would seem to tie in to the biological and chemical research and training aspect of the proposal.

    Comment by The Quack  on  02/24/09  at  02:18 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 60. · Let me also reiterate the sensible explanation as to the purpose of this facility that Birdman gave us in #54.

    I had indicated a bit of this on the other thread about WSG about a week ago.

    Comment by The Quack  on  02/24/09  at  02:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 61. · This would seem to tie in to the biological and chemical research and training aspect of the proposal.

    Anthrax? Botulism? Ebola? And who's going to police them if they get approval? Edith Patterson? Not getting hysterical here, but some hard questions need asking with straight-forward answers before WSG is allowed to set foot on that 80 acres.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/24/09  at  02:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 62. · There is strict federal government oversight and regulation with any CBRN facility -- no matter if its in the manufacturing, developing, testing, training or researching arena of the CBRN world. Why is no one here concerned with the CBRN R&D and testing facilities currently in the County? Is it only that you're not aware of them?

    Comment by Test Account  on  02/24/09  at  03:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 63. · Quack - The GSA contract which they were awarded and is open book does not specify anything relative to research other than the very limited use of "can" conduct class R research. The rest of the very, very long specifications are devoted to training and testing of weapons and other arms and munitions.

    No mention of scientific equipment or the type of scientist that will be on site. Further, no mention of disposal of the material or matter of said things being "researched".

    It all just "appears" clouded to look as though it is not an actual research facility. If it is, let’s talk more (in the specifications) about what they are doing.

    We really need more information on this facility.

    As for the other facilities mentioned above. Most have been here and yes, most of us are concerned but they have been operating for a long time. Before most of us were here. That doesn't mean we don't care what they are doing. But it doesn't mean we should just sit back and shut up either. There comes a time when we have to stand up and ask what is going on, especially when we aren't getting all the information about something that has the potential...?

    Hell, if I were to build a shed on my 7 acres I would need more clearance than what is being asked here! Seriously, there are pages of information that beg questions and I don't think asking them should warrant adversity from either the county or the proposed business.

    If this company is transparent then things will be fine. If not, then they and the county will have to fulfill the community’s questions to their satisfaction.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as boozacbe

    Comment by Rick Campbell  on  02/24/09  at  03:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 64. · Hi test account.. (cool handle)
    - lots of folks are AWARE of them.. and probably support them (some might work at them).. because they are NOT a Private entity that appears to be trying to be do an end around... changing the name from an "Anti Terrorism Training Center".. (for the adjoining lot in 2006) to a "Research Center" in 2008.... TO navigate the Special Exceptions Process.. that could just be a coincidence,..

    http://nanjemoy.net/board2007/index.php?topic=10.0

    Alot of us down here know mark mudd, and have nothing but respect for him and his integrity.

    facilities like this run by appropriate .gov or .mil folks on .GOV property are what they are -- and Do HAVE oversight... BUT they aren't in the Heart of Nanjemoy!

    All citizens down here are asking is.. Tell The Truth..and have honorable intentions.. and they should sail through this process easily - and they might be welcomed as a nanjemoy neighbor --

    it might help if they would hold an open house for a community outreach if this goes to appeal, or gets a continuance... but that would mean WSG has a PR mechanism.. which I havent seen yet.

    They have lawyers, and months, if not years (in this case) to plan this.. citizens only 2 weeks, BLOGs and word of mouth.... because our comissioner is MIA -- not a single word out of Edith to anyone I know in Nanjemoy.

    The Special Exception Process is broke, and its NOT this applicants fault for that. by DEFAULT.. if citizens DONT show up.. its a vote FOR.. -- out of 3k+ people down here..
    its hard to get the info out.. thus.. BLOGS rule.

    This phase has been meant to be a Public Awareness phase. There are folks against it, but there are a couple Ive debated that are FOR it.. I respect both views .. but frankly, until we HEAR tonite what the applicant says.. we can only go by PUBLIC information on the Net.

    If this is not rejected outright... The community will organize.. which costs $ money, and takes time - but you can bet Nanjemoy will do this.. IF nothing else, its a good drill for us for all, and ANY special exception request to change ZONING in nanjemoy.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  03:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 65. · because our comissioner is MIA -- not a single word out of Edith to anyone I know in Nanjemoy.

    At least she's acting true to form.

    Comment by seahorse  on  02/24/09  at  03:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 66. · Bird #39 - While the fab 5 may see this business as the only viable choice they have for this land, thus the lesser or two evils; one a vacant lot of 80 acres and no tax revenue and the other this business and a bad neighbor but bring in some revenue, they do nothing about allowing the only health care provider in the entire Western part of the county to announce its closing come June 09!

    With the next closet doctor then to be either La Plata or White Plains, thus a 45 minute bus ride for most of the poorest in our county, how can they allow this private business to leave and allow this business to move in? It simply makes no sense!

    My point here Bird is the revenue debate makes no sense here. It has to be something else with this Board. It is going to cost us more with the crisis of losing this health care provider with all the sub-plots surrounding this loss than the simply move then the one single tax revenue this facility stands to bring in. What else could be going on? Something does not make sense with this argument.

    Bringing in business is not what we "nuts" in Nanjemoy are against, it is the wrong business and taking away what we need. We have people who still need homes with plumbing and proper housing code upgrades, children with proper means for getting to and from school, better medical for all residents, better transportation means, better emergency services, better communication services, better recycling services and facilities, better power management, and on. We could use closer grocery stores and a pharmacy and a representative office at the community center from the government building for community services to assist residents in aging and disability services and child services.

    Just to name a few. None of this requires bullets or guns however. But we do have plenty of land for hunting...for now.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as boozacbe

    Comment by Rick Campbell  on  02/24/09  at  04:00 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 67. · well said boozacbe -- I for one would welcome a Brewery ("Nanjemoy Nector"), an organic Tobacco Farm ("Nanjemoy Naturals", or an Industrial HEMP farm, (Nanjemoy Hemp") - thats right, industrial hemp was legalized in maryland in 2002.!

    http://www.votehemp.com/state/maryland.html

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/24/09  at  04:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 68. · I have yet to hear anyone who thinks that the warzone is a good idea offer to relocate it to their neighborhood. Support for this project from those outside the community of Nanjemoy is meaningless as the warzone will not negatively affect their quality of life. Again, if someone thinks it's a good idea, suggest the applicant relocate it into their own community.

    Comment by tuebor  on  02/25/09  at  12:14 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 69. · FYI - Last Nites Hearing for the Anti Terror Training - Research Center will be continued MARCH 10, at 7PM - at the County Bldg.

    Nanjemoy had about 100 people attend this one, the next one might have 200 people.

    MARCH 10 - To Be Continued.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/25/09  at  10:49 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 70. · God-I was so impressed and applaud the citizens of Nanjamoy at last nights hearing. Bravo!!Bravisimo!!
    The swearing in procedure of the citizen speakers this time worked in their favor as it placed a more serious note to the personal testimonies.
    Ms.Mary Sandy of Nanjamoy was great-while WSG had first almost laughingly presenting their project as totally harmless in every respect [noise, environmetally,water, chemically, air,security, etc.] even with the stripping of the forested wetland natural resource and impervious pavement and various structures, ranges of = about 3/5 its land mass- even as Mr. Shank pointed out-very likely filling in a feeder creek to beaver creek. Further, most of the time the top WSG point man answered lobbed scripted softball questions from their attorney Mudd-one would think an animal and environmental sanctuary was being petitioned for instead of the very dangerous facility Ms Sandy showed us as it was in its application for contract to GSA where it described itself as an expert entity capable of instruction of all phases of biological and chemical and other terrorist/anti terrorist warfare to include storage facilities etc. She also had record of a permit of some sort being already given to WSG by the county for this project that had not even began the formal legal process.
    WSG presented themselves to us as merely being able to occassionally land the smallest of air craft on a small grass field runway that they had no intent to change as they had no plans to use it anytime in the near future and they would be shooting a fews small hand guns and rifles-never automatically and possibly a shot gun on a special occassion-but in their applications to GSA for contracts they explained themselves as already in business and operating with 'Washington field'at Nanjamoy- an airport with a 2400 hundred ft runway and that they had the capability to do just about any type of activity concerned with counter-terrorism; chemical biological, explosives etc at the facility-is how i understood it. They presented their planned project to GSA as already a done deal with the county. ????? Navy seals are a great assett to the US military when fighting hostile foreign enemies for the ' US military'-they are trained in all sorts of killing/survival techniques in clandestine operations and subversion and misinformation needed to achieve a mission...takes a real special type to carry on so clandestinely under all sorts of pressures..
    So soon after purchasing the property-and immediately to the special exception process, in a Ag/con zone with critical wet land overlay to ask for this as former planner Mr.Tom Saxton a former member of the planning board for 8 yrs said-is beyond all credulity. On any planning board he was on this ridiculous [paraphrase]waste/exception/abomination of zoning law and wetlands would not even get considered. What is going on here?
    Many people were there and not one citizen in the auditorium supported this proposal by WSG - And, when compared to the information that the prepared and viligiant Ms. Sandy offered, the WSG presentation was disengenious at best[many times bringing choruses of laughter for its outrageousness-we were waitin for the next expert witness to present Mr. Whipple and offer us to squeeze the charmin as he was folowed by a chorus or chirping birds and playful squirrels..Puulease!]- and very possibly even fraudulent in its presentation.
    If indeed this abomination proceeds with the -5 seriously ethically and environmentally challenged blessing-[CCC,and more} and the planning boards blessing -in light of WSG representing to the GSA that they are presently in operation at Washington field in Nanjemoy--If this is true?
    Then - I would have to conclude -this is the closest -most apparent-evidence to date that our county govt process in Chas county has been seriously corrupted and its legitimate operation/function taken away from the people and the meeting last night was indeed a Sham- and like Sam the Sham and the Pharos-if this is the case we might all as well have been singing Wooly Bully in the shower of our ever under assault homes.
    Another question not asked was who are the owners, not just the Point men -CEO- and opeators -the big backers of all their massive land holdings-are there other people behind the curtain? And, in the services they provide to US citizens-do these elite group of US citizens have the ability to then provide/offer it for/to other govts and groups-thus eliminating a major hurdle of that line of questioning but still staying in bounds with a major ommission?
    Fort AP HIll as one lady said had much more acreage and facilities to rent and is much better suited for this type of paramilitary activity-not the middle of a wetland rural neighborhood. And, it was closer down I95 from WSG headquarters in Sterling Va. What are WSG reasons of not utilizing AP Hill with plenty of space to rent-maybe because the US military may put some limitations on the private for profit paramilitary-maybe even mercenary business?? WSG left a LOT unsaid.
    If this total misuse of land overides all logical thinking-I am hoping the eloquent and fiesty lady from Laplata who stated we are ready to dig in and fight ...will take it to the streets as we march down Charles street in the thousands exposing the cozy murky nest of players that Chas county govt has become in its arrogant dismissal of the citizens at large.
    IF this totally misplaced WSG project proceeds-
    We need to take our govt back -and when'pro forma'govt hearings which only allow us to think that we participate in the proess wont legitimately work for us anymore-we need to take it to the streets and the ballot box really looking at a candidates credentials and all of his/her associations...the time is now.
    Let us hope that our county planning board kills this plan immediately....and restores a bit of our faith

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  02/25/09  at  10:52 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 71. · well said waterworks, I too was amazed and proud to be a nanjemite at the turnout. however a couple of points of clearification as i understand it.

    1. There was ONE supporter that spoke, and he deserves his opinion, as much as ALL the other Citizens do that opposed it.

    2. The land records indicate that Mr. Moran Still OWNS this property, and I understood that WSG holds a LEASE.. with Option to BUY contract.. I'd assume contingent upon approval of this application - but that is private information citizens cant see right now.

    3. I will give Mr. Sean Miller, the benefit of the doubt that his intentions are honorable - especially given hes ex navy (caused im biased that way) - However, ONCE the Special exception is granted.. it sets precedense.. and all of those statements he made that started with.. "We do not intend to... blah blah - is lawyer speak.. for not saying.. No.. We wont Do blah blah blah..."

    4. Your right, the PROCESS itself is broken, and lends to SUPPORT the applicant with the scripted, and well practiced "testimony" from their OWN lawyer to themselves.. to the Board - as Citizens are not supposed to make "Speeches".. and CAN NOT ask questions to the Applicant.. according to the Board Chairman. I think I heard him say only present Evidence... Well thats kind of HARD when we had JUST HEARD.. the applicants evidence and testimony.

    5. At Worst - If this is NOT withdrawn before March 10th - or better yet, outright Denied -- this Special Exception Request deserves a 90-120 continuance, so citizens can organize, and get a Lawyer - and take this on with a LEVEL Playing Field.

    6. NOTICE the word terrorism, or Anti-terrorism was not spoke once.. they learned from the 2006 (withdrawn without comment) application how to morph this to navigate the process - though there is no evidence its related, you can bet by March 10 there will be if its out there.

    TWO MORE WEEKS could be a good thing for data mining and evidence.. gathering for Citizens.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/25/09  at  12:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 72. · I am not sure what "evidence" is anymore. Apparently personal guarantees, impossible conditions, projections, and intentions from the applicant are "evidence", while heartfelt, honest testimony by residents is not. It is unscrupulous of the Board to repeatedly discourage residents from speaking. Do they misunderstand their function? It most certainly does mean something when many people are saying the same thing! It means the Board needs to listen! Our numbers are evidence! Those who do relinquish their time to speak should state their position. This warzone has already had an impact on us!

    Comment by tuebor  on  02/25/09  at  01:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 73. · So here comes another kevlar clad carpetbagger looking to pull cash from the anti-terror ATM at the expense of a bunch of unassuming hayseeds.
    Phooey
    This proposed mallcop playground pales in comparison to ALL of the facilities, military and civilian surrounding it. The SOLE single advantage offered by this site lies in its ability to provide cash to the lessor(s) and cash for the contractor.
    As a former DoD employee that continues to work with DoD installations and its employees, I am unimpressed by the techno milspeak littering the WSG presentation.
    What was not lost on me is their BLATANT failure to mention that the property is within a stone's throw of a public managed hunt property. This is state owned land, purchased by and through the tax dollars of state and county residents as augmented by the contributions of hunters through the purchase of licenses and ammunition.
    A deer can hear a twig snap underfoot at better than 100 yards- don't tell me they won't hear tires squealing, engines revving, plans and helicopters landing and shots fired. Don't tell me that that noise occurring potentially six days a week from dawn till dusk will NOT affect the movement and habitat of wildlife.
    These folks came to this neck of the woods with their plan with the full knowledge of the zoning. They are the ones asking for change yet not ONE of them live here.
    This proposal brings no jobs to the area (a fact they testified to Tuesday night).
    This isn't about national security folks- it's all about the dollar.
    I like my swamp water- I don't need Blackwater.

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/25/09  at  04:32 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 74. · They aint seen nothing yet.. Tuesday was just the first wave..of the public awareness phase.. in hopes of getting 50.. there was well over 100... goal for mar 10th is 200.. i think we already have that many... ready to attend.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/25/09  at  07:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 75. · WSG is licensed/certified by the FDA to maintain chimpanzees for the purpose of research.
    HOT ZONE anyone?

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/25/09  at  07:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 76. · okay- got me there- no chimps!

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/25/09  at  07:44 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 77. · From what I have been able to uncover in 6 hours of surfing- WSG has been awarded one contract in 2006 to provide training to DoD operators. Contract was for under 200K and service was provided to
    Fort Eustis for counter surveilance training.
    As near as I can tell, the stuff they spoke of during the hearing is essentially the same chatter listed on the GSA eLibrary contract number GS-02F-0017V. You can google. This is nothing more than a catalog offering stuff for sale with the associated terms and conditions. If you google the contract number, you'll get that site. Along about page 23 or so of the "terms and conditions" you will discover a description of "Washington Field". It certainly gives the reader the impression that this is an operational facility.
    I took the liberty of alerting the contracting officer at GSA that Washington Field and its associated facilities have yet to receive permit(s)for construction and further, no such permit(s) have been issued to WSG for use of said site consistent with the description provided in the "terms and conditions" document.
    Wonder what that will yield...

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/25/09  at  07:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 78. · Tee hee 76.

    But they're so cute 'till they rip your face off...

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/25/09  at  08:00 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 79. · I don't believe it--this thread will never end. I thought the Hughesville thread would last for eternity but this puts that thread to shame. No objection--just an observation. Always like to see a subject of interest to so many and the thoughts, opinions and observations of those involved. I don't have a dog in this race but enjoy reading the posts of those who do. Hope the rest of you are just as patient when I get on the bandwagon when a subject sparks my interest.

    Comment by Iamangttia  on  02/25/09  at  08:13 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 80. · Long Live Cyber-ocracy...!

    stay tuned.. most citizens have hopes the applicant will do the honorable thing, and withdraw.. but if not.. Nanjemoy is not your ordinary community. We got skillz, we have drilled this stuff before...

    move on down the road.... no hard feelings.

    Stop wasting our time, we have other pressing issues we need to address as a community, i.e. Saving the health clinic, keeping our water clean.. Feeding our poor... Getting indoor plumbing to 140+ households... etc etc.. etc.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/25/09  at  08:56 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 81. · This just in. I checked out WSG's much touted Pennsylvania site

    http://www.connellsvilleairport.net/

    They rent an office at this airport...

    These guys are sham artists. Reminds me of a certain episode of the Simpsons

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/25/09  at  11:14 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 82. · #77 - GOOD MOVE! But you need to send a ltr to the Çontracting Officer as well, and also alert our delegation and Hoyer (who represents us in Congress).

    In my day as a Contract Specialist this was known a "Fraud, Waste and Abuse", a program in the 80's that was "hot".

    WSG has opened itself up for scrutiny now and based on what I've read here, there are a LOT more questions than answers!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/26/09  at  07:42 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 83. · The specific address given for the WSG facility at the airport is 872 Airport Road.
    A google search using that address returns no results. Similar address search using Google Earth returns no results. There are what appear to be a number of structures lining Airport Road and the airport itself identifies a new facility, similar in description to that on the WSG site. That structure belongs to the airport, available for use by anyone.
    I was able to identify the airport using the airfield descriptors resident on the WSG site. The offroad course and weapons range described as part of this site is remotely located and I suspect they may part of what was once a privately operated off road motorsports park although I cannot definitively say so at this time. I may be able to re-establish contact with the former operators of that park to determine whether or not that is the case.
    With respect to Washington Field, someone should query WSG as to whether or not they will confine opertations to the driving course, firing range and planned BUILDINGS (not structures) lol. The commissioners should also be querried as to how they (the county gub officials)intend to monitor WSG for compliance with whatever conditions may be imposed, should they grant requested exeption. Concern here is that as part of their war games, we could find these guys driving their SUVS through the streams and wooded areas...

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  02/26/09  at  08:16 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 84. · Damn, you guys are good!!!! I like Swampwater-not Blackwater

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  02/26/09  at  11:47 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 85. · Ive heard.. tho it could be a rumor - that the reason EDITH PATTERSON wont talk to any of the NANJEMOY community, is that she was advised NOT TO by the county Lawyer. If this is TRUE, I am outraged.

    What other recourse do citizens have - when they want to TALK to their Commissioner on an issue of grave importance.

    There has been NO SUPPORT (listening) from our commissioner on this issue of bringing a Private Anti-Terrorism TRAINING center to the heart of Nanjemoy.

    Remember to mark you calendars.. MARCH 10, 7pm for the continuation of the hearing.

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/27/09  at  10:09 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 86. ·
    Ive heard.. tho it could be a rumor - that the reason EDITH PATTERSON wont talk to any of the NANJEMOY community, is that she was advised NOT TO by the county Lawyer.
    If this rumor is true, it could be due to the fact if the Board of Appeals approves this Special Exception and the community files an appeal it would heard by the Commissioners.
    Just speculating...

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/27/09  at  10:20 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 87. · A friend of mine brought this to my attention:

    "One wonders about the "facility" at Dulles? Is WSG also committing copyright fraud by using US govt photographs of the guys in Tyvek and respirators?"

    There's just too many unknowns about this company and what their "actual" business entails...questions that must be answered to the fullest extent posssible!

    As for Commissioner Patterson, if it's true that the county attorney - Roger Fink, has told her NOT to talk to the Nanjemoy citizens, this indicates to me that there's some kind "deal" in the works. IF this is the case then WE as constituents have a right to that information!!

    If this is not the case, then WHY won't Commissioner Patterson address this issue? What's so important that she can't even take the time to talk to the Nanjemoy citizens about this issue?

    The silence displayed by Commissioner Patterson on this and other important issues in Charles County is deafening!!

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/27/09  at  10:26 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 88. · Sammy, I posted my comments before I read yours, but you are probably right!

    However, she still has no excuse for not addressing all the other county issues and concerns, and not answering emails!!

    LOL

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/27/09  at  10:31 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 89. · Cheryl> who is running the County Fink or the Commissioners?

    I thought an Attorney gives advise not orders! One can take that advise of an Attorney or tell him to go to hell. As most know I speak my mind and there are only 2 Attorney's I like and they are Kurt and Hammad Matin. Oh I hope I becaome District 2 County Commissioner I can see someone telling me not to talk or speak to the Community that I represent ya right.

    So wonder if that is true Sammy would love know more info about your statement.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  02/27/09  at  10:51 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 90. · Ahhh - if that is how the process works - that the sitting commissioners will have to hear this if appealed, (by the applicant, or by the citizens) - then that makes sense - i guess.

    There are many many letters, and signed petitions for redress that will be put into the record on the 10th .. along with a legal review and comments of the applicants sworn testimony.

    Since all the CBRNE training is simulated, maybe they can simulate that they got the special exception... and do the honorable thing, and withdraw this application.

    ADDED NOTE: WHY IS THE SIGN removed when the hearing is still OPEN.? Isnt there a requirement to leave the public notice sign ON SITE, (and the date updated)...until the Hearing is closed??//??

    Comment by creekworks  on  02/27/09  at  11:10 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 91. ·
    So wonder if that is true Sammy would love know more info about your statement.
    From the Zoning Regulations:

    Chapter 297, ZONING REGULATIONS(L)

    ARTICLE XXV, Board of Appeals

    § 297-417. Appeals.

    A. An appeal from any final order or decision of an administrative official may be taken to the Board by an aggrieved applicant. An appeal is taken by filing a written notice of appeal with the Zoning Officer and the Board specifying the grounds therefor. The date and time of filing shall be entered on the notice by the Zoning Officer.

    B. An appeal must be filed within 30 days after the date of the decision or order appealed from.

    C. Whenever an appeal is filed, the Zoning Officer shall transmit to the Board the entire record relating to the action appealed from. All Board hearings or appeals are de novo proceedings.

    D. An appeal stays all construction or activities that are the subject of a duly issued stop-work order. An appeal stays all other actions by the Zoning Officer seeking enforcement or compliance with the order or decision appealed from, unless the Zoning Officer certifies to the Board that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property. In that case, proceedings shall not be stayed except by order of the Board or a court, issued on application of the party seeking the stay, for due cause shown.

    E. The Board may reverse or affirm, in whole or in part, or may modify the order, requirement, decision or determination appealed from and may make any order, requirement, decision or determination that, in its opinion, ought to be made in the case before it. To this end, the Board shall have all the powers of the administrative official from whom the appeal was taken.

    F. When an appeal is taken to the Board in accordance with this section, the Zoning Officer shall have the initial burden of presenting to the Board sufficient evidence and argument to justify the order or decision appealed from. The burden of presenting evidence and argument to the contrary then shifts to the appellant, who shall have the burden of persuasion on all questions of fact which are to be determined by the Board.

    297-419. Appeals to County Commissioners. [Added 10-23-1998 by Ord. No. 98-85]

    A. An appeal from a final order or decision of the Board of Appeals for a special exception for surface mining, an asphalt plant, concrete plant or sand and gravel washing, crushing or screening may be taken to the County Commissioners by an aggrieved party as described in Article 66B, § 4.08(a) of the Annotated Code of Maryland. An appeal is taken by filing a written notice of appeal with the County Commissioners specifying the grounds therefor. The date and time of filing shall be entered on the notice by the County Clerk.

    B. An appeal must be filed within 30 days after the date of the decision or order appealed from. The term shall be calculated from the date the order is executed by signature of all participating members and the Clerk to the Board of Appeals.

    C. Whenever an appeal is filed, the Clerk to the Board shall transmit to the County Commissioners the entire record relating to the action appealed from. All Commissioner hearings on appeals are "on the record" proceedings; however, relevant evidence and testimony may be allowed in cases where, in the judgment of the Commissioners, it represents information that could not have been available to the Board at the time of the Board's public hearing and the testimony is necessary for the proper disposition of the matter.

    D. An appeal stays all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from, unless the Zoning Officer certifies to the Commissioners that a stay would cause imminent peril to life or property. In that case, proceedings shall not be stayed except by order of the Commissioners or a court, issued on application of the party seeking the stay, for due cause shown.

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/27/09  at  11:19 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 92. ·
    ADDED NOTE: WHY IS THE SIGN removed when the hearing is still OPEN.? Isnt there a requirement to leave the public notice sign ON SITE, (and the date updated)...until the Hearing is closed??//??
    From the Zoning Regulations:

    Chapter 297, ZONING REGULATIONS(L)

    ARTICLE XXV, Board of Appeals

    § 297-411. Notice of hearing.

    A. Within 60 days of receipt of an application, the Zoning Officer shall send written notice of the time and date of the hearing to the applicant.

    B. Not less than 14 days prior to the hearing, the applicant or his agent shall mail a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to all adjoining and confronting property owners of the time, date, place and nature of the public hearing. The applicant shall file, with the Zoning Officer, an affidavit of mailing of such notice as an exhibit in the public hearing prior to 4:30 p.m. of the day of the hearing. Filing the affidavit of mailing shall constitute substantial compliance with the notice requirement unless cause to the contrary is shown.

    C. At least 14 days prior to a hearing, the applicant shall erect a sign(s) provided by the Zoning Officer on the subject property. Such sign(s) will be erected within 10 feet of the boundary line of such land which abuts every public road, and if the property does not abut a public road, the sign shall be posted at the nearest public road which provides access to the subject site. The sign shall be affixed to a rigid board and be maintained by the applicant until a decision is issued by the Board. It is a violation of this chapter for anyone to remove or tamper with such sign during the period it is required to be posted. The applicant shall file an affidavit, with a picture of the posted sign, certifying the posting of said sign with the Zoning Officer prior to 4:30 p.m. of the day of the hearing.

    D. In the case of special exceptions, notice of the time and place of the public hearing, together with a summary of the proposed regulation, restriction or boundary, shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction once each week for two successive weeks, with the first such publication of notice appearing at least 15 days prior to the hearing.

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/27/09  at  11:27 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 93. · Wow Sammy you're the best!!!

    Have you ever thought of running for Commissioner?

    Comment by cheryl  on  02/27/09  at  11:33 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 94. · birds and squirrels will soundproof Nanjemoy residents from gunfire. I can't wait till they tell us how stormwater management and all impervios parking lots that come with this project will inprove beaverDAM-creek and help restore nanjemoy creek . The study shows we need to do more studies for the septic. If some how they use shared septic in this case then the cat is out the bag on the whole help the poor thing .

    Comment by amphibia  on  02/27/09  at  11:36 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 95. ·
    Have you ever thought of running for Commissioner?
    NO...

    Comment by Sammy  on  02/27/09  at  11:40 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 96. · Sam cant- then we wouldnt have this great blog!
    We NEED the watchdogs out here.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  02/27/09  at  11:55 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 97. · 94. for all the Commisses false rhetoric about environmental care...Chas county to my knowledge still does not have a fully functioning dept of county sediment control to enforce laws and fine environmental violators on construction sites-or where segments of land greater than 2 acres are disturbed.last i checked a couple yrs ago -beyond a liason person or two -answering the phone- acting as the sediment control arm of chas county govt-all there was in place was the state run apparatus/proceedure which is woefully inadeqaute -and terribly undermanned -and often only functions with a preconstruction review and maybe a preliminary on-site meeting of a project..
    after that its the wild west-anything goes as it is left up to the site company/corp. manager to maintain silt ponds and breaches of silt fence and various silt traps..sediment control too often becomes a very tertiary concern relative the primary construction activity..and goes much too often unmaintained .Sediment control even at its best is not 100% effective
    We legitimately have a lot of serious concerns about our neighbor to the north PG..and Lord knows they have a megaload of social and fiscal problems which as we grow we begin to realize a higher level of..Slow/No Growth Now until we get our house of water in order and our Kids out of trailers-- ..however, one bizarre positive anomaly they have in effect is a fully functioning county operated sediment control 'police' which fines violaters who do not upkeep their controls in a dilligent fashon...here is one thing we might learn from our northern neighbors.

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/01/09  at  12:40 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 98. · The WW Sunday Funnies-
    a fictional poem and comedic parody with well-known offerings borrowed from others - by Waterworks
    Warning: not intended for serious legislative use or serious political comment ,for use as a humorous novelty only -inspired by the poems of Henry Gibson..Hope this disclaimer keeps me out of trouble with the Duck-nothing that has not been publicly said before...
    'In the land of the Chuck'
    Nick nack Paddy Wack-Many think-
    Commissioner Cooper is a Development Hack

    Little Miss Patterson Muffett
    did not sit on her tuffett
    as-many think-she is tucked in Mr. Cooper's pocket
    For she is his puppet

    Hodge and Graves when up the hill to fetch a pail of water ..and
    off to European skies on a charity's dime they did fly
    to return to fully loaded SUVs
    they could drive
    with visions of sugar plum fairies and palatial ofices, and ever better retreats appearing in their minds eye...for they had arrived..

    Humpty Collins fell off the wall
    when he shouted keep the bars open until 3
    and the booze flowing for all.
    Never considering the added road dangers and alcohol fueld violence risks

    for into his plan this did not fit

    But for the cronied night club owners and the bail bondsmen it was a Hit

    PG tried to shut the clubs down for many problems there did flow

    Collins and his cronies said Shush!!
    this must be kept on the Very Down Low..

    One for all and all for one
    They swore allegiance to the CCC
    It was done.

    No matter that they would squanderand destroy the county's most preciuos treasure

    So long as it continued their never ending pleasures

    For all the great percs which are known and shown
    And still those greater ones maybe- hidden and unknown
    They all sing in chorus to form one great symphony
    And it ends in Crescendo--Our work is not for the citizens but for ME_ME_ME_ME

    a poem by WW to do with as you may -laugh or Cussat the aspiring poet--either way-get involved in the county governance-the quality of your very life depends on it

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/01/09  at  01:24 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 99. · VERY GOOD Waterworks!! wink

    Comment by cheryl  on  03/01/09  at  01:38 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 100. · the MD Department for Soil COnservation in La Plata- down the aisle from Kurt Wolfgangs new office is pleased to investigate any and every report anyone may have about any construction.

    If you think deve,lopment is happening before permits- call. If you think there is not sediment control- call.

    There is one guy assigned for all and the only way he can mointor is for us to monitor and call him.

    He will be glad to site these guys and give tickets or pull permits..

    He cant say this- but he has lived here forever and doesnt like this development outside the zons, especially- at least this was hinted at- plus I heard that from a 3rd party who knows him.

    HELP HIM- and HE'LL HELP YOU. I forgot his name but if their is an interest I will find it in all my notes and post it.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  03/01/09  at  08:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 101. · Birdman
    You want Charles to become like Loundon County Va-with massive sprawl and wall to wall concrete and pavement..now suffering from serious property value decline.i sure dont
    and, i beg to amicably diagree -we in Charles do not have a water concern -we have an impendiing water crisis in Charles county
    look at the 2007 DNR study especially as it relates to the county west of US 301...there is only a very serious warning to us that we will run out of water rather suddenly probably with another wave of tremendous growth-or more slolwly with trickled in growth inside of 15-20 yrs..
    look at the big red circles on this DNR study which show the area West of laplata to nanejemoy running out of water without a renewable water resource.
    A water concern is wondering which source i am going to draw it from. A water crisis with no renewable system in place is realizing that i may soon have no water,
    Right now-we are in impending crisis mode-just look at the DNR's 2007 study

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/02/09  at  03:16 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 102. · Com. Pattersons absence to these meetings and her absence in listening to the very people she is 'supposed' to represent speaks volumes about her priorities. Has she checked her mercedes at the door in favor of her brand new county supplied SUV-oh the good life!
    She may have been told by the county lawyer that it would be better if she were not in attendance-or that if she expressed herself it might place her in conflict at a later date with the board of comm,-but he could not forbid her to be there -it is against no law for her to be there. it is against no law for her to speak out in favor for/against this private rambo operation which will in reality provide no jobs and not much tax base in relation to the number of residents who pay taxes who will be negatively affected ..
    It is not some hi-tech production facility which employs people in good jobs-its a private mercenary training facility for people who do not live or work in our county-there is negligible benefits to Chas county with this private hired out paramilitary oufit--which would break every zoning law and wetland concern- on the books-A special exception for what gain to the county and citizens at large?? none---Then why????????????????????????
    She has chosen to put the Commissioners wishes ahead of her constituents as the county attorney is directed by the commissioners to put in place a format which facilitates the actions they-the commmissioners-want to achieve and the county pay/hire the attorney. It is not the other way around as the comm. try to portray it sometimes.
    Surely, a commissioner of the people in the community would be in the lobby shaking hands with the nanjemoy folks and even speaking at the hearings-there is no law against that and the only conflict is with the commissioners larger -probably- already in place plans..another evidence of our severely ethically challenged govt sytem.
    Com. Patterson- if she were really concerned with the people in the community she proprtedly represents-would be making the closing of the Baden clinic and this Private Mercenary shootem up hot topics for community discussion.
    Saldy, she apparently does not care as it appears to be much too comfortable in the new Suv or Mercedez or Coopers pocket -to really fight for and serve the wishes of tne people in her 'supposed' community.
    Edith Patterson does not deserve to be re-elceted in the face of her total inaction for the community she is supposed to represent.
    Somebody has to tell her and others in the group-that the job of commissioner was designed as an office in service and dedication to the constituents of their district-It is not their own personal playground to do as they wish with OPM {other Peoples Money]-MeMeMe

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/02/09  at  03:55 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 103. · Bj
    I will make note of the Md soil conservation office re sediment control--but this is only one guy---who needs to be alerted...good that it is there-but it is not nearly enough
    It is different when the sediment control inspector shows up weekly on his route or even unannounced on a regular checklist schedule--that is what works best...and still that is not full proof..
    What about the county putting more funds in environment budget say doubling it to 4% to cover this and stop some of their palatial office and government expansion 60%
    donate their new suvs to sediment control inspectors to make their rounds to construction sites..stop buying up land for county commissioners retreat affairs,,what's next maidens feeding them grapes and scratching their backs with feathers...nothing that furthers this groups own percs and comforts would suprise me--they are so out of touch-like many Ceo's we have seen of late..personal opportunists at the expense of the people.
    Has any body emailed the bond rating companies in NY for the commiss upcomimng trip and shown them the DNR 2007 dire water report-that we have an impending water crisis with no back up in place..
    wonder what that wrench would do to the pot-because you can bet your bottom dollar the commisss are never going to mention it.
    Keep up the fight.
    Birdman
    I would rather have an honest commissioner of normal intelligence who could put the necessary people around him for guidance than 10 'sophisticated' commissioners who have questionable motives or ethics for aspiring to office.

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/02/09  at  04:11 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 104. · id like to chime in for birdman. we all know stuffs messed up with the county.. thats another battle.

    i for one, as a nanjemoy citizen - will share, that if its whom i think it is. I see him taking his own valuable time.. to pick up the roads... - all the time. not just once or twice.. this is a guy thats taking care of nanjemoy - tho im not even sure where he lives. he deserves respect for his opinion and position.

    back in the douglas point days, (when we learned to MASTER the special exceptions process)-- he was invaluable in helping us protect douglas point../ HERE in nanjemoy.

    i think he is just trying to introduce.. a non mob mentality flavor into the discussion, and i appreciate that.. it creates dialogue and communication.

    tho.. i for one, am part of the cyber mob mentality... AGAINST THIS NONSENSE proposal...
    in the Nanjemoy Homeland.. - I understand there may be powers that BE.. that we have to face off. i have much respect for this individual - birdman, if its who i think it is.

    in the end, i think he, and other ..semi supporters will see, that this wasnt what they thought it was .. gonna be. If they would research this, as much as alot of us .. have.

    This will come out if it has to go that far. If I were the applicant, Id think about the big picture, not this little nugget.

    I - would hope - that they will do the honorable thing, and withdraw this proposal. - and really, this time, dont come back.. ! It just aint gonna happen here.

    we are not powerless, and there are no DONE DEALS. wink

    nuff said. see you all on March 10th !!

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/02/09  at  04:48 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 105. · alright. - now let me speak of edith..

    in 2006, when this "similar" application (DOCKET 1173) was laid out, she helped us citizens to at least, call a community meeting, and invited GTS officials to come down and chat. --

    it was withdrawn.. == days later.

    Edith helped us avoid this non sense in 2006.
    NOW.. in 2008 - I dont know what her reasoning is to avoid the community.. but ive heard she was "advised" not to get involved.
    (which totally just doesnt add up to me as a citizen) That could all be rumor,

    but.. I like Edith.. i was a little insulted when she started bringing a secret service looking dude, with ear buds etc.. (did ya think we wouldnt notice?!!) - to join her to meet nanjemoy.. at two meetings during the housing conversations... - (ive got video) she used to talk, or at least .. listen to us.

    This whole gig may be beyond her control.. i dunno.. Ill give her the benefit of the doubt...

    If Edith were hip enuf, she, or at least an "advisor", would read the duck, and other blogs... theres alot of cult-int (cultural intell) here... so.. if nothing else, she KNOWS whats going on in her zone.

    This is big - and it deserves all eyes on... I wish she would join us for a community town meeting.. - but .. you know how lawyers are... ?//

    Nanjemoy WILL beat this thing, with.. or without .. Edith, and with some respectful opposing opinions. It all comes down to LAW. And.., the integrity of the system.

    See you all on MARCH 10.

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/02/09  at  05:17 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 106. · I am distressed by the fact (or rumor) that the legal advisors of the county are telling OUR ELECTED officers not to talk to the citizens on any subject. What is being covered up. Who on the commission has a vested interest in this company or ownership share of the property that the lawyers know about and want to cover up? Why else would they want an enforced silence.

    I also checked out the company's website. Since when does the 'us navy' make comments - aren't comments usually attributed to the commanding officer of a command or a public relations expert. The more I look at the website, the more phony it looks in the details.

    Comment by city_girl99  on  03/02/09  at  06:39 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 107. · good eye city girl.. i noticed that too - so did every other person in nanjemoy thats been IN the Navy, worked For the Navy, or works With the Navy. - if if you quote the US Navy..(BRANDING) you must at least indicate a full title, and name AND Rank(if applicable). And you can bet theres some CO that has to know about it. Its SOP. -- interesting isnt it? It could just be a sloppy web designers fault...

    but hey, they also claim to have a commercial (private) airfield in nanjemoy " the washington field" at same website -

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/02/09  at  07:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 108. · talk about false advertising.. /
    this was somewhere.. earlier in the blog, but worth re-posting./

    http://www.cbrneworld.com/capability_the_washington_security_group.html

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/02/09  at  07:49 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 109. · WW in #103- one thing I haves uggested and supported since the very beginning of this blog was the creation of an environmental department in County Govt. They wouldnt neccessarily even need to hire anyone as they already have staff in many different departments with the knowhow to develop a good plan and implement it County wide in a comprehensive manner. Utilities Public Facilities, Planning and Zoning and I am sure others have educational programs to reach their constituents.

    What they dont have is a cohesive focus- which one department would have- I do think they would need to have enforcement authority to actually compell others to abide by best practices.

    Just my particular obcession Ive had for years but I figured people were tired of me spelling it out.

    It seems maybe this blog has new folks so maybe I should get back on the bandwagon.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  03/02/09  at  08:39 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 110. · 105. nanjemoy net..though i agree with the essence of your community concern-and do not question your commitment to community, one iota. Most all you have written has been of high quality. --in 2006-only feelers were out- the chips were not down and the issue was not hot and real with expert after expert giving"PAID" testimony while a prominent"PAID" county lawyer Mudd lobbed softball questions to WSG point man Miller.
    I find more emotion than logic in your statement that "I dunno, Maybe it is beyond her Control-and, how,i understand that emotion- continually coming to grips with myself on my own struggling journey .
    The fact that she is -NOW_AWOL on this WSG issue and the Baden Clinic issue - when it comes to serving her community. Also, Her actions that i am aware of thru attendance of public hearings for the Bryans road explosive proposed dense growth called for in the face of the residents near total disagrrement with these densities even greater than those of Waldorf. Her total acquiesence and agreement with the other fab4 in the face of soon to be -no water- and a near total constituency who were Not In favor of this dramatic propopsed urbanization. She certainly when the chips have been down has not supported her constituency -but the few with the levers on all the power and money..
    And, Remember the county attorney works for the commissioners. It is not the other way around -as the commissess try to make you believe that they are under his control-this is horse manure..a blatant side stepping tactic..
    Let us be very honest as Eric Holder the new attorney general has sincerely said, race is a very touchy topic of which too many of us are afraid to discuss the dynamics of in our society in a honest and open way. For my money-his statement was sincere and largely accurate as regards the population at large.
    My immediate family and myself are listed as other on the census as we are of single, bi and tri, quadra- racial tones. We have white ,black, red and hispanic under one extended family roof. We almost had an asian but that young relationship did not pan out- I say this only to say-I had to do a lot of painful, yet in the end, well worth it personal growing. I had to pray to my better angels daily in my younger years to do the right thing in spite of my first emotions at times..God works in mysterious ways for His mercy has allowed me much love..
    With maturation I have lived for the day when a person would be judged by the content of their character and not the the shade of their dermis. I have lived for the day when race would become a non-concern in relation to ones offerings as a constructive human in society. Its is a long slow struggle. But whether white, black, asian, hispanic, or -native american- no matter the race , we must allow for our better angels to be at play and call on or judge our politicians for their meaningful actions or inactions and take in to major focus-who they benefit-.the people they are supposed to represent or the monied few of the special interests. -leaving skin tone out of it as a non factor.I voted for Obama this time-and i voted for W bush once -the first time only-he did not give me what he promised .
    If a majority of the citizens at large support a particular project within the bounds of respect for all men and the laws on the books -then their will should be made known . Likewise, if the citizens oppose it outhandedly -their representitive should represent their will so long as it does not infringe on others legal rights. Hypothetically, that is the way the system is supposed to work. That is why politicians make so many promises to their eloctorate-.
    I only know Edith Patterson politically and what I have seen has not been supportive in a "Real Way" to her communinty's wants and needs at large. Talk is cheap and even meaningless unless backed up by hard actions and a lot of efforts to support the citizens of the community at large. I have seen her take all the self-aggrandizing percs like the other fab 4 -and offer little back in support of the community which she is supposed to represent.
    A chat it up meeting here or there with coffee and donuts does not represent real action and support of a community who is running out of water , whose medical clinic [where a number of poor live]is about to be shut down, and whose folks are overwhelmingly Not in support of this WSG boondoggle --
    WHERE IS EDITH WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN AND THERE IS A REAL CALL TO ACTION FOR THE CITIZENS OF WEST COUNTY? Hiding behind the county attorney-She employs? Why?
    So far she is AWOL in her service to the community she is supposed to represent.
    She may have a pleasant demeanor, and be a good conversationalist-she may be likeable .
    But these are not leadership qualifications needed to serve her community uin a real manner.
    Nanjemoynet, I am open to learn why i should consider Ms. Patterson a good leader who fights for her constituents -especialy in the face of this most recent dissapearing act..I am always open to have my mind changed with intelligent dialogue

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/03/09  at  12:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 111. · Very good Water works!

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  03/03/09  at  12:43 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 112. · Along with this issue, where is our Commissioner on the Housing Needs Assessment Issue for Nanjemoy?, the Clinic? Jobs? Van-Go? Crime? Opportunities for Teens? etc.

    Commissioner Patterson, while she may work hard, as some here proclaim on her behalf and as I have stated in the past that she does put "in the hours" but that does not translate into product, she is totally absent on behalf on her constituents.

    You can care and still be careless. You may have a heart and be heartless. I am not accusing anyone of something here, just saying.

    However, District 2 is in need of a Commissioner that is in sync with what District 2 needs as well as what the county as a whole needs. This we do not currently have.

    Nor have we had.

    You can be a good person and a lousy Commissioner. You can not be a lousy person and a good Commissioner however. Your underbelly will eventually show through your blouse and expose your hot or cold blood running through your veins for all to see.

    They call that getting to know a person and I think we have gotten to know our District 2 Commissioner and others on this Board.

    Very icy veins, et al.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as boozacbe

    Comment by Rick Campbell  on  03/03/09  at  01:16 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 113. ·
    Birdman
    You want Charles to become like Loundon County Va-with massive sprawl and wall to wall concrete and pavement..now suffering from serious property value decline.i sure dont
    and, i beg to amicably diagree...
    My position has been very clear since my first days of posting here on the Duck. I am NOT in favor of anything that resembles sprawl in any way, shape or form. Additionally, I never said that having WSG occupy the property in question was a great opportunity for Charles County (if I gave that impression, I apologize). I was, as alluded to by Nanjemoynet, simply trying to inject a bit of non-partisan, objective perspective to the issue. I have often admitted that, as a 16 year resident and transplant to CC, I often feel as though I am part of the problem when discussing "sprawl." The very fact that I moved here for the rural charm contributed to the sprawl. It's a double-edged sword, to be sure. Now that I am here, however, I feel compelled to protect that which attracted me to begin with but also recognize that growth is a certainty. I have absolutely no problem with citizens exercising their right to influence their elected officials when it comes to issues like this one but to do so armed with conjecture or speculation is imprudent.

    Wouldn't it be nice if our commissioners fostered an atmosphere in this county where high-quality employers were welcomed allowing us to essentially pick and choose the very best businesses to bring to Charles? We wouldn't even be having this discussion if our commissioners did their jobs and created the correct type of "development district" for the kinds of jobs we wanted to bring to the county. Personally, I don't know why we have a development zone the size of Washington DC.

    As for WSG, it is apparent that the people of Nanjemoy have spoken and do not want this company doing business in their district. I'm ok with that. A couple of things come to mind that I would urge everyone involved to consider: (1) Our government (and those companies with which our government does business) keep secrets. That's ok. If you are an average citizen, and you know something that you think is a government secret, it's not a secret. Clandestine operations are important to the security of our nation. (2) Nobody wants anything in their backyard. Period. And yet, everything has to go in someone's backyard. In Utopia, the businesses and industries would be "somewhere else" and we could beam ourselves to work everyday. (3) The rural charm that brought myself and others to Charles County is going to disappear unless we adequately plan for the inevitable growth by confining industry to a specific place and limiting new-home growth. (4) If we can't convince our neighbors to vote for commissioners, delegates, congressmen and a President that act in the best interest of the people and the land itself, none of this will matter.

    We don't have to fix all the problems right now but we do have to start. (And if any of this sounds like a stump speech, you never know...)

    By the way, Waterworks, Loudon County didn't just get plopped down as-is one day. At some point in their journey towards "sprawl", they were the same size as Charles County. I just want to see decisions made now that will keep us from becoming P.G. County or worse.

    Comment by Birdman  on  03/03/09  at  06:02 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 114. ·
    However, District 2 is in need of a Commissioner that is in sync with what District 2 needs as well as what the county as a whole needs. This we do not currently have.


    Boozacbe> I hope I can be that Commissioner for District 2 and I think you'll find that I am not in the hip pockets of the Developers. I am a people person and can talk to anyone and everyone on just about anything. I do not like the fact that Commissioner Patterson hasn't held some kind of Community meeting about the Nanjemoy Clinic. Get we will continue to read it in the paper what dat the doors will close for good. I know if I were Commissioner I would have held a meeting of some kind down here but we will see is she will only time will tell. But 2010 will be here soon.

    Comment by DeGiorgi  on  03/03/09  at  06:54 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 115. · since you are campaigning, let me ask you a question.., do you have to be republicrat, or demublican...(those in POWER) - - the county is for sure F'ed up, but its beyond that i think.. we need a people for the people.

    - Would you consider running as a libertarian??

    - Would you consider dumping your party..?

    youd have my vote brother.. (of course, id have to go register - i lost faith in voting machines long before they arrived - being a computer geek n all - i knew they can not ever.. be secure...)

    and I am available to be your cyber campaign manager..

    i have much respect for you for speaking for nanjemoy on all issues .. - and being a nanjemite.

    If you can help     this community dump this "done deal"- you would have a loyal base ...

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/03/09  at  08:03 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 116. · If you all would have elected that Westbury fellow, you would not even be having this discussion.

    Comment by Beefcake  on  03/03/09  at  08:12 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 117. · Birdman
    my apology-i did not read your post mentioning Lou[n?]don county Va thoroughly in ref to your feelings on too much growth and commented too hastily on this aspect of your thoughts . I agree we need good jobs in the places that are zoned for them and WSG provides neither jobs nor meets the the zoning .
    On the topic of leadership in this county an Honest educated [sophisticated] man/woman would be a great assett-but i will take an honest man/woman with a normal average intelligence who prides themselves on their honest transparancy and community service over a 'sophisticated man/woman any day -if 'sophistication' is his/her top advertising credential.

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/03/09  at  11:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 118. · Well, let me say this on that... I am not a Nanjemoy resident as has been alluded to in others' posts. I try to keep abreast of issues of importance all over the county but do not consider myself an "expert" on the issues that seems to be very specific to that region. I have not made a decision with regards to running for office as I have a few hurdles to cross before that happens. After I read beak over my last post, it occurred to me that it sounded a lot like a campaign speech so I made the comment about it being a "stump speech" with tongue-in-cheek. I'm not ruling it out, mind you, but wasn't really implying anything either!

    As for abandoning my party affiliation, nanjemoynet, I feel that the same can be said of the individual voter. For example, if you have "given up" on party politics, but find yourself in agreement with a partisan candidate, why would you discount him/her as a viable candidate just because they are a Democrat or Republican? In my humble opinion, the most important attributes for a candidate to have are integrity, honesty, common sense and a modecum of intelligence. The $64,000 question during every election is whether or not the candidate is full of crap during the campaign. Unfortunately, there seem to be more and more voters out there who do not have any interest in what goes on around them and, furthermore, they refuse to think for themselves, instead allowing others to tell them for whom they should vote.

    The bottom line for me is this...until the day arrives where someone other than a Dem or Republican has a snowball's chance in hell of winning an election, I will continue to retain my affiliation to the major party whose underlying values most closely alligns with my own. Anyone who discounts a major party candidate for no other reason than affiliation is just as bad as someone who pulls the handle in the booth based solely on that affiliation.

    Comment by Birdman  on  03/04/09  at  10:41 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 119. ·
    Anyone who discounts a major party candidate for no other reason than affiliation is just as bad as someone who pulls the handle in the booth based solely on that affiliation.


    Birdman- I liked your posts here and generally have agreed with them.

    But this last part I have to question.

    During the Presidential elections- by my questioning the Republican campaign and its tone and for standing up for my beleifs and NOT going by party- I was scolded by you for not being true to my party.

    I can go back and find all the quotes but dont want to be a pain.

    I just want to question- why the difference in stance of voting by what a candidate stands for (even if we disagree) NOT by the R or D by his name then- and the above?

    And Im not trying to pick a fight, attack, question integrity- discredit or outherwise imply anything (I'va had enough of being accused of that kind of thing- so just want to be clear on that); - Im just a person trying to understand.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  03/04/09  at  10:58 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 120. · Completely understandable, BJ. I think that what I was trying to say during the election was not so much being true to the party but being true to the values and ideology that are the foundation of the party. As I recall, I have never suggested that anyone should ever vote for a candidate solely because that candidate was a Dem, Republican or other.

    As for the tone of the Republican campaign, I still maintain that the liberal media slanted the coverage of this election so far in the direction of Obama that the GOP had no choice but to refute the lies (often appearing negative). I will concede, however, that this approach may not have been necessary if there had been a better GOP candidate facing Obama. Nevertheless, I stand by my choice to support the candidate who had demonstrated that he represented me and my values as opposed to the candidate (now President) who took advantage of the vast number of citizens who, unfortunately, don't understand how things work in the real world.

    Ultimately, I usually do vote along party lines but not just because of the (R) or (D). It's the underlying ideology. If a Democrat candidate ever announced a platform that included smaller government, fiscal resposibility, the sanctity of life and traditional marriage, strong national defense, support of individual liberties and responsibility and strong support for capitalism and entrepreneurship...I would vote for them in a minute!

    Comment by Birdman  on  03/04/09  at  11:39 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 121. · I guess I understand- and I think still I happened to agree with the values of the OLD republicana party. Did you know that it has been argued that by todays Standards of the Republican party- tricky Dick was a Liberal?

    Not fighting you- but I guess Im a very old fashioned Republican that also now beleive ALL of life needs to address social issues- NOT necceassary for Govt to do it- but to at least lead by example.

    So bygones. Its done and over and I think I understand.

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as spirit of the elder & BJGoodwin

    Comment by Barbara  on  03/04/09  at  12:12 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 122. · Birdman
    for all their platform rhetoric-about small govt
    we sure got a massive govt buildup under W Bush, and fiscal responsibility W inherited a budget in the black ink -only to turn it into the biggest deficit we have known to date -all with promises of small govt and fiscal conservatism..He even started this TARP giveaways .Is he a schizophrenic given his rhetoric ?
    does one vote for rhetoric or real actions?
    Support of individual liberties"? while they collect my phone records and tap our phones domestically in mass, spy on peace and green activists right here in Md and infiltrate such harmless groups,,,... what individual liberties protction are ya talkin about. I will never allow them to take my guns.-last straw
    Geez -reason i am an independent not that it really matters much is that both parties once in power seem to give the Pork to the buds
    Obama-what choice does he have but pour money at the failing economy-hoping to get some traction-i do not know if it will work.-maybe too much damage has been done already
    Or let the whole mess hit bottom with no help for anyone -even W Jr "TARP"Bush was not prepared to do that .It seems to me -forgetting the meaningless rhetoric- both sides spew -thier actions on both sides indicate it is like the pot calling the kettle black-Bush spent and built the govt bureacracy like a drunken sailor
    conjecture is imprudent-As one of the vast number of citizens who do not know how things work in the world-Please tell me so that i may give the country an SOS and help us out of this very serious crisis-fomented by greed on all sides of the equation .
    birdman as an unenlightened one--isnt this quote a bit arrogant- please enlighten me so that may live a more prosperous life-and i have worked for everything i have-nobody has given me anything
    my 1st step would be to put more regulatory controls on the money making ventures/corps-the last 8 yrs has seen the anti-trust laws which were put in place after earlier scandals of this very type in our history -- these laws were gutted by W Jr etal.
    I think the repubs from the billions unaccounted for in Iraq to the Tarp giveaways with no strings attached or the sky was gonna fall shouted Fed Man Paulson the former goldman/sachs Ceo hollered was a pretty slick modern train robbery at the last minute for the buds.
    Now the dems are at Bat

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/04/09  at  12:19 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 123. · Water - you usually have such well thought out threads that are totally absent of the typical mainstream branding. However, your last string was just too full of the usual Kool-Aid to actually attach your name to it. Did you leave your computer on unattended?

    The last eight years we have had a mess, no argument there. The budget has been out of control. Two wars will do that. One 9/11 on top of that will not help. A hurricane named Katrina will add to that. Assisting to the natural disaster of a tsunami to the tune of more than all other countries added together will not help either. Providing more aid to Africa for AIDS than any President EVER in HISTORY will again, only add to our bottom line. Appeasing the Democrats with NCLB to try and fix public education, because they would not go along with your voucher program as you proposed and promised during your original campaign, so you gave in to Ted the "I put my money in out of Country Tax Free Trust Funds" Kennedy, will surely put you over the top. And having a Democrat Congress will put the icing on the cake.

    Tarp one was approved by the democrat Congress and Barney Frank running it through faster than his sorry ass has ever run in his sissy life. Being responsible for both Fannie and Freddie and telling us, Wall Street and anyone down in Provincetown that would listen to him that they were stable and good to go when in fact they were both hemorrhaging like one of Jack the Ripper's victims is next to criminal. Barney Frank should have been held in contempt for lying to his own Committee and giving false information that has ultimately cost the tax payers billions. That man is a buffoon.

    The Congress approved the Tarp without asking The Treasury what they were going to do, how they were going to do it and when they would get the money back. In other words, they treated the first $350 BILLION like any other appropriations; here today, gone tomorrow. Only this time the American people were bullshit and they didn't (the Congress) want to be the ones with the bull’s eye on their balls.

    George W. may not have been the perfect President for some people, but he never did anything do disgrace that office or our Country. Our Congress came out of the last four years with a lower approval rating than the President - but whoever was using your computer and lots of others seem to want to blame President Bush for cloudy days and hemorrhoids.

    Hold on, your getting a call and I want to see who's calling... Never mind, it was a telemarketer. Back to the Goldman/Sacs saga. Our current Treas. Sec. was the New York Fed Res. Chair at the time and he had full responsibly for the deal to keep them alive or finding a new buyer. In fact in 2008, he worked with Paulson on many deals and worked to rescue Bear Sterns, bail out AIG and not save Lehman Brothers. The Treas. Sec. at the time, Paulson, can only do certain things as a government official in that position, but the Fed Res. Chairman of New York has a lot of room for leading discussions in and out of Wall Street. And in fact, as is evident from FACT he, our current Treas. Sec. had more of a role in current fortune 500 company status than our former Treas. Sec. What say you, Water?

    So yeah, the dems are at bat now and ever since Nov, the DOW has been reacting. It has not been doing well since before then, but it has certainly taken notice since.

    Hell, GW is out of office and still getting blamed for all the worlds’ problems.

    Forget all the good, let’s just focus on that phantom list of bad, which he did all by himself! Wow, what a powerful SOB he was!

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as boozacbe

    Comment by Rick Campbell  on  03/04/09  at  01:45 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 124. · Last I checked, Obama was president, not Bush. A fact completely lost on those infatuated with Barack. I could very easily go back and Monday morning quarterback every bad decision by a former Dem president but does that really help the current situation? And believe me, the Clinton administration had an awful lot to do with where we are today...probably more than any other.

    I agree with you whole-heartedly about career politicians on both sides playing the good ol' boy (and girl) card when it comes to pork. Why is it that the biggest offenders are the ones re-elected by the greatest margins? Only two possible reasons: the American people want pork-barrel spending or the American people are too stupid to do anything about it.

    As for secret wire taps and the infiltration of "harmless" oganizations, the fed has neither the personnel nor the funding to conduct surveillence operations just for fun. As a former insider, I have mentioned before that no one from the government is scanning phone conversations on the off chance that they'll hear someone in Charles County cheating on their spouse. Clandestined operations don't automatically equate to evil-doings. The ACLU mentality of fighting every attempt by the government to gain intelligence is absurd. Are you one of those folks that honestly believe that since 9/11 we've just been "lucky" to have avoided any further terrorist incidents?

    Nobody's taking away my guns either...I'm with ya there!

    The "TARP giveaways" were a Democrat initiative. The Republicans (all but three) voted against it, mostly because it was/is full of stupid pork and funding for projects that will have zero effect on the current economic situation. Also, there are just as many experts who believe that doing nothing would have been just as good or better than a big bailout. I never heard one single complaint about the Wall Street fat-cats when the economy was soaring. Their salaries and bonuses were wrong then and they're wrong now. Personally, I don't care what a company pays their executives until they start doing it with my money. The failure here was on the part of the government for giving money to businesses that practiced fiscal irresponsibility. Letting some of these businesses fail (like AIG or GM) would be painful to be sure but no more so than saddling our future generations with trillions of dollars of debt.

    I'm not saying that every Republican politician has done the right thing just because they are Republicans. What I am saying is that the principles of that party are important to me. If you are happy with Obama, WaterWorks, great. I'm not. Don't assume, however, that just because I don't care for Obama, that I automatically agree with every decision by every Republican.

    Yes, the Dems are "at bat". It's early in their half of the inning but so far they're striking out (at the very least they're hitting a lot of fouls).

    Comment by Birdman  on  03/04/09  at  01:47 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 125. · And I don't think Rush Limbaugh is the Republican Party spokes person, or whatever it is they are calling him. I have never listened to him. I can not tell you if he is good or not, I just think he is polarizing to the point of insulting.

    And right now, I am sure Water thinks the same of me...sorry about that. :(

    formerly known on the ‘Duck’ as boozacbe

    Comment by Rick Campbell  on  03/04/09  at  01:58 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 126. · #105 This whole gig may be beyond her control.. i dunno.. Ill give her the benefit of the doubt...

    It's not a matter of control; it's more about sticking up for those who had enough belief in you to elect you to represent them. IF Patterson was told to not even whisper WSG within hearing distance of another human being, she should come out and make a statement to that effect. A little honesty and caring go a long way. So far she's exhibited not much of either.

    Comment by seahorse  on  03/04/09  at  03:07 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 127. · I HEAR ya seahorse, but lets stay on target. -- my humble submission to the indy.. doubt it will get published.. im so verbose ! so ill blog it..

    Whats in a name?

    The current application irt Docket 1232 states that WSG Holding LLC, and or Washington Security Group Inc - wishes to
    put "a research center" in the Heart of Nanjemoy, that includes a Firing Range, and a Tactical Driving Course, and pre-attack counter proliferation training. A Research Center in name only, tho the applicant might perform some research, this is much more than a research center. Let us travel back in time to September 2006, Docket 1173 from a Global Tactical Solutions Inc. - that retained the Same Law Firm, the Same Survey Group, and the Same Environmental consultant for a Private Anti-Terrorism Training Camp on Liverpool point road. Docket 1173 was applying for plot of land owned by Poplar Branch LLC - that by coincidence, adjoins the land sought in the Current Docket 1232, owned by a Mr. A. Moran. Docket 1173 was withdrawn without comment on September 11, 2006. This could be a coincidence, but as a recovering analyst, im skeptical.

    Reviewing the GSA contract that WSG holds, there are claims that refer to an existing TRAINING facility, including a "private" airfield, now designated Washington Field. This is all in the public domain. The contract states that DTC (Dulles Training Center) is augmented by complementary facilities located 35 miles from Washington, D.C. which includes an outdoor private training facility known as Washington Field. WSG's Washington Field is an 80-acre facility operated exclusively by WSG and includes a FAA-approved private airport with a 2,400-foot runway (FAA Identifier 70MD).... It also serves as a staging area for exercises for participants to prosecute targets throughout Washington, DC; Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia...

    The Company website refers to it, as follows. "WSG is pleased to announce that it has acquired a private airport (FAA LOC ID: 70MD) located less than 30 miles from the Pentagon. It is the only airport in the Greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area that is exclusively controlled and operated by a defense contracting corporation (this sounds commercial to me) for the sole purpose of supporting government operations and national security.

    It appears the applicant is being disingenuous with its representation as a research center.

    How can the county possibly monitor compliance if this application is approved? The county has not even enforced process compliance until today, in that the ON SITE Public Notice sign was removed Feb. 25th, and JUST replaced today, March 4th... while the Board has not rendered a decision, and this case is still OPEN, this is in violation of standing county rules for the special exception process. Glad to see it back, but how can they explain taking it down for 7 days?

    The county's own planning staff report states that this "Will not be detrimental to the use, peaceful enjoyment, economic value or development of surrounding properties or the general neighborhood." I respectfully beg to differ.

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/04/09  at  05:05 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 128. · doubt it will get published.

    Good LTE, 'net. I don't see any reason for it not to get published. There's been letters longer than your's in the Indie, and your's has substance.

    Comment by seahorse  on  03/04/09  at  09:23 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 129. ·
    15. · now dont critize the icon of america.

    and beefy- not an attack a response to your post in a joke- sorry if its a sensitive subject.


    No, Mrs Talcott(BJGoodwin), it is not a sensitive subject to me at all. I just wonder where you get your information about screen names from. Perhaps you should stop talking to your son(Quack) in the future.

    Comment by Beefcake  on  03/04/09  at  10:01 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 130. · 15. · now dont critize the icon of america.

    and beefy- not an attack a response to your post in a joke- sorry if its a sensitive subject.



    No, Mrs Talcott(BJGoodwin), it is not a sensitive subject to me at all. I just wonder where you get your information about screen names from. Perhaps you should stop talking to your son(Quack) in the future.

    Comment by Beefcake  on  03/04/09  at  10:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 131. · 120 &121; Bird an Booz [see what word association does-reminded me of taking a snort of apple jack brandy on cold goose hunting days of old and watching a loyal black lab sit courageously cold waiting for the next retrieval , a pat on the head and a buscuit..]
    -i enjoy your comments-hell if we all thought exactly the same -there would be no point to disscourse. As I stated I am an independent voter-not that it helps much-but it is my small protest to blindly supporting one party or the other as in my mind in the broad picture they both spend money in this day and age too immediately and recklessly-most often favoring their favorite brands of special interest on either side of the aisle
    I guess I do not see great differences in either partys mechanics. So when one has bungled it terribly and one has to admit Bush's policies which helped gut antitrust laws which provided regulatory conglameration limits- the stripping of these laws furthered these giant corps and conglamerations that are now the major problem as they have been deemed to big to fail-so now we continue throwing monies into this vast canyon with no real knowledge of where it will eventually lead to.
    even Bush decided to put his signature on the TARP-as he too decided as the decider that standing still was not an option . He made no protests about inking his name to the deal
    Now Obama not my hero, hardly, as an independentwhen one fails and that party has nothing to offer but the same failing strategy-i dont double down -Lets put in a new relief pitcher because this one is getting hit out of the park
    After a couple of years I will begin to make my assessments of Obama-It is only the first round of a 12 round bout-we will see about him-many a good fighter does not really make the right adjustments to his strategy until the middle rounds-just as Marquez took several rounds todispatch of a young bull Diaz in a recent boxing contest-where he was getting pretty well smacked around early-time is the great indicator-we will see.
    Booz we agree-on something in your sarcasm about ther powerful SOb W was..it was not so much him as the people around him-W himself had trouble memorizingand delivering twolines coherently at times.."Fool me once shame on you
    Fool me twice-[puzzled look on face]-well you better not fool me again!! thanks to David Letterman
    I hope we pull out of this tailspin -personally, i think letting it hit bottom would have been my first personal choice. But, when I factoredin compassion for all the people and children who would suffer and become homeless in a country that can spend billions abroad nation building-i too grudgingly agreed to the same deal that W Jr. inked-for i am an american and we are a nation of many .
    But to WSG and their less than transparent goings on-Nanjemoy net,and most all posts tell it like the community sees it logically. I cant add anything. Except that "you can hear a pine needle drop in the forest on a windy day -easier-than you can find edith Patterson's voice for the people on any substantial matter facing her constituency"!

    Comment by WaterWorks  on  03/05/09  at  09:26 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 132. · holy poop... the thread re arrises..

    we are truly rabble rousers..

    thank you duck !!!

    Comment by creekworks  on  03/05/09  at  09:34 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 133. · I have no respect for mark mudd. He displays a complete lack of integrity in his willingness to sell out his fellow countians for money. You can dress greed up in a suit but you can't disguise it. Put the warzone on the Mudd farm outside LaPlata. WSG will be close to the hotels, big box stores and chain eateries. 100% containment and no objections.

    Comment by tuebor  on  03/15/09  at  01:12 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 134. · I learned in a recent conversation with some friends that the request for special exception was supported by MANY letters from members of the Waldorf Sportsmens' Club...
    I also heard that the club may be relocating their range to Nanjemoy...
    Again and for the record, I'm far from anti-gun or anti-hunter. Just thought I would share what was said to me. WSG has really done their homework this time around and I am afraid we have been beaten.

    Comment by communityorganizer  on  05/12/09  at  08:33 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 135. · Oh, ye of little faith! We have not yet begun to fight!

    Don't forget that Margaret Meade quote about a few determined people being the only thing that ever changes the world.

    If we can band together and stand together, we can beat this thing.

    Comment by Airwolf  on  05/14/09  at  06:18 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 136. · MANY letters from members of the Waldorf Sportsmens' Club...

    CommunityOrganizer, I would think there were many more emails and letters NOT to approve zoning for WSG than those submitted from a sports club. But wait, throwing out emails would lessen the number of correspondents against the zoning so the BOA could "in all good faith" spout the fantastic number of citizens FOR the zoning. Were ALL those members of that sports club Charles County residents? Were their addresses verified?

    I'm with Airwolf...it ain't over 'til it's over grin

    Comment by seahorse  on  05/14/09  at  09:13 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
  • 137. · FLASH FLASH FLASH

    DOES any know is Docket 1232 has been signed yet?!

    Its still not listed on the BOA agenda items, and the BOA minutes that are supposed to be posted to the website.. are months.. old.

    We need confirmation if this was signed in secret.

    Comment by creekworks  on  05/15/09  at  10:11 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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