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P.O. Box 142 — Sykesville, MD 21784 |
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The
Honorable Julia W. Gouge, Commissioner
The Honorable Dean Minnich, Commissioner
The Honorable Michael Zimmer, Commissioner
The Carroll County Office Building
225 North Center Street
Westminster MD 21157
RE:
2008 Freedom Area Citizens Council Priorities
Dear
Commissioners Gouge, Minnich and Zimmer:
I am writing on behalf of the Freedom Area Citizens Council (FACC)
to set forth our group's priorities for 2008. You may recall that
we provided a similar letter last year. FACC is thankful for some
of the accomplishments in Freedom over the last year that were
concerns of our residents. For example, working with FACC and
holding public meetings on the South Carroll Master Plan.
Permit me to reiterate some of the priorities from past years
that as of yet remain unfinished business:
Infrastructure Improvements. FACC recommends the creation
of a water board representing the interests of those on the public
water systems, namely the residents of the Freedom Area. The citizens
of Freedom need to know how water rates are decided. We want accountability
and transparency in this process.
Traffic. Increased development in the Freedom Area has
caused major traffic concerns. Most recently, our neighbors have
been concerned about increased traffic on Mineral Hill Road with
the construction of the new South Carroll Senior Center. In recent
years, residents of Carrolltowne have expressed concerns about
traffic on MacBeth Way, a proposed connector road, and Ridge Road,
home to the Security Development Corporation's plan for Kali Drive.
With new development on Londontown Boulevard, we strongly urge
the County to reconsider a connector road at Georgetown Boulevard
to alleviate the congestion surrounding Eldersburg Marketplace.
The County should educate communities and developers on their
options for traffic calming, and make resources available to speak
to these residents at community association meetings. FACC supports
safety improvement and funding for connector roads.
Economic Development. As stated for the past three years,
the Warfield complex should be the County's number one site for
the South Carroll area for jobs as well as industrial/office expansion.
It is possible that this site could grow with additional state
surplus (e.g. Martin Gross property). However, we have seen plans
for other commercial development throughout Freedom, decentralizing
the economic growth in the area. The County needs to refocus on
Warfield.
Representation. FACC would like to see greater representation
to the Freedom Area. FACC urges the creation of five commissioner
districts, as decided by voters. We support Map Option 2 for the
following reasons: The Freedom Area would have two commissioners,
consistent with FACC's request for more representation in our
area; and this Option was recommended by the Redistricting Committee.
In 2006, this issue died in the legislature. In 2007, it was completely
ignored. In 2008, it is being resurrected in the form of Map Option
1, the same proposal that was unsuccessful in the past. We urge
the Commissioners to keep this issue at the forefront, and resolve
it well before the next election.
In
addition, FACC would urge upon the County a few additional priorities
that have come to light over the last year, particularly with
respect to the planning conferences that the County has been so
kind to host, especially in relation to the master plan process:
Master Plan. In connection with the master planning process,
FACC would like to see the County adopt a set of principles or
guidelines for future development, particularly along main corridors
in Carroll County such as Routes 26 and 32. We would encourage
the County to utilize the Gateway Committee's recommendations
made a number of years ago during the tenure of the last Board
of Commissioners as a starting point. The County should also consider
development in line with current zoning districts and consider
new mixed-use zoning that would not jeopardize the already stressed
school system, road system, and water supply. As discussed with
the County Planners, FACC is also interested in seeing more green
development. With water being a limited resource, developers should
be encouraged to conserve.
Law Enforcement. Recently, there have been hearings and
information sessions on the creation of a County Police Force.
FACC cannot support the proposed ordinance for a County Police
Force with the limited information we have at this time. Freedom
is the largest unincorporated area in the County. We have no municipal
policy force to rely upon during a transition. Already, we have
too few law enforcement officers for the area. Having less would
jeopardize our safety. FACC has been happy with the support and
cooperation we received from the Sheriff's Department. FACC supports
expanding the Sheriff's Department in lieu of a County Policy
Force. Before we could support such a proposal, we would need
more information on how a County Police Force could benefit our
unique community. As we have indicated in our prior communications,
FACC hopes to facilitate further discussion between the community
and the Board.
Once
again, we hope that you will favorably consider these priorities
for the Freedom Area.
Regards,
Nicole Musgrave-Burdette
President
cc: Mr. Frank Johnson, Director, Government Relations
Mr. Steve Powell, Chief of Staff
Mr. Steve Horn, Director, Planning
Del. Susan Krebs
Sen. Allan Kittleman
The Carroll County Times
The Eldersburg Eagle
The Gazette
The Advocate
The Baltimore Examiner
FACC Board & Membership: 2007 Freedom Area Citizens Council
Priorities
