Battle Lines Drawn
Posted by Pauleen Brewer at 4/13/2008 12:18 PM 
Categories: New Businesses,Water and Sewer,Revitalization
Categories: New Businesses,Water and Sewer,Revitalization
Advocates Rally to Fight a Gravel Operation's Move Into Hughesville
Donna Cave says she feels as though her home town is under a constant barrage from opportunistic corporations.
"We've had to spend years fighting every little piece of rezoning to preserve our way of life," said Cave, 62, who has lived in Hughesville for 15 years and in Charles County for 40. "People think we're being picky, but if any one of these went through, it would be a domino effect." 
My response letter to the paper and Commissioner Graves:
I am writing to address comments made by Commissioner Sam Graves regarding Chaney's request to rezone 150 acres from agricultural to heavy industrial. I was a member of the Hughesville Revitalization Citizen Advisory Committee and am a lifelong Hughesville resident.
Commissioner Graves is quoted in this article as saying:
"I remember as a child, Hughesville was a bustling little business community, and I'd like to see that happen again," said Commissioner Samuel N. Graves Jr. (D-La Plata), whose district includes Hughesville. "At some point, somebody has to embrace someone coming in with the financial wherewithal to make that happen."
Then, Commissioner Graves, you also remember that what was responsible for the bustling community in Hughesville were all the "mom and pop" businesses - Not heavy industrial businesses. Yes, we will embrace someone coming in with the financial wherewithal to make that happen. Someone with the right project that fits the vision of the Hughesville Revitalization Plan, not someone who merely has the money. Just as a business interviews many to find the right employee who will fit in with the vision of a company, we will consider many projects for Hughesville, but, will only embrace those that will enhance the vision of the Village Plan.
In addition, this project is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, or the county's transportation plan. Rezoning of this property would require widening Rt. 231 to five lanes with a stop light at the entrance to Chaney's property. This would cause a backup on the Bypass exit ramp for Rt. 231/Prince Frederick Road. This stretch of road cannot endure the additional truck traffic. Rt. 231/Prince Frederick Road is the hightest traveled, two lane road in the region, approximating 17,000 cars a day. The entrance to the property is a gateway to the Village and the property is next to a residential neighborhood. A Rural Village is not where this project belongs, period. Chaney has property on Billingsley Road near the landfill. That is where his gravel washing site belongs.
In addition, if Chaney wants to fulfill his dream of donating land to the American Red Cross and CSM at this site, the current zoning allows for the construction of those facilities. We would be happy to have them both in Hughesville. I would hope if Chaney is denied the rezoning, he won't just take his ball and go home. If he is sincere about making that happen, it is within his power right now and not dependent on rezoning.
And lastly, Commissioner Graves is quoted as saying:
He said Hughesville residents seem divided on the Chaney proposal, and that he receives comments from supporters and opponents.
Based on everyone in Hughesville I've talked to about this, I would guess the division to be 1% for the rezoning and 99% opposed. So, if that's called being divided then, yes we are divided.
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