I'm hearing some very disturbing rumors regarding the Chaney rezoning request.  I've heard that this is a "done-deal" and was promised to Chaney, long ago. 

In an unusual move by an applicant, Frank Chaney wrote a letter to the Planning Commission, for inclusion into the Public Record.  That letter, in my opinion, contained several threats.  1.  If you don't allow this rezoning, I won't be very cooperative with the land I own and the county wants to extend Post Office Road to Acton Lane;  2.  If you don't allow this rezoning, Chaney Enterprises may leave Charles County; 3.  If you allow this rezoning, I'll feel generous and donate land to CSM and the Red Cross.  My opinion - this is blackmail.

Chaney already owns other property zoned industrial that would allow for a move into an area appropriate for his business.  The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.  None of these issues are legal reasons to allow rezoning.  In what can only be laughable reasons, the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning.  An increase in traffic was one - give me a break!  That logic means every piece of property in Charles County qualifies for rezoning!  In another rezoning request, recently, one of the reasons given by an applicant for rezoning was an increase in population in that area.  The request was not recommended because the planning commission stated that an increase in population doesn't result in a change in character of the area.  Doesn't an increase in population also equate to an increase in traffic?  It seems the planning commission feels they can wing it from one decision to the next with no rhyme or reason.

The county commissioners paid a consultant to work with the citizens' committee to create a revitalization plan that reflected the vision for Hughesville that was articulated through many county planning-sponsored community meetings.  Both the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners unanimously approved the plan.  Now, right out of the gate, I'm hearing that a rezoning WILL occur that will destroy any chances the plan has of succeeding.  This doesn't make sense.  I can only speculate, if this is true, that this is retribution because we didn't want the stadium in Hughesville.

To the county commissioners:  Prove this rumor to be inaccurate - deny the rezoning and give the Hughesville Revitalization Plan a chance!