Dear Editor:

As reported in the MD Independent, at the Commissioners meeting last week (October 22,) Commissioner Sam Graves moved to delay the decision on the rezoning of 150 acres of land in Hughesville for another 90 days. I understand there was little discussion, and that the vote was unanimous to delay.

The rezoning is being requested by Chaney Enterprises. According to the article, Chaney has promised to donate land and buildings to the Red Cross and the College of Southern Maryland; however what they actually said is that they would donate the land.

Question 1: Can someone tell me honestly that there was no interaction between the commissioners prior to Graves’ motion to delay the vote as evidenced by how little discussion took place? Perhaps the legal department imparted this information to them on an individual basis.

Question 2: What does donating land to the Red Cross or the College of Southern Maryland have to do with proving a "change in the character of the neighborhood" or a "mistake in the original zoning."

Question 3: How come Grave’s motion came in under "New Business" when obviously it is not new business? Can the rules be changed willy-nilly to fit the occasion? Or is it because if it had come in under old business it would have had to be listed on the agenda for October 22 which it was not?

Question 4:  Why didn't Commissioner Graves ask for a delay at the July 29th work session if there was too much information to absorb?  It would seem to me that would have been the time to ask for the delay - not three months later. 

Question 5: Three months later Commissioner Graves is asking for the county's attorney and planning staff to provide more information about the proposals' impacts on setbacks, buffering, permissible uses, safety, traffic and natural features. What do these have to do with proving a "change in the character of the neighborhood" or a "mistake in the original zoning?"  This is information which is usually associated with projects after the parcels have been rezoned.

Question 6: I do not know for sure but it seems to me that for the county to allow the rezoning of a property and then having the owner sell off parcels for a profit is not an ethical practice. Is there anything in the Code of Charles County which addresses this situation?

I have written this letter to the editor so maybe someone will read it and answer my questions. Otherwise, I have no idea who to ask.....at least anyone who will answer me back.

Donna Cave