Angie Brant
The Cumberland Times-News Thu Apr 07, 2011, 11:25 PM EDT
Wednesday. If the county commissioners approve the changes, steps must be taken to create an ordinance that would conform to the new language. Before an ordinance can be adopted, the county will be required to hold a series of meetings to gather public input.
During the public comment period, Planning Commission members listened to and read impassioned pleas from residents who are concerned that their property rights will be in jeopardy if these change are made. Several residents, including Steven Friend, believe this language will prevent property owners from choosing to develop their own property and is a veiled attempt to stop the future construction of wind turbines in Garrett County. Many of those individuals attended Wednesday’s meeting and questioned how the commission could consider moving forward after receiving so many letters from property owners opposed to the changes.
“What was the percentage of comment for and against the proposals? I heard it was 71 percent against and just 29 percent for the changes,” Friend said. “You are basically saying that you will not allow another windmill to be built.”
Troy Ellington, Planning Commission chairman, disagreed and said that there were many letters in favor of the changes written on behalf of large groups of people, such as the Garrett County Board of Realtors and Savage River Watershed Association.
“We had to take into consideration that there was an organized effort with form letters against the changes,” Ellington explained. “There were valid and legitimate arguments for both sides.”
Commission member Tony Doerr said it is not the intent of the Planning Commission to “judge your land or tell you what to do; this is a way to start a dialogue. This will not change or create laws. I have read every letter that came in and the Planning Commission is sensitive to everyone’s concerns. We are simply voting to get the language back in and begin the process to look at it all. The nuts and bolts will be decided later.”
Ellington agreed and said that the reinsertion of the language is just the first of many steps that must be taken before any real action is taken.
“We are opening the avenue for future consideration. This would not regulate wind turbines, per se, but it would allow for future changes,” he added.
Ridge lines that are currently designated as sensitive areas are Backbone Mountain, Meadow Mountain, Negro Mountain and Big Savage Mountain. Based on public input, the Planning Commission is also considering adding Four Mile Ridge and Elder Ridge to that list. Making this minor change would not require advertising or any public hearings.
The resolution to adopt the recommended changes to the comprehensive plan will be considered at the May 3 county commission meeting. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the courthouse.
Contact Angie Brant at abrant@times-news.com
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