They can do it on Tues., June 5th.
Frederick, Md (KM). Citizens will have the chance to comment on Tuesday, June 5th on a resolution supporting the Monocacy Scenic River Management Plan. The Frederick County Council on Tuesday night (May 22nd) agreed on a 4-3 vote to hold the hearing.
The resolution drafted by Council Vice President MC Keegan-Ayer says the plan does not advocate local government “taking” private land for public use through eminent domain, and does not recommend rezoning of agricultural or resource conservation areas for public use. It says private property rights are not diminished and there will be no regulation of private lands near the Monocacy River. In addition, the plan does not support public access to private lands, nor will it promote the development of a public trail system along the Monocacy River.
Keegan-Ayer says this was drafted in response to comments about the plan addressed to the Council in February. Citizens who own land along the river felt this documents would trample on their private property rights.
Councilman Billy Shreve voted against the hearing. He said the Council should wait for the Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Board to finish revising the plan. He also said this plan is being pushed by the County Executive through the Council. “I think we should left the River Board do their job, and then let the public come in and comment.. Let that river board process go through the Planning Commission like it did before, and then come to us,” he said. “I don’t think top down from the County Executive from MC Keegan-Ayer is the way to do this.”
“I don’t even know whether to laugh at a comment like that, or to be insulted,” Keegan-Ayer responded. “I worked really hard on this. The County Executive has not had any input into this. This was my resolution I worked on with Ms. Kearney. I’m not even sure what world a comment like that would come.”
Ms. Kearney is Senior County Attorney Wendy Kearney.
Keegan-Ayer also had an exchange with Councilman Kirby Delauter, who also felt the Council should wait until the Citizens Advisory Board finishes its revisions to the plan.. “We’re interfering with their ability, I think, to do what they’re supposed to do,” Delauter said. “It’s the cart before the horse. Let ’em finish what they going to do, and then we can come back.”
“They did finish it in this plan right here,” Keegan-Ayer said.
“It is from the citizens that were appointed to the board to specifically to do this. Somewhere it was stated let’s hear from the people who were appointed to do this. Well, this is from the people who were appointed to do this,” said Councilwoman Jessica Fitzwater.
The resolution could be sent to the Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Board following the hearing. That board is expected to meet a few days later.
By Kevin McManus .