For about a year, the Ridgely Planning and Zoning Commission has been working on the proposed development of a shopping center on the land next to our community cemetery. One stormy meeting hashed out the details about the proper decorum needed at such a sensitive location where many of us have relatives buried. None of the people who live in town wanted a "big mac" being ordered over a drive through speaker while one of our loved ones was being buried. The packed room was able to come up with a site plan that satisfied town residents and those from out of town promoting the project. The Planning Commission approved this phase of the project and waited for a presentation of the actual building design plans.
From the beginning, the design has been promoted as one that would be in tune with Ridgely's traditional architecture. We were told of a building with a clock tower and shown a sketch of a building with dormers. What finally showed up was none of the above and not accepted by the Planning Commission.
Our Planning Commission has heard it all over the years as developers come here with a whole host of promises which somehow vanish when it's time to put up or shut up. Some of us consider this bait and switch, and, we are tired of being treated as a bunch of naive bumpkins. Now, of course, we are being accused of being hostile to economic development. Nonsense!
I'm very proud of the Planning Commission. Over the years it has stood as a bulwark against those who usually don't live here from ruining our town. How many half baked plans for demolishing homes (on the architectural gem that is Central Avenue) came before us? We just said no, and now look at Central Ave. Its homes have been lovingly restored by their new owners who are proud to live in a piece of American history. The saving of Central Avenue IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. There is no way that the folks who are set to begin construction on Ridgely Park with its traditional neighborhood design would have looked twice at a Ridgely missing its Central Avenue homes. Once our new neighbors arrive, they will become customers for the businesses that will be reopened in our empty storefronts. They will also provide customers to whatever is eventually built next to the cemetery. Ridgely is hardly over a barrel on the issue.
The shopping center proposal should have been a win/win situation for all involved. It's demise certainly isn't the fault of the Planning Commission. We are all residents of the town who will continue to do what we must to protect the quality of life in our town.
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2 comments:
This comment came in via email and I wanted to post it.
Margaret Said:
I have to concur with Toby's comments here. I got on the planning commission after I attended a meeting and witnessed how the planners stuck to their guns in refusing small tract houses in the field across from my house. I know expansion is inevitable, but I was pleased that there was determination to have quality growth, and a continuity with the lovely historic town that attracted me to Ridgely in the first place. As it happened, developers were refused until the Ridgely Park developers came along and offered what suited the town-an extension of the ‘walking town grid’ with sidewalks, friendly porches, little lakes and community gathering places-not to mention a contribution to our community rails-to-trails and other amenities. Their incentive for building the "traditional neighborhood" here came from what they saw happening in the careful renovations of the old homes, the ‘downtown’ concept, and their assurance that the town planners would continue to insist on maintaining the historic Ridgely style. They are trying to offer their homebuyers something that is rarely found anywhere anymore- the “small town” community with continuity and beauty.
In the successful growing towns, "smart growth" is the key, not just growth at any price for the short-term buck. We've all seen those hodge-podge sprawls, and we're not living there, are we? In the long run, the pay-off is much higher here with careful planning, because people are hungry for the lovely traditional "walking" town and will pay the price to be here- and ultimately invest in the community. Most move here precisely because they want community involvement. They're tired of impersonal city sprawls where they have no voice.
This also speaks to the issue of the manager living in Ridgely where he would more appreciate the significance of smart growth because he would benefit from it in his personal financial property investment. I believe his perspective toward growth would change by being a resident. And I would feel he is working with us, rather than for immediate business growth at any price. I’m sure he feels he is doing his job by encouraging business to look our way, but he is not being helpful if he does not make it clear to prospective businesses that they must provide plans that include our style requirements. In not doing this, he puts himself at odds with us and makes our dealings with the business applicants awkward –or impossible as in the case of Mr. Brody- when they come in with unsuitable designs, assuming that they will be approved.
Managers are temporary. The town in it's growth is permanent. We're left with whatever is planned and built when he leaves his job. So we'd better insist on what we want.
This is the beauty of a small town. It's not the hired guns who are running things with people having little voice, but concerned people who can have a voice, who feel their personal concerns are being addressed and who can trust that the growth of the town will enhance their property values. In my case, a casual visit to the planning and zoning meeting for personal reasons resulted in a time investment for the community as well, because I saw a lovely Ridgely future, given the planners' determination and resolve. But my small time investment is nothing compared to what we'll see in the future, when more people move in and become involved not only in community issues, but in the business community as well. And sure, we can have a chain like McDonald’s. And it can provide an historic front like we find in other towns that require a particular style. It can be a charming and welcome addition.
This really is a rare town. Try to easily find one with such a beautiful main street. And there is community pride here. It's obvious. When I drove through Ridgely for the first time, I was impressed with the spacious beautiful Central Avenue. When I drove through the side streets, I noticed the neighbors out talking, kids playing on the sidewalks, and men working on their homes. That counted a great deal to me in deciding on this place. It showed me that there was homeowner pride, and that it was a safe, neighborly place. I felt that this pride would require sensitive and tasteful growth.
And that's what is going to attract many more who will invest their time and resources here if we just keep to our standards.
So onward and upward!
Margaret Haven
Well said Margaret!
The members of the Planning and Zoning Commission came under attack last night at the regular town meeting because they wouldn't approve a building design for a developer and that developer walked away, according to the Town Manager, never to come back.
Sounds like a temper tantrum to me. All he has to do is revise the plans and resubmit. It happens all the time. It's not often that building plans get accepted on first go round, so this isn't unusual.
All of the members are volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the charm of Ridgely. I think they have been doing a god job and didn't deserve the bashing they received last night.
Of course there will be disagreement because of difference of opinions sometimes, but it seemed the Town Manager overly simplified the issue (losing 4 businesses because of 4 dormers).
To attack citizen volunteers because you disagree with them, especially being the Town Manager, at a public meeting was in my opinion, way out of line.
Seems some public officials in this town have a habit of publicly attacking the volunteers.
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