MAYOR AND COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING – ANNEXATION RESOLUTION 1
JULY 5, 2016
Mayor Cerino called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance at the hearing were Council Members Liz Gross, Linda C. Kuiper, Samuel T. Shoge and Mauritz Stetson, W. S. Ingersoll (Town Manager), Jennifer Mulligan (Town Clerk) and guests.
Mayor Cerino read the public notice, which was published in the Kent County News on May 19, 2016 and May 26, 2016 into the record as follows:
“The Mayor and Council of Chestertown will hold a public hearing on the annexation proposal known as the 2016 Chestertown Annexation No. 1 on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room at Town Hall, 118 N. Cross Street. The annexation area contains 79.67 acres of vacant land to the northeast of Chestertown. The property is generally bounded on the south by Scheeler Road; on the west by Haacke Drive extended, Washington Square Shopping Center, the lands of: Charles Sommers, Pizza Hut, and Chestertown Investments (the former Happy Harry’s and Walgreens), and MD Rt. 213; on the north by the lands of the Trinity Lutheran Church and Delmarva Power and Light; and on the east by the lands of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. When annexed the property will be added to the Fourth Ward of Chestertown. Information concerning Annexation No. 1 is available at the Town Hall. Citizens are encouraged to attend and comment or send written comments prior to the hearing.
By Authority of
Chris Cerino, Mayor”
Mr. Ingersoll stated that this annexation request was generated by the Town. The Town has presented at the Kent County Planning Commission and Kent County Commissioners, receiving positive assurances from both. He said that the zoning has been structured to be within the County regulations for density as it is annexed into Town.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that State annexation law required that formal invitation be sent to County, State or Regional planning agencies. If present those agencies would be allowed to comment first. There had been no response from them, nor was anyone in the audience to speak at this meeting from those agencies.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that Ms. Kate Gray was present representing KRM. She said if there were any questions regarding the property she was happy to answer them.
Mr. Ingersoll stated that the Chestertown Planning Commission has vetted the request for annexation and was in favor of it.
Mayor Cerino asked for questions or comments from the attendees at the hearing.
Mr. Russ Richardson, owner of the Village at Chestertown (which is located across the street from the annexed area) stated that he was an architect, professional engineer and planner and was highly in favor of the annexation proposal. He said that the Town should take control of its destiny by annexing some properties that were strategic to future growth.
Mr. Charlie Sommers was present and said that he was in agreement with the annexation request and said that he thought it was going to be a well-handled project.
There being no further questions, Mr. Stetson moved to close the public hearing at 7:07 p.m., was seconded by Ms. Kuiper and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Chris Cerino
Town Clerk Mayor