Talbot Preservation Alliance

Proposed New Easton Zoning Ordinance   (Archives - 2006)

Because of our commitment to the future of Easton and Talbot County, we are very concerned about proposed updates to the Town zoning ordinance that could result in unprecedented growth in population and traffic—and adversely affect all of us who live in the County.

There are several alarming changes:  

• Traditional Neighborhood Design (TN) zoning that allows up to 8 dwelling units per acre.  Traditional neighborhoods mirror the older parts of Easton , with small lots and alleys, and can be desirable because they focus dense development in towns, leaving the countryside agricultural.  However, Easton has 1,000 undeveloped acres within town limits, which at 8 units per acre could yield 8000 new homes, or at an average of 2.3 people per household additional population of 18,000!  If 35% open space were retained from the current ordinance (vs. no requirement for the proposed TN zone), the population could still increase by 12,000—or double the current figure.
• Commercial Residential (CR) zone density that allows 30 dwelling units per acre.  This is the density of the Shireton Apartments.  Perhaps another Shireton or two would benefit Easton —but how many are possible in the CR zone?  Again, the issue is one of potential growth beyond what is reasonable for the Town and its roads and other infrastructure.
• Of particular concern—the removal of the Town Council from the process of approving proposed TN developments.  Only unelected officials would have the final say on projects that could involve hundreds, if not thousands of new homes.  Without meaningful citizen input, large projects could move ahead with no holds barred as long as vague guidelines are met. 

If we continue to grow at almost a 6% rate (which has been the case since 2001 and is permitted under current zoning allowing less density), we will double our population in ten years!

In addition, the 20-year life planned for the new $35M sewage plant currently under construction will be used up in seven years at this growth rate.  Higher taxes and water and sewer rates will soon be on the horizon.  It has been shown that residential growth does not pay for itself, but rather costs more in services required. For every tax dollar taken in, the average cost to the government is $1.17!

The proposed new TN zoning seems a Trojan Horse calculated to grease the skids for developers. We urge you to contact the Easton Town Council to express your concern as well.  If the Council hears from significant numbers, they will more likely insist on remaining part of the process, and not allow the unrestrained growth possible under the proposed ordinance.  And the goal of traditional neighborhood development can still be accomplished under the existing PUD ordinance by simply adding design standards, and leaving the Town Council as the final arbiter. 

There is a workshop on Monday July 11 at 6:30pm in the Town Hall.  Please try to attend, and also please e-mail the Council c/o Robert Karge at robert@town-eastonmd.com, or send a letter to 14 S. Harrison Street .  A copy of your letter to the Star Democrat doubles its effectiveness.  That address is stardem@cpc.chespub.com.  (In the subject line of your e-mail write “letter to the editor” and be sure to include your name, phone number and address at the end.)