[CGC] Letter from the CRC to the County Commissioners

[Administrator]

December 19, 2006


Queen Anne's County Commissioners
107 N. Liberty Street
Centreville, MD 21617

Dear Commissioners:

Corsica River Conservancy urges the Queen Anne's County Commissioners to 
purchase the property locally known as the Centreville Wharf Property and 
administer it under the guidance of the Parks and Recreation Department as a 
county park.

For many years the proper use of this property has been debated. Several 
years ago a major apartment complex was proposed for the property. 
Resistance from local citizens resulted in this proposal not moving forward. 
Currently there is another proposal for the property that has obtained Town 
of Centreville Planning Commission approval, with contingencies. The current 
proposal is not consistent with the Centreville Community Plan and is being 
resisted by a number of citizens as being an inappropriate use of the 
property.

The current developer is now offering the property for sale. There are two 
parcels involved.  One parcel is being offered as two residential lots on 
the east side of Watson Road. The other parcel is on the west side of Watson 
Road and adjoins the existing Queen Anne's County owned Centreville Public 
Boat Landing.

The Town of Centreville has had several opportunities to purchase these 
properties or to have them used for appropriate waterfront activities. In 
each case the Town has failed to move forward with positive action. We 
believe that the time is right for Queen Anne's County to purchase these 
properties for use by county residents.

The parcel adjacent to the public landing is the highest priority and could 
be used to great benefit in conjunction with the landing. The other parcel 
should also be considered. The second parcel is very low lying and not 
suitable for residential dwellings, however it could be a very adequate 
overflow parking space for the public landing. The Centreville Community 
Plan recommends a small outdoor amphitheater or bandstand which is a good 
option. There is also a great opportunity to create and/or improve wetlands 
on that parcel.

Corsica River Conservancy encourages the county purchase of these lots and 
offers our support in making them a desirable addition to the county parks 
system. This is one of the last waterfront areas in the Centreville area 
that has potential for public use by county residents.


Sincerely,

Myron F. Richardson
Vice-President, Corsica River Conservancy