Public Hearings - Agricultural Land Preservation Districts

A public hearing was held today at 6:19 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the voluntary creation of Agricultural Land Preservation Districts for the following:

Albert A. Bennetta, River Road (Map 30, Parcels 10 and 11), 183.44 acres

Kent Land and Cattle, LLC., (David Leager) Galena Road (Map 15, Parcel 9), 247.52 acres

KELN Holdings, LLC (Kristin Nickerson) Browntown Road (Map 22, Parcel 19) 171 Acres

Lewis McDonald, Bryan McDonald, and Christopher McDonald, Chesterville Road (Map 23, Parcel 1) 220.761 acres

Lewis McDonald, Bryan McDonald, and Christopher McDonald, Kennedyville Road (Map 13, Parcel 88) 309.49 acres

Lewis and Kelly McDonald, Bloomfield Road (Map 13, Parcel 73) 228.68 acres

County Commissioners, Ronald H. Fithian, William W. Pickrum and William A. Short were in attendance as well as Ernest Crofoot, County Administrator and County Attorney, and applicant Lewis McDonald.

Notice of the public hearing was read into the record by Commissioner Fithian.

Mr. McDonald corrected an error on the public notice, sharing that Map 13, Parcel 88 should be 309.49 acres and is located on Kennedyville Road.

Elizabeth H. Morris, Chairman, Planning Commission provided a letter advising that the Commission had reviewed the six applications from landowners who wish to establish agricultural land preservation districts on their farms. The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the districts, finding that the applications are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and meet the criteria for the creation of an agricultural land preservation district.

Carla Gerber, Community Planner, Planning, Housing and Zoning reviewed the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) guidelines and stated all the properties submitted exceed the criteria. Commissioner Fithian thanked the participants for their dedication to the farming community.

Commissioner Fithian asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on the applications. No one else from the audience wished to comment. On motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Pickrum, the Commissioners unanimously approved the six applications as corrected. Commissioner Fithian signed the agreements.

The hearing was taped for reference and on a motion by Commissioner Short and seconded by Commissioner Pickrum, the Commissioners unanimously agreed to adjourn the public hearing at 6:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston, Clerk

Approved:
William W. Pickrum, Member
The County Commissioners
of Kent County, Maryland