In reference to the proposed rezoning request of 149+- acres known as the Jenkins Property, Public Hearing: Bill #2008-11 ZMA – Jenkins Property (Chaney), it is my opinion, the proposed rezoning will adversely influence living conditions and or property values at least within a 5 mile radius of the parcel; the proposed change will excessively increase traffic congestion or otherwise negatively affect public safety; the proposed change is speculative and does not have a valid and specific intent and purpose; there are substantial reasons why the property can be used in accordance with its existing zoning; there is convincing demonstration that all uses allowed under the current zoning would be appropriate in the neighborhood and that the character of the neighborhood will not be materially and adversely effected by denying the rezone.

However, the proposed rezoning will have a negative effect on the nature of the community, transitioning it from a residential support district; and inviting industrial operations in to what the County's Comprehensive Plan has previously seen fit to plan for the long range as residential support commercial.

The opinion of rezoning for mistake in original zoning and change in neighborhood character should be further backed by a demonstrated public need and documentation justifying the reason for rezoning. The examples should be clear and the evidence convincing. I agree with the Maryland Department of Planning and the general opinion the rezoned parcel would be unrelated and incompatible with adjacent parcels.

I don't think the case by Mr. Chaney has been made and I further believe if the rezone is approved, the decision by you will be capricious and arbitrary. "Change in neighborhood character" is not demonstrated by the introduction of a motorcycle dealership, as suggested by Mr. Chaney. That property was appropriately zoned and not an affront to the character of the neighborhood or the Hughesville Revitalization Plan that residents have come to rely on.

I am also concerned about unintended consequences. Considering Mr. Chaney's stated desires of subdividing and reselling parcels to fund "dreams" is commendable, but speculative at best. No one can control the Heavy Industrial market or any market for that matter or alter market forces. What if Mr. Chaney's stated desire and "dreams" aren't feasible? Short-sided decisions may cause unintended consequences of broad applications for specific solutions and will require the mitigation of environmental and social impact of the Heavy Industrial uses.

When considering and applying Maryland's four straightforward Smart Growth Goals in your decision making process the answer to Mr. Chaney is a reverberating No:

• Support existing communities by targeting resources to support development in areas where infrastructure exists.
• Save our most valuable natural resources before they are forever lost.
• Save taxpayers from the high cost of building infrastructure to serve development that has spread far from our traditional population centers.
• Provide Marylanders with a high quality of life, whether they choose to live in a rural community, suburb, small town, or city.

Applying the same four goals and considering the Heavy Industrial business cluster that already exists in the Billingsley Road Industrial corridor and your answer is clearly yes.

The rezoning is unsupported by any rational basis related to promotion of public health, safety, morals, or general welfare. Should the "dreams" of numerous residents to live in a peaceable community be pushed aside for gravel washing plants, aggregate plants, cement plants, machine repair shops, welding shops, bulk storage of petroleum and their byproducts, warehouses, operations involving manufacturing, processing, assembly, transportation and storage of heavy industrial materials and or equipment and the increased dust, pollutants and negative impact on traffic that they bring?

Furthermore, approval would single the parcel out for special or privileged treatment and may even be spot zoning. The approval would not be in the publics best interest and subjectively benefits Mr. Chaney. Additionally, the rezoning would carve an unrelated and incompatible island and would be inconsistent with the Hughesville Revitalization Plan, Charles County's Comprehensive Plan, the State's Smart Growth Initiative and sound planning principles.