Chestertown Town Council on August 2 started with a presentation by Chris Cerino, Chairman of the Chestertown Planning Commission, on the Water Resource Element and Municipal Growth Element. Cerino’s presentation revolved around how much water Chestertown has, how much it needs for the future, and the fine balance between the town’s growth and water capacity. Cerino offered several water-saving techniques such as native landscaping, rain barrels, and less grass-cutting.
Nancy McGuire, President of the Downtown Chestertown Association, noted there is a similar balance of keeping downtown alive in relation to the number of people, what she described as a “very sensitive equation.”
Mayor Margo Bailey emphasized that there is room for growth in Chestertown, and placed priority on using resources for in-town land space before annexing land elsewhere. “We can accommodate another 1,000 people, and we know we have enough water and sewer capacity for in-fill [in town] growth,” said Bailey.
Bailey also announced Suzanne Street as her Volunteer for the Month of August. Street is a relatively new but very eager resident, who volunteers for Homeports and now runs the Arts Market in Fountain Park on Saturdays.
Gary Skulnik represented Clean Currents, a company that offers wind power to residents in exchange for the local power provider. Skulnik, the company’s co-founder and president, explained that Clean Currents buys wind power from natural resources and puts it on the grid, and Chestertown residents would still pay through Delmarva. Clean Currents offers a fixed rate for electricity, and works with both residential and commercial locations.
Bailey testified that Clean Currents is a reputable company, and noted that the sign-up process is very easy.
The Council discussed the need for a crossing across Route 213 at Kent Street, an idea that was suggested about eight months ago, said Bailey. Students from both Garnett Elementary and the middle school cross at that location. The new district engineer for State Highway is coming on the 16th of August to discuss this idea.
The Council also discussed the issue of residents shoveling sidewalks during snowstorms, a problem they encountered in great depth this past February. The Council agreed that clear sidewalks is necessary for busy roads like Washington Avenue. Residents are required to shovel their own sidewalks, but the town is currently without means to compel compliance. Council proposed an ordinance addition that would add a penalty if residents don’t shovel their own sidewalks; the town would do it, and charge them. If a resident doesn’t pay the bill, it would go on their taxes.
MD Eastern Shore says
I’ll shovel sidewalk in front of my house ONLY AFTER the town promises to stop plowing my driveway shut every time I clear it. Or I’ll send them a bill. Seems fair enough.