A Chestertown neighborhood group, The Chesmar Community Association, has filed an appeal with the Kent County Planning and Zoning Board, challenging the zoning status of the American Legion property on American Legion Road.
This challenge could prevent the final purchase of the property by the widely supported Minary’s Dream Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to “meeting the many needs of youth and families in Kent County, MINARY’S DREAM ALLIANCE exists to provide opportunities for mentoring, tutoring, vocational training, and college readiness. MDA offers families and youth a safe, welcoming environment where they feel comfortable, not intimidated, and accepted for who they are.”
During the pandemic, the property was one of the main facilitators of the county-wide food outreach program and has recently been a staging area for a Washington College Starr Center educational program.
See the current article in the Spy on the project.
Kent County Planning and Zoning hearing will be held on Monday, July 19, 7 p.m. at 400 High
Street. It is open to the public.
Mary Margaret Revell Goodwin says
This makes me so very sad. Minary’s Dream is a magnificent project, and one of the best possible uses for the property. That local adjacent homeowners cannot welcome young people into their midst without causing so much heartache for the possibility of a dream lost is part of the tribalism that has infected our whole country. Why not try to hear from these young people? Why not try to meet with them, and even more wonderful, learn of their potential and what you also might gain from their being in your midst? What are you afraid of? Please give serious thought to this problem you are creating!
Paula Reeder says
None of the complainants ever had any issue with the American Legion property operating as a club for Legion Members, their families and guests ( read “White”) for decades and decades Further, many of them – including Mr. Voshell aren’t full time permanent residents of Chesmar or Kent County and, consequently, don’t have standing on this matter.
Application of arbitrary, inconsistent, new standards for continuing approval of non-conforming use zoning for this property is merely a cover for discriminatory, racist treatment of Minary’s Dream Alliance as the prospective owner of this property. Shame on Mr. Voshell and the Chesmar Community Association for attempting to prevent their purchase of the property.
Grenville B. Whitman says
Minary’s Dream in the old American Legion hall would be a big plus for the Kent County community!
Mr and Mrs. McNabb says
Agreeing with the previous posters. Minary’s Dream Alliance is a wonderful organization, with a lot of community support, and should be allowed to operate at the American Legion site!