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Letters: Annapolis should require Eastport development to treat all its runoff; Emergency operations and the day off for state workers

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Stormwater standards

The Eastport community has had numerous discussions with the developers of the Lofts at Eastport Landing, a proposed development at Eastport Shopping Center. Discussions have included talks concerning management of stormwater runoff.

The developers have expressed the ability to treat 100 percent of the first inch of rain that falls onto the site if the city requires it. Despite this expression of willingness, the city has not made it a requirement, although it has the discretion to do so.

The result of the city’s unwillingness to assert their discretion to require 100 percent treatment of runoff into Back Creek is that the community will need to raise funds to pay for a stream remediation project at the headwaters of Back Creek, known as Jones Cove, to mitigate the sizable stormwater runoff that will result from this development. The costs will fall to the taxpayers rather than to the developers.

Public Works can require the developers to find a solution to manage 100 percent of the runoff but despite its ability to do so has chosen not to. Why doesn’t the city step up and take the burden away from the community and put it on the project which will generate this runoff?

New developments and redevelopments must take responsibility for impacts to the neighborhood.

Mayor Gavin Buckley, please have your departments use their discretion to protect our community. While it is nice that Solstice Partners have agreed to treat more than the State required the minimum of 50 percent for this project, we have the ability to make the developers treat 100 percent.

We expect nothing less and are disappointed at our lack of leadership on this project.

JUDY BILLAGE

Annapolis

Emergency operations

This past year, I’ve come to respect all of our department heads and even more the ones I’ve always held in high regard such as Public Works Director David Jarrell and his quiet and steady management of his loyal groundcrew.

Perhaps it happens to my colleagues that we develop an elevated regard for one in particular. Mine is the Office of Emergency Management, which, due to natural and human caused emergencies such as mass shootings, opioid epidemic, hurricanes, extreme weather and sea level rise, are tasked with enormous responsibility.

But with Director Kevin Simmons’ steadfast leadership and his team, I want the citizens to know, what I’ve always known, we are held in the best hands to confront these challenges.

ELLY TIERNEY

Annapolis

Hogan and Bush

I have the utmost respect for President George H.W. Bush. What purpose did it serve for Gov. Larry Hogan to close state agencies on Wednesday?

Were all of the employees attending the president’s service? The cost of shutting down the government, disrupting the plans of many, canceling appointments and court appearance Marylanders had scheduled and paying state employees to shop for a day doesn’t equate to me with honoring this man.

Our tax dollars paid for a day off for many. The rest of us went to work. Some state employees worked Wednesday and were paid double time. These are our tax dollars being spent.

We depend on our governor to be a good businessman. In this case, he was not.

PATTI DUNCAN

Grasonville

Atheist morality

I suspect Kenneth Hoffman’s letter will inspire many of the Christian faith to respond in a variety of ways (The Capital, Dec. 5). I would feel sad that he has no hope for anything beyond these few short years on earth.

However, I will assume he does not want my sympathy so I prefer to ask for more scientific clarity to his comments.

First, Mr. Hoffman, the morality you claim is more prevalent in atheists, where is exactly does that morality come from?

And second, when you give thanks while celebrating Thanksgiving, who/what are you giving thanks to?

MICHAEL HALL

Arnold