In her letter (The Capital, Oct. 27), Janet Richardson-Pearson, the owner of Crystal Spring Farm and Mas Que Farm, disparages those opposed to the site’s proposed development by casting aspersions on opponents’ truthfulness.

The statements made by the opponents are sourced primarily from the voluminous public filings made by Richardson-Pearson and the developers.

Regarding forest loss and the resultant increase in impervious surfaces leading to more stormwater runoff: Their own filings with the city, dated July 25, show that 39.5 acres of priority forest would be cleared and only 14.65 acres would be replanted.

The developers pledged from the start to reforest 100 percent of the forest that would be cleared but have now broken that promise. More than 50 acres of land would be developed under these plans.

By law, minimum stormwater management requirements must be met. Their pledge to retain or treat 100 percent of the stormwater on the site and not increase pollutant loads is not reflected in their filings.

Her letter attempts to minimize traffic concerns by alluding only to the 383-unit senior facilities. Actually there is at least one plan for her retained property that would clear 12 more acres of priority forest to build as many as 144 non-age-restricted homes.

She states that 122 acres will be preserved. In reality, a conservation easement on the 75-acre equestrian center is required, but draft easement language would allow development of that acreage for any agricultural use, including buildings, parking lots — even a hog farm, if she chose.

Richard-Pearson leaves out that during the 2005 debate over annexation, she submitted a concept plan showing sketches, which still exist, of 3-to-5-acre farmettes preserving the equestrian nature of her properties, while allowing some commercial or retail development near Forest Drive.

QUE BRONSON, ANNAPOLIS

Link to Original Article