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The headline about the development of Crystal Spring (aka the Village at Providence Point) incorrectly summarized the serious shortcomings of the latest plans (The Capital, July 26). City planners did not direct “more trees” as the headline asserts.
Rather, the developers were directed to destroy less forest that the 30 acres planned. And, the city directed them to replant 100% of the forest they destroyed. Annapolis City Planners sent back the developer’s plans with 50 needed changes or revisions.
The developer’s CEO comments would have you believe that they failed to comply with city law requiring such 100% reforestation because it was a new law, but that law was enacted well before the Jan. 22 filings and they were fully aware of the required 100% replanting.
They chose instead to insult opponents who insisted on the 100% reforestation by submitting a plan to replant ZERO! This was much below previous filings before the new law passed.
Further, they failed to meet legal requirements for controlling the vast amount of new polluting stormwater runoff from developing 35 acres with impervious surfaces replacing forest and fields. They also were well-aware of these requirements.
The five, single-spaced pages of 50 shortcoming pointed out by City planners detail other major shortcomings even requiring moving or eliminating residential buildings for the 351 new homes planned.
How could this be when the developers knew of the legal requirements dictated by the City and previously rejected plans have gone through four other iterations?
The developer’s pledges mean nothing as they fail to meet basic minimum legal requirements for environmental protection. These are not minor disputes.
PETER F. HOLDEN, ANNAPOLIS