FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Ted Kinkel, Community Affairs
Olde Severna Park Improvement Association (OSPIA)
P.O. Box 345, Severna Park, Maryland 21146
410-279-4517
CITIZENS RALLY TO ASK FOR GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S HELP TO STOP BRIDGE AND
PIER DEVELOPMENT OVER TIDAL PONDS AT SULLIVAN COVE
Severna Park, MD January 1, 2009 – Severna Park residents rally on the
beach of Sullivan Cove to show their opposition to three planned 600’ bridges
and piers over pristine State tidal ponds and marshes. Maryland and the EPA will not meet
their 2010 clean water goals and the health of the Severn River continues to
deteriorate. Yet, the Maryland
Department of the Environment is in the process of reviewing bridge and pier
applications over tidal ponds and bogs untouched by development and
pollution. With our knowledge of
the state of health of the Chesapeake Bay, it seems inconceivable that the
Department of the Environment would even consider these applications for up to
three 600’ bridges and piers over navigable water.
Delegate Maggie McIntosh, Chair of the Environmental Affairs
Committee, has written a letter on behalf of the Olde Severna Improvement
Association (OSPIA) and its community members inviting State of Maryland
officials to personally come to Sullivan Cove to see for themselves the tidal
ponds and wetlands. The board of OSPIA has also invited officials to tour
these sensitive wetlands to learn firsthand what is at stake before they
make a decision to grant construction permits. So far, none of these officials
have acknowledged these requests. The officials who have been invited to visit
Sullivan Cove include:
Governor Martin O’Malley
Margaret McHale, Chair, Critical Area Commission
Secretary Shari Wilson, Maryland Department of the
Environment
Secretary John R. Griffin, Maryland Department of
Natural Resources
On New Years Day, community members gathered on the beach to walk to the
ponds and rally interested citizens to write to their elected and appointed
officials that may be involved in any decision to grant building permits.
The enclosed DVD (23 minutes) shows the rally and short testimonials
from many concerned citizens. It
also includes still images of the pond and marsh. We encourage you to look at this DVD that will be
distributed to over 50 members of the State and Anne Arundel County Government. Citizens are directly addressing Governor O’Malley to
get personally involved in this important decision.
ABOUT OLDE SEVERNA PARK IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION: Originally founded as “The Severna Park Improvement Association, Incorporated”, August 13th, 1918. Purpose: “The Corporation is organized exclusively for pleasure, recreation and similar non-profit purposes to promote the general welfare of the residents of Olde Severna Park, Anne Arundel County, and to regulate and maintain the parks, beach, walks and landings; to own real estate for the benefit of residents; and to concern itself in any other matters affecting the well being of the aforesaid community.”
