sorry the last reply had a typo

My Question is:

Is this the same Ken Robinson who testified last May before the Board of Public Works in FAVOR of developing in the flood plane?

I am the same Ken Robinson who testified before the Board of Public Works in favor of a LEED certified hotel.  I am happy to answer questions but I won’t be baited.

In addition, as Jennifer stated, I will give my own positions on education in Charles County.

What Riverrat said…it’s good to get this out in the open…

http://www.somdnews.com/stories/101007/indymor91118_32134.shtml

Ken Robinson, president of the Swan Point Property Owners Association, testified that the expansion of the community would benefit both Swan Point residents and visitors to the county.

‘‘It’s a green plan,” he said. ‘‘There’s going to be more than 55 percent open space in the community. It’s going to be very environmentally sensitive and great community ... We’re doing everything in accordance with government regulations. In most cases, we’re exceeding them.”

I have no questions.  Only a couple of points that you could expound on.  As I recall, US Steel held a long-standing zoning approval (from what, 1970 or so?) to develop Swan Point.  I’m assuming that, since they had the approval and it was already on the books, that you and other residents of Swan Point felt is was better to voice your concerns to the developer and have them work with the residents.  I’m, also, assuming that you would take a hard stand and follow the Comprehensive Plan when it comes to development (that’s not on the books) along the Port Tobacco/Potomac River.  I see many similarities between the Swan Point development and what Loiderman/Soltesz want to do along the PTR, but as Cheryl says it’s all about zoning!

I stand by my statement quoted in The Maryland Independent story.  You’re correct that Swan Point expansion plans date back a couple of decades.  Fortunately those plans were not acted on because it would have resulted in a dated not environmentally sensitive subdivisiion(s).  If and when the new plans are acted upon, it will result in a lot of oversight regarding the shoreline and the environment.  In fact the shoreline will finally be saved.  More than 100 feet have disappeared over the years due to erosion.

Communities and developers get a lot more accomplished when there is a true dialogue between the two.  A case in point is Hughesville Station.

Every case is different but yes, the waterfront should not be developed just because it is there.  Zoning laws that make sense must adhered to.

At least that is what I hope happens regarding the CCC.

Fortunately is some cases, not only does the county have to weigh in but the state of Maryland does too and that additional layer at least in principle should help protect natural resources.

Addendum:  The last two paragraphs got switched somehow.  Also, I am happy to respond to these question posed anonymously but strongly suggest that anyone with serious concerns and questions email me out in the open.

Thanks.

Ken

Ken Robinson - 28 January 2009 12:27 PM

Addendum:  The last two paragraphs got switched somehow.

Ken, there is an “edit” button that shows at the bottom of your posts when you’re logged in. It does put a notation in the post of the edit date and time though—Just in case you weren’t aware.

This Hotel is to be built on 60 acres of FIDS habitat, in the flood plane, and entirely in the Critical Area.  BUT it is a LEED certified building!!!!.. my mistake, I am sure that will be so much better than those pesky trees and birds.

Glad the developer is finally dealing with the erosion problem. (paid for by the County’s future tax dollars)

Your facts are cloudy at best.

Please, then, clear the air, and tell me which facts are cloudy.
1: the Westin Hotel is scheduled to be built on the Weir Peninsula.
2: the Weir Peninsula is approximately 60 Acres that is currently naturally vegetated, much of it Forested
3: The Weir Peninsula is currently a FIDS Habitat
4: The Weir Peninsula is entirely within the Critical Area
5: Most of the Weir Peninsula is in the Flood Plane.
6: State maps show the Weir Peninsula will be inundated in a Category 2 storm
7: The Weir Peninsula is only a fraction of the total property owned by the Swan Point Development Company, and there are other,less sensitive locations on the property where a Hotel could be located.
8: the developer has not tried to stabilize the shoreline until now. 

I will, for now, withdraw the comment about how the stabilization will be paid for as that is difficult for many to follow.
I would love to know which of the above is not true.

I supported approval of the Villages at Swan Point and do not regret that position.  It is not a perfect plan but a whole lot better that what was approved in 1992.  You can disagree with that position and I totally understand there is another side to this issue.

I do not believe the shoreline should be dotted with similar communities.  I said in an earlier post that you can’t be for or against everything.

I am also willing to be educated and can be open-minded enough to change positions as the campaign progresses or if I am fortunate enough to be elected.  I do not plan on being inflexible. Being stubborn has had dire consequences on the electoral process for the past several years at every level of government.

Mr. or Ms. Riverrat, I would really like to discuss your concerns across the county as it relates to the environment because it is obvious that you are up to speed on the issues.

I am reachable at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Wow.. I’ve gone from one whose “Facts that are cloudy at best” to someone “up to speed on the issues” with one post.
I guess you CAN be open minded and change positions!

But I note that unlike others, you have chosen not to contact me directly.  It is easy to say anything with a cloak of secrecy.

Ken Robinson, I would like to know where you stand on the Waldorf bypass. THANK YOU for making yourself available for discussion.

Ken, the anonymous posts are no less valid just because they are anonymous then those who choose to identify themselves as you have done. If the posts have validity then they have validity and should not be demeaned just because the poster chooses to remain anonymous. In the recent exchange between you and riverrat, I have the impression that riverrat is also a resident of Swan Point and like you has neighbors and friends in the community and chooses to state his facts and opinions without worrying about his views impacting his relationships with those people. I think that you should agree with me that it is unlikely that some outsider would be following the Swan Point activities regarding this issue as closely as riverrat and therefore you should take him/her seriously regardless of whether he/she chooses to remain anonymous.

In my humble and biased opinion, the anonymity only becomes an issue when it is used to hide behind for the purpose of making unfounded accusations. I should add… or attempting to bait someone into… whatever…

Those who are using it only to protect themselves and those around them from retaliation because of their views, opinions and criticism shouldn’t be simply written off. Their views, opinions, and in this case—questions—are just a legitimate as any other ‘unknown’ citizen.

I, for one, appreciate Mr. Robinson’s willingness to debate and express his views here in this forums and hope that he continues to do so. That’s not to say that I agree with him *wink wink*...

Ken Robinson - 28 January 2009 03:21 PM

Mr. or Ms. Riverrat, I would really like to discuss your concerns across the county as it relates to the environment because it is obvious that you are up to speed on the issues.

I am reachable at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Some might be hesitant to e-mail another directly. For those who might not be aware, there is the ability to send e-mails to other members of the ‘Duck’ through the “Private Message” feature of each member’s “Control Panel.” This way you’re able to communicate with each other without directly e-mailing each other. You’ll simply get a notification from .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) stating you have a message…

If anyone needs any further instructions, contact me and I’ll walk you through it.

I am opposed to a bypass.  It will encourage more sprawl.

I am in favor of an upgrade to U.S. 301 from the split with Route 5 south to the junction of Route 6 in La Plata.  The upgrade would consist of a “thruway” of at least two lanes in either direction and a service road that could access the shopping areas that currently exist.

There would be “flyovers” of the important routes that cross 301 and exits that correspond to those same important routes.

Expensive?  Massively so however if the planning had been done instead of the endless years of debates it might be shovel ready today.  Why is this important? The House of Representatives just passed the stimlus package which will ultimately be signed by President Obama in February.  What are the feds looking for?  Shovel ready infrastructure projects.

This also combines with the debate over a rail link from Charles County to Metro.  I was pleased to hear the response of Governor O’Malley to call on WTOP from a friend of mine.  This led to a story in today’s Washington Post.

I draw your attention to a similar story in the Post from 1996: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/library/growth/transport/somdrail.htm

Not much has changed in 13 years. A lot of talk, studies and no action.

These are the issues that make me want to run and be elected Commissioner.

Good answer

Ken, you say what I want to hear and that is “LOGIC”.

Ken, you are someone who is sorely needed as Commissioner!!  I appreciate your coming to the Duck to participate in the discussion.  THIS is true transparency and it would behoove other candidates, besides yourself and Johnnie DeGiorgi, to participate, including the incumbents!!

Thanks Cheryl.  I am trying my best.  There have been some questions posed that have no answer that will please everyone here.  I sure am typing a lot for a Sunday.

Ken Robinson - 17 January 2009 08:32 AM

Since a major part of my campaign will be about transparency, I have decided to make myself available here and at other on line communities to answer questions and such.  In addition, you will no longer see postings from “Burning Coal.”

Another “JOKE”!

Ken-
To invite growth ahead of the proposed light rail to Waldorf w/o a comprehensive water plan for all the citizens-esp those most critically affected west of 301 -will be the same ole way of doing business as usual - no matter what glowing rhetoric and posturing considerations proceed it.
The road to many hells has been paved with good intentions-we need action oriented govt which works on the critical impending water crisis in a comprtehensive way-we need to get away from the temporary patchwork system we have in place -which will not ultimately solve our aqua problems.
I am for an intake pipe further up the Potomac-as stated several times before thus eliminating the continual need for desalinization-as Md owns the river.

Curious -Mike M what your comment “Another Joke” means-please elaborate.  WW always wants to understand things..educate me so I am more informed-for there is never too much knowlege to be gained ., nor is there ever a stupid question asked in the pursuit of knowledge.
For a moment there-until I saw your name posted-i thought it was just one of ‘Iamacntnkerousolefrt’ headbanging moves