Carrolltowne United is not divided

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005

An editorial in The Gazette on Oct. 27, titled ‘‘United or not?” discussed Carrolltowne United, a community-wide effort to find alternatives to the proposed 254-townhome rental complex off of Ridge Road and Kali Drive.

While we appreciate the publicity, I believe that some of your readers could misconstrue the editorial, and arrive at the impression that our organization is struggling to achieve unity.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I would like to present a more accurate account of Carrolltowne United, based on my advantage of having attended recent meetings, unlike The Gazette.

The Gazette raised many points that we take issue with. One was that some of our members are ‘‘bickering,” and therefore not united. Our members represent a broad cross-section of the community, with little in common other than a shared concern about the proposed townhome development.

They have widely differing views about most everything, and we provide abundant opportunity for people to exchange their views. These exchanges are often lively and occasionally even a bit heated. It’s absolutely wonderful. This is democracy in action.

We conclude each meeting by discussing proposed actions, and allow the members to weigh in on those actions. This is where you see the real strength and unity of Carrolltowne United.

We have been most fortunate in wrapping up all of the meetings that I can recall, with essentially the unanimous support of the members. As a debating club, we’re all over the map; but when it comes to actions, we are united.

The editorial mentioned that our attendance fluctuates from 10 to 30 members, with the implication that the ‘‘bickering” is eroding community interest. Yet our most recent meetings have enjoyed the participation of about 30 members. Clearly, this organization is as alive and vibrant as ever.

The editorial also advised that we should have ‘‘official meetings inviting all concerned to the table.” That’s sound advice. Perhaps that’s one reason why we have public meetings every two weeks, with all concerned participants, including Security Development, the county government and state representatives, invited to join us.

And finally, the editorial commented that some of our members ‘‘are misinformed.” Thankfully, we have The Gazette to set everyone straight.

David Sherwood, Eldersburg

The writer is spokesman for Carrolltowne United.

I am responding to an editorial in your publication that stated that attendance was down and opinions are divided among members of Carrolltowne United.

I want to bring to your attention the fact that attendance has been consistent since the group was formed this summer. Furthermore, we have representatives from many communities in Eldersburg who take the news and updates back to our communities for those who are unable to attend.

Additionally, there has been lively and educational debate among our members during our meetings. We encourage this. All opinions from the community are important and should be heard.

We may have some different opinions on how to achieve our objective, but our overall goal of finding alternative solutions to the Kali Drive development continues to be united.

Gerard Oakley, Eldersburg

Your editorial about Carrolltowne. United not working together as a group was wrong.

All voices are heard at our meetings, and we allow and discuss all the opinions that are presented. If you are going to write about us, it would help if you attended our meetings.

Michael P. Dunn, Sykesville

I am writing to you to bolster your support for Carrolltowne United. I attend their meetings when I can, and follow their progress in the papers and online.

Without them there would be no voice to speak for the property owners in our area. Be assured we do not want or need further congestion in this area, and to move ahead on a plan so outdated is both foolhardy and wrong.

Please give this group whatever support you are able.

Jessica Conaway, Marriottsville

You could not be more wrong regarding the progress and health of Carrolltowne United.

Your suggestion that there is internal strife within this community group is without basis and is lacking in facts.

Yes, there is debate at our meetings. Yes, people are emotional regarding this issue. But Carrolltowne United is having a positive effect on the situation as we continue to work with the developer and county to help reach a compromise.

Please do some real homework next time before writing such an editorial, and feel free to come to our meetings, which by the way are always open.

Steve Kahn, Eldersburg

Please be informed that Carrolltowne United is very much intact and focused on making sure that the project on Kali Drive benefit not only the developers, but the community as well.

Please do yourself a favor, and do a two-or three-page piece on this, covering 1995 to present. I believe you will get a positive response and you will be informing the ‘‘new” folks here to the Eldersburg, Sykesville area.

Jeff Hinton, Eldersburg