Capital Improvement Program Public Hearing

Name: Capital Improvement Program Public Hearing
Start: 2025-01-09T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-01-09T20:00:00-05:00
Location: Government Office Building, Council Chambers Room 301

Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6:00pm

Due to inclement weather, the Date/Time of this event has been changed to Thursday, January 9, 2025 at 6:00pm in the County Council Chambers Room 301.

We are one step closer to securing the future of Connelly Mill Park for generations to come, but we are not there yet. After a year of dedicated advocacy and action from residents of Wicomico and beyond, Connelly Mill Park is now on the proposed Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Year 2030. While this doesn't guarantee the future of the park, it is a huge step in the right direction. A Public Hearing was held for community members to make their voices heard to the County Executive in November and there was an overwhelming show of support from many residents. Now, we have another opportunity to make our voices heard. The County Council will be holding a second public hearing on January 9, 2025 at 6pm in the County Council Chambers room 301 of the Government Office Building. Let's come together again to emphasize the importance of this precious public land and secure this park for our County and the entire Eastern Shore.

We nearly lost this unique opportunity when Connelly Mill Park was removed from the CIP in 2023. Please show up and let the County know how important it is to preserve and restore the original vision for this special place!

Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers Room 301

If you're unable to attend in person, please write to our County Officials and express your wish for Connelly Mill Park to be included and prioritized on the CIP.

Please write to our government officials and express your wish for Connelly Mill Park to be funded by including and prioritizing it on the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan. Use the tools below to send a pre-filled email that expresses your support.

Send Email to County Officials

What happens when I click?

A new email window will open.
The email contains a strong message of support for our cause (which you can edit if you'd like).
All you need to do is hit 'send'!

Every voice matters! By taking this simple step, you join a chorus of individuals committed to making positive change. Together, we are powerful.

If you're having trouble with the links, or simply want to copy and paste, the messages are below for you to use. We also encourage you to send your own personalized messages.

County Executive Julie Giordano: jgiordano@wicomicocounty.org

Subject: Include and Prioritize Connelly Mill Park on the CIP

Body (click below):

Dear County Executive Giordano,
I am writing to express my strong support for the inclusion and prioritization of Connelly Mill Park in Wicomico County's upcoming Capital Improvement Program (CIP). I believe this park holds immense potential to become a vital recreational and environmental asset for our community.

The park would encompass many acres of forest including Old Growth Forest, wetlands, and creeks/headwaters to the Wicomico River. Protecting this land from development is crucial for maintaining our region's ecological balance and providing natural spaces for residents to enjoy. Connelly Mill Park could provide much-needed low-impact amenities such as connected walking trails to the Henry S Parker system, birdwatching, mountain biking, water features for fishing, kayaking, non-motorized boating, running trails, disc golf features, etc. These additions would promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. Investing in Connelly Mill Park would create increased tourism and attract new residents, and keep current residents. This would contribute to the overall economic vitality of our county.

I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of investing in Connelly Mill Park by including and prioritizing it in the Capital Improvement Program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

John Cannon: jcannon@wicomicocounty.org

Jeff Merritt: jmerritt@wicomicocounty.org

James Winn: jwinn@wicomicocounty.org

Shanie Shields: sshields@wicomicocounty.org

Shane Baker: stbaker@wicomicocounty.org

Josh Hastings: jhastings@wicomicocounty.org

Joe Holloway: jholloway@wicomicocounty.org

Subject: Include and Prioritize Connelly Mill Park on the CIP

Body (click below):

I am writing to express my strong support for the inclusion and prioritization of Connelly Mill Park in Wicomico County's upcoming Capital Improvement Program (CIP). I believe this park holds immense potential to become a vital recreational and environmental asset for our community.

The park would encompass many acres of forest including Old Growth Forest, wetlands, and creeks/headwaters to the Wicomico River. Protecting this land from development is crucial for maintaining our region's ecological balance and providing natural spaces for residents to enjoy. Connelly Mill Park could provide much-needed low-impact amenities such as connected walking trails to the Henry S Parker system, birdwatching, mountain biking, water features for fishing, kayaking, non-motorized boating, running trails, disc golf features, etc. These additions would promote healthy lifestyles and enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages. Investing in Connelly Mill Park would create increased tourism and attract new residents, and keep current residents. This would contribute to the overall economic vitality of our county.

I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of investing in Connelly Mill Park by including and prioritizing it in the Capital Improvement Program.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Government Office Building
125 N. Division St., Salisbury, MD 21083

View Proposed Capital Improvement Plan

View Highlights of 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan

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Connelly Mill Park is not just another park; it's a promise made to the community. It represents:

Improved Quality of Life: Parks directly improve our health, both physically and mentally. They offer spaces for us to connect, exercise, relax, and heal, reducing stress and boosting our well-being.
Environmental Stewardship: This park is an opportunity to protect the Paleo Channel, a vital water source for Salisbury, as well as the watershed of the Wicomico River. Low-impact activities like hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and biking would allow us to enjoy this natural treasure responsibly.
Economic Development: The park has been included in the Tri-County Council's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, with the potential to attract visitors and contribute to our local economy.
Community Unity: Connelly Mill Park was meant to be a place where all residents could come together, regardless of income or background, to enjoy nature and connect with each other.

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Last updated 1 year ago