Get informed and involved! This resource hub offers a wealth of knowledge about the Connelly Mill Park preservation effort. Explore reports, maps, historical documents, and more to understand the park's significance and why it's worth fighting for.
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A letter from the Natural Resource Conservation Advisory Committee (NRCAC, Judith Stribling - Chair) indicating that their Committee is in full support of the acceptance of the property and willing and able to provide insight and recommendations on a responsible low impact use on the property.
A Resolution To Authorize The County Executive To Accept A Donation Of Property From Connelly Mill Associates, Llp, Consisting Of 234.67 Acres, More Or Less, Located On The Southerly Side Of But Not Binding Upon Connelly Mill Road Adjacent To The Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex.
The County acquired the 234-acre property. Proposed funding in FY21 would be utilized to develop a park master plan that would include multiple opportunities for public input and engagement regarding the future of the property.
Proposed funding in FY22 would be utilized to develop a park master plan that would include multiple opportunities for public input and engagement regarding future plans for the property.
Wicomico County plans to use the Connelly Mill Borrow Pit, the site of the soil borrow pit used to construct the Salisbury Bypass, to provide fill material for the Newland Park Landfill for approximately 8 more years. The site will then be converted into a Wicomico County park.
Proposed funding in FY24 would be utilized to develop a park master plan that would include multiple opportunities for public input and engagement regarding future plans for the property.
Connelly Mill Park Development (Regional - Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset). Desirable natural features of the property include woods and elevations unusual for the area.
The 2022 Wicomico County Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan builds on the 2017 Wicomico County Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan and the 2019 Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan to further the goals of the County Comprehensive Plan and assess progress in both meeting the leisure needs of a growing population and helping to preserve land.
Connelly Mill Park was featured in the September 2022 edition of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland's Regional Economic Development Guide. Wicomico County to develop "Connelly Mill Property" into a regional park. The 234 acre property sits adjacent to the county's existing main hub for recreation activities and tournaments - the Henry Parker Athletic Complex, as well as the City of Salisbury's Naylor Mill Forest. Plans include providing new recreation amenities and connecting trail systems to existing Naylor Mill trail systems/Parker Athletic Complex.
Proposed funding in FY27 would be utilized to develop a park master plan that would include multiple opportunities for public input and engagement regarding future plans for the property.
Connelly Mill Park Development (Regional - Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset). Desirable natural features of the property include woods and elevations unusual for the area.
MOU/Contract that County Executive Julie Giordano and Live Wire Media (Brad Hoffman) signed to hold the off-road vehicle events.
The Connelly Mill Master Plan is suddenly excluded entirely from this CIP.
Contract with Brad Hoffman for Ocean City Jeep Fest Event
Letter expressing opposition to the off-road events to be held at the Connelly Mill Rd. sand quarry site
Data compiled from the Maryland's Environmental Resources and Land Information Network (MERLIN Maps).
A thorough abstract of the MOU/Contract that County Executive Julie Giordano and Live Wire Media (Brad Hoffman) signed to hold the off-road vehicle events.
Transcript of Casey Taylor's public comment on the March 19, 2024 Council Meeting
Transcript of Mike Goldberg's public comment on the March 19, 2024 Council Meeting
Transcript of Mikele Dahlen's public comment on the March 19, 2024 Council Meeting
Map of the Paleochannel, Salisbury's water supply
We are writing to share our concerns regarding the proposed change in use of the Connelly Mill property and to urge fuller consideration of the environmental issues this proposal raises.
Certified letter to Brad Hoffman of Live Wire Media LLC, from the legal counsel of Salisbury, requesting that Live Wire take immediate action to discontinue this event and all future events at the Connell Mill Road property that are inconsistent with its R-8A Residential zoning, including, but not limited to, privately organized Jeep and off-road vehicle events.
Letter from the Wicomico County Council to County Executive Julie Giordano expressing concern over the Safari at the Quarry event scheduled to take place on May 4 and May 5, 2024. The Council is aware that the event organizer is in breach of the MOU in numerous ways.
The County Executive's suggestion that the City of Salisbury would even remotely consider shuttering the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex is simply preposterous.
A letter from the Lower Eastern Shore Group, Sierra Club MD Chapter, strongly urge the parties involved to resolve this matter in a way that preserves the natural surroundings of the contested property, that respects the urgent need in our urban communities to protect what land remains undeveloped, and that elevates the interests of the residents of Wicomico County, who are the intended beneficiaries of the donation of this property, over any claim that any private entity makes to profit from and disrupt this property at the same time.
The NRCAC urges the County / Executive to reconsider the use of the Connelly Mill property, advocating for its transformation into a passive recreation area with trails and outdoor water activities, while preserving its ecological significance and expressing concerns about the recent approval of off-road vehicular traffic.
This is a public notice for a hearing to be held by the Wicomico County Council on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers of the Government Office Building in Salisbury, Maryland. The purpose of the hearing is to discuss two legislative bills: 1. Legislative Bill No. 2024-05: An Act to Amend Chapter 29 of the Wicomico County Code, titled "Finance" to establish Article III titled "Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund" to establish the use and distribution process for money received from the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. 2. Legislative Bill No. 2024-06: An Act to Amend Chapter 22 of the Wicomico County Code, titled, "County Property", Section 22-1., titled, "County-Owned Property." to add a provision on the use of County-Owned Property.
The Wicomico County Council has voted to override the County Executive’s veto of legislation designed to enhance transparency and oversight regarding the use of county-owned property for motor sports events. This legislation, now enacted, requires County Council approval for any leases, licenses, permits, or contracts involving motor sports events on county property. The Council remains committed to working with the County Executive and all stakeholders to ensure that Wicomico County continues to be a safe, transparent, and well-managed community.
Looking ahead, Connelly Mill Park is slated for a comprehensive master plan in 2030. The plan will focus on park amenities, expanding recreational opportunities, and preserving green space for future generations.
The County acquired the 234-acre property in 201 9 which sits adjacent to the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex. While Public Works is currently utilizing the site for dirt for the landfill, a future opportunity exists to develop all or a portion of the property into a recreational park. Proposed funding in FY30 would be utilized to develop a park master plan that would include multiple opportunities for public input and engagement regarding the future of the property.
This document is a formal letter from the Wicomico County Council to County Executive Julie Giordano, dated May 8, 2025, detailing significant concerns about the 'Safari at the Quarry' event held at the Connelly Mill property. It highlights issues such as the lack of transparency, questionable financial practices, circumvention of legal procedures regarding public notice and Council approval, and disregard for community input. The letter underscores the County Executive's obligation for transparency and adherence to legal processes, advocating for greater public and Council oversight for future events on County-owned property. This exhibit is crucial for understanding the procedural and accountability issues surrounding the event at Connelly Mill.
This document includes the Wicomico County Internal Auditor's report on the 'Safari at the Quarry' event at Connelly Mill, alongside responses that reveal significant issues with the Executive Branch's conduct. The audit highlights a concerning lack of cooperation with the Internal Auditor, insufficient supporting documentation, questionable financial reporting, and a failure to adhere to proper legal and public notification procedures for the event. The included responses, particularly from the Shadow Hills Homeowners Association, further detail the Executive Branch's alleged misrepresentations, dismissal of community concerns, and actions that undermined transparency and accountability in the use of county property. This resolution serves as vital evidence of the Executive procedural and oversight failures impacting the Connelly Mill property.
The afternoon will begin with short tours of potential “Partnership Park” locations, followed by a pre-meeting with elected officials, and will conclude with a public meeting for community members to learn more and share input
This booklet provides the historical background to show that the community's desire for a park isn't a new request, but the culmination of years of public planning and expectation.
Connelly Mill Park was included in the FY2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program "Projects for Consideration"
Last updated 1 month ago