[RP TownTalk] Character Counts

[johnferg27 at aol.com]

I first learned of the benefit of an M-U-TC zone in the Fall of 2000 when the 
threat of demolition of a major portion of the Route One corridor old 
buildings first loomed to be replaced with an Eckerd Drug Store.  I tried to get the 
designation of the zone on a fast-track through County Councilmember 
Hendershot's office.  He did not choose to move it along and, as you all know only too 
well, the buildings were torn down and you've been forced to tolerate a mess 
at that property since then. It appears you will eventually have a bank there 
AND it is because of the M-U-TC that you are able to place certain demands on 
the table in the way that bank is placed and designed.

At no time did I ever understand that the M-U-TC zone was intended to expand 
and increase development within its boundaries.  It's intent was explained to 
me then (and I have no reason to believe it has changed) that it gave the 
local government a stronger voice in keeping rehab and new development and in-fill 
development in keeping with what the local residents and government felt were 
compatible with the existing development.  

The proposed development at Dumm's Corner will remove a significant measure 
of the existing character of the town -- I'm not suggesting that character is 
Georgetown or Alexandria chic -- however, it is unique as a five (or four) 
story apartment building will not be.  The present boarding house is a circa 1910 
home -- would it not add to the town's character if it became a B & B with a 
dining room on the ground floor that would cater to guests and the public at 
large (just one possibility).  Such a use could play off having the railroad 
crossing there.  The former Credit Union is a circa 1930s-40s building and was 
occupied by the Ben Dyer Survey operation for decades.  It can't be held up as 
an example of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, but it is unique (art moderne) 
and could be developed into a store or restaurant wherein you would play off 
that characteristic.

The foreward to the M-U-TC legislation states:  "The intent of the zone 
[M-U-TC] is to provide more design flexibility, while promoting more compatible 
development for older communities"  -- I do not read anything therein that calls 
for more intensive land use.
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