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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>All – <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I think it is wonderful to have a town that promotes such a spirited debate in the truest sense of our country’s democratic traditions. Melissa’s point is well taken and I will continue to advocate the position as long as it is supported by the majority of residents. The feedback I have received supporting the resolution outnumbers those opposing it 5 to 1. That being said, this is by no means a settled issue in my mind; as I have attempted to communicate we are only investigating our options right now. Our history of democracy reflects that <span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>the rule of law is represented by the will of the majority of the people <b>BUT</b> respectful of the fact that the rights of ALL citizens must be accommodated and that the law must apply EQUALLY to all citizens, both the majority and the minority.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>This is a complicated issue made even more so by the fact that while our Town and the MUTC committee may have an opinion on the property, ultimately it is the will of MNCPPC that ultimately makes a decision. Recent history has shown that MUTC and the Town Council may take a position in opposition to MNCPPC only to be overruled by this body that is appointed not elected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>I realize this is a frustrating process for many of you; it is frustrating for me as well. I appreciate the civility towards this topic that has more or less prevailed. In any democracy there are bound to be disagreements but I believe this to be a healthy process of any debate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>I would like to issue a continued challenge to all though, on this topic as well as others; on issues where there is disagreement, propose solutions and alternatives, do not just be critical of ideas and opinions. Jey’s has been a great example of where people have offered up alternatives or asked the basic questions that Town Officials should be obligated to answer. I think this has provided much more clarity towards why positions are being taken.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The following is probably an incomplete recapitulation but hopefully more inclusive than exclusive of the topics discussed:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Environmental Concerns: the gas tanks have been removed but there are possible brownfield issues – this will impact issues like price and our willingness to proceed;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Tax Payers Money: If RP does acquire the property it is anticipated to be at worst a revenue neutral transaction and at best a revenue positive transaction; there are many potential suitors the town could resell to;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Jey vs. Town Center: There are three primary reasons for focusing on Jey’s: a) it allows our town to build upon the success of EYA and continue high quality development northward along Rte. 1, b) Jey’s is not code compliant nor has the owner indicated an interest in bringing it into compliance, the Douglas properties are very responsive to code issues, c) Jey’s problem is an Occupancy and Use issue (he wants a gas station MNCPPC will not allow), the Town Center buildings do not have a singular myopic focus – they will take anyone willing to pay;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Work with Jey: The town has tried over the last several years – we are currently in a stalemate; Jey only wants a gas station, which is a Use that will not be approved via the special exception path;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Why do it: The Town Charter and Code obligate elected officials to deal with situations of urban blight; we would be derelict in our duty and in our violation of oath of office if we turned a blind eye;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Purchase: We are attempting to engage in this conversation out of good faith before the Town explores condemnation proceedings;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Zoning: MUTC zoning exists to promote pedestrian-oriented mixed use and to protect our historical heritage through enforcement of allowable occupancy and usage permitting;</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Conformance: The existing building and general site on Jey’s are not in conformance with MUTC zoning: four of the large ticket items are having parking in front, too many parking spaces, it is only one-story (2-4 are required at this site), and the building is setback too far – the build-to line is much closer to the street (and many other reasons);</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>I appreciate all the comments, especially from the long-term residents in town. I looked at over 50 houses over a two-year period before I purchased my house on Oliver Street. I have no intentions of ever selling the house and as only the 3<sup>rd</sup> owner in its 120+ year life I expect to leave it feet-first. I am a proud steward of the William Wilson house and currently in the process of having it placed on the Prince George’s Historic Registry. Regardless of where my life takes me I will be a resident in RP and care a great deal about not only the town as it exists today, but the decisions that are being made and how those will impact our lives 10, 20, or 30 years from now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Best,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Jonathan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Jonathan Ebbeler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Town of Riverdale Park | Councilmember – Ward One<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>4711 Oliver Street</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>