Editor:
Wanted: Flash Mob! To descend on the Joppatowne High School on Monday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m.! Event: The Joppa/Joppatowne Community Council meeting will host elected officials who will answer questions from you, the citizens of Harford County - the Flash Mob. A lively but orderly discussion will take place in response to two Harford County Department of Planning and Zoning "happenings." Did we get your attention?
As The Aegis article (page A8, Sept. 16) states, the first happening is almost a "done deal." The 22-acre parcel at 814 Philadelphia Road (Route 7) near Old Mountain Road, Joppa: a parcel which was for sale for many years known as Plecker's World of Golf, was purchased by Harford County on July 25, for $2,099,000. The plan for this is a trash site where large trucks can come and go. How is this possible?
It is zoned commercial; however, homes are directly across and nearby. The property is mainly steep slope and wetlands and would be irreparably harmed by escaped oil, garbage and other land-poisons. All residents in the area of this property are urged to be present at the meeting! This is in your backyard!
The second was also mentioned in the same article. It is the ongoing problem of the existing Waste to Energy Facility at the Aberdeen Proving Ground and very close to homes in the Joppa/Edgewood area. The proposed expansion of that facility is in question. All property owners — read taxpayers — will pay for this, no matter whose back yard is affected.
Proposals to take Harford County trash to Baltimore and possibly to York, Pa., in order to make energy from waste were announced several months ago. We have protested, to no avail! Where is the promised transparency? As The Aegis stated in an editorial in January, Harford County would then accept needed trash from other counties or states in order to satisfy the APG facility. Does this make any sense? Please be at the meeting-your voice does matter!
JoAnn M. Macdonald
Member, Joppa/Joppatowne Community Council