Heron Park project preference

Editor,

(This letter was recently sent to the Berlin mayor and council members and forwarded to Bayside Gazette).

After reviewing both proposals for Heron Park, I would like to share with you my thoughts and recommendation. The Gillis Gilkerson project has appeal only in the fact that it would not require 78 EDUs, though there is no mention of how many EDUs are involved in its development that I remember seeing.

They both talk about walkability but do not mention sidewalks on Old Ocean City Boulevard connecting the development to either Main Street or the shopping areas in the other direction.

Is the state going to widen that road enough for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely navigate?

If Gillis-Gilkerson project were putting in some type of well-paying industry that would be one thing, but we do not really need more restaurants and whatever else Gillis-Gilkerson project is offering, and we have a need for more affordable housing,

I am inclined toward Natelli Communities, even though they called Old Ocean City Boulevard the wrong name (Old Bridge Road). They are offering enough commercial space to be in line with the other commercial establishments and a nice residential community would be more appropriate around the pond areas of Heron Park.

Both will be disruptive to the nature park (we are forgetting that is what that actually is), a residential development would be less so.

On the Natelli Communities drawing, I did not see where the access to the park was. I am assuming it would be similar to Herring Creek park in West Ocean City.

The Natelli proposal’s real attraction for me is the parcels they are willing to give up around Stephen Decatur Park. That is an area worth developing into the things people talk about for Heron Park.

You could conceivably put a small amphitheater at Stephen Decatur Park if we ever get our finances straight.

Those parcels would be big enough for a skate park, a dog park and more parking for the park and town events. Parcel 1508 is access to Bay Street which would open the park to more walkability for those on the other side of Route 113.

It would make Stephen Decatur Park the center uniting the “East” and “West” sides of Berlin. The police department is right across the street and would be a good deterrent for any problems encountered by those at the skate park or dog park.

It would put those amenities close to where you are proposing the Community Center, which could also serve the amphitheater purpose. The concerns that were expressed about the demolition costs were valid, but they are offering more in monetary value. It seems fair.

As to the safety of the area free of environmental issues, I would think that is also fair. It is unfortunate our previous council and mayor did not have that same clause. If the town had enough EDUs to consider the project across Route 50, this one is half of that.

You know I am not in favor of development, but this is something that will give us back $200,000 a year in debt service while adding to the tax base and amenities of the town.

It is a project that does not require annexation or much in the way of zoning changes. It might even deter more development for the time being.

The added benefit is we would be doing something for the kids of Berlin, not just the “business” of Berlin. If you don’t have any other offers, I truly hope you will consider Natelli Communities as I believe it is a win for the town of Berlin.

Sincerely,
Marie Velong
Berlin