County should halt overdevelopment

Editor,

(The following letter was sent to the Worcester County Commissioners for inclusion in the public hearing concerning the proposed housing and retail development along Route 589.)

I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding the ongoing and excessive overdevelopment along the Route 589 corridor and surrounding areas. As a longtime resident of Ocean Pines since 1984, I have witnessed many changes – some positive, some negative – but the current scale, pace, and lack of a coherent development plan are simply unacceptable and deeply concerning.

The continued conversion of productive farmland and open natural spaces into dense development represents a significant loss to the county. Farmland that has sustained local food systems, rural livelihoods, and the county’s character is being permanently eliminated. Natural areas that provide wildlife habitat, environmental balance, flood control, and quality of life are being fragmented or destroyed. Once lost, these resources cannot be restored.

Of particular concern is the apparent prioritization of short-term gains over sound planning and accountability. Decisions appear to have been made without sufficient consultation, impact assessment, or regard for cumulative effects. This lack of foresight has directly contributed to the issues now evident and reflects poorly on the planning and oversight process.

The scale and intensity of development have exceeded reasonable and responsible limits. This has resulted in overcrowding, excessive strain on infrastructure and resources, diminished functionality, and a clear erosion of the original purpose and character of the area. Rather than delivering meaningful progress, the continuing overdevelopment has already and will continue to compromise quality, efficiency, and livability.

These outcomes were not unavoidable. They are the result of deliberate choices that ignored warning signs and failed to apply appropriate restraint. Continued development under the current model risks further deterioration, increased public dissatisfaction, and long-term damage that may be difficult or impossible to reverse.

I strongly urge an immediate reassessment of zoning and development policies and practices. This should include a halt to further overdevelopment, a transparent review of decision-making processes, and the implementation of stricter controls to ensure future development is measured, sustainable, and aligned with clearly defined objectives.

Currently, overdevelopment has placed increasing strain on roads, infrastructure, water supplies, and public services, while eroding the rural and environmental qualities that residents value. Rather than measured growth, the county is experiencing expansion that prioritizes short-term economic gain over responsible land stewardship and long-term planning.

It is particularly troubling that these decisions appear to move forward despite clear and well-documented impacts. Adequate consideration of cumulative effects, environmental consequences, and agricultural preservation has been insufficient. This represents a serious lapse in oversight and accountability at the county level.

These outcomes are not inevitable. They are the result of policy choices that favor rapid development at the expense of farmland preservation, environmental protection, and future generations. Continuing along this path will permanently alter the county’s landscape, reduce resilience, and undermine public trust. The current approach reflects a failure to adequately consider long-term consequences, sustainability, and the broader negative impacts that such overdevelopment inevitably creates.

I strongly urge the County Commissioners to immediately reassess current development policies and practices. This should include a pause on further overdevelopment along Route 589, a transparent review of past and ongoing decision-making processes, and the implementation of stricter controls to ensure future growth is measured, sustainable, and aligned with clearly defined long-term objectives. A transparent review process and a clear commitment to sustainable, balanced growth are urgently needed.

I expect this complaint to be acknowledged and for concrete steps to be outlined in detailing how the county intends to address these concerns. The excessive strain on infrastructure and natural resources must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought.

Sandee Sharp
Berlin