Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fairgrounds Wetland Lease topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears MDE inquiry, wetland concerns at fairgrounds; lease and repairs for horse barn tabled for work session
Summary
State wetland staff inspected the Pocomoke fairgrounds and flagged possible impacts from fill placed in a riding arena; council and staff discussed the need for remediation, silt fences and further document review before any long-term lease to the fair committee is finalized.
Pocomoke City council heard Jan. 14 that Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) staff visited the fairgrounds and reported that fill material placed in the riding arena may have affected a previously established wetland. City staff said the state requested immediate erosion-control measures and that the city is exploring remediation options and potential responsible parties.
The matter arose during public comments from representatives of the horsemen’s group and the Great Pocomoke Fair, who requested a long-term lease so volunteers could pursue grants and make repairs. City staff and council members said the condition of several fairground structures — leaking roofs, flooded stalls and frozen water lines during recent cold weather — is poor and needs repair.
Staff described the MDE visit as arising from a complaint. According to city staff, the draft follow-up indicates the fill in the riding arena may have impacted a wetland designation tied to historically permitted modifications of a ditch and pond on the property. The state asked the city, as the property owner, to install silt fences and consider restoration work to prevent further impact to the wetland while the agency and city investigate remediation options.
Council members and staff stressed the need to locate and review historic documentation for the property, including any permits and reverter clauses that affect ownership or responsibilities. Several council members and audience speakers asked that the fair committee and city staff meet in a work session to review a proposed lease and to document needed repairs and near-term safer fixes. Staff said the city budgets some maintenance for the fairgrounds but that volunteers and a potential lease could enable grant applications.
Ending: Council asked staff to schedule a work session with the fair committee and relevant city staff (public works, city manager, code enforcement) to inventory building needs, review documentation, pursue immediate erosion control, and determine next steps for a lease and grant applications.
