Elkton staff say golf course work may have disturbed recorded Forest Conservation easement in Patriots Glen; town to meet with owner

Town planning staff told the Elkton Planning Commission on Feb. 9 that homeowners in Patriots Glen have complained about tree removal within a recorded Forest Conservation easement on the golf course.

Jeanne Minner, Director of Planning, said the subdivision has a recorded Forest Conservation Plan on easement and that any deviation from that plan would require the property owner to propose an amendment and still meet the required retention and protection criteria. "We're telling homeowners they can't cut trees down in their forest conservation easement, their little backyards, but they're watching the golf course cutting trees down left and right," Minner said, describing the homeowners’ concerns.

Commissioner Keith Thompson asked whether staff or the town had contacted golf course representatives directly. Town counsel Lisa Blackson said the town previously sent a letter and suggested arranging a meeting with the owner to review the areas and determine next steps. "Let's see if we can get a meeting on the calendar so that we can go through all the different areas and put together something to the owner," Blackson said.

The commission did not take formal enforcement action during the meeting; planning staff recommended and the counsel recommended a site meeting and follow-up. Commissioners also noted other minor business at the Feb. 9 session, including a stolen bike rack at Dollar General that has not yet been replaced and that the Comprehensive Plan will be presented at the next meeting. The commission adjourned at 6:45 p.m.