After reading an article entitled “Pines property values not jeopardized by boat slips, Realtors say” in the 12/24/04 edition of Ocean City Today I am in a quandary on how property values became an issue that warranted a full ½ page in that paper. The Swim and Racquet Park Preservation Committee of which I am a member has not raised property values as an issue.  Our concerns are as follows: 

1) The Environment.  The Maryland Coastal Bays Program has described the water quality of the St. Martins River as “very poor”.  The contributing factors are poor flushing, high nutrient loads, development, marinas, and agriculture.

Noise pollution is another concern.  This cove is surrounded on three sides by houses.  The residents will have to contend with higher than acceptable noise levels from the increased boat traffic from late spring to fall. 

2) Vehicular Traffic.  Sea breeze Road is the only way to access the marina.  It is a narrow two-lane road with no shoulders. There are many young children living on and around this road.  The additional traffic brought by the marina will lead to hazardous conditions. 

3) Cost.  At a time when Ocean Pines residents are being asked to underwrite new construction to address space requirements which may total several millions of dollars it doesn’t seem prudent to spend in excess of $400,000 to increase in water docking facilities by 56 slips.