It's been almost a year since Wicomico County residents were blindsided by Facebook ads for "Safari at the Quarry," a for-profit motor vehicle event planned for the Connelly Mill Property. This location holds a significant history for our community, and many had worked tirelessly alongside the Wicomico County Government and the previous owners of the property to envision a different future for the site: Connelly Mill Park. This park was to be a safe, environmentally conscious space for all residents of Wicomico and surrounding counties, a solution to past issues and a resource for the future.
However, the County Executive unilaterally signed a 364-day agreement with Live Wire Media LLC, bypassing both public input and the County Council's approval. This sparked outrage and united residents, civic groups, and environmental organizations in a fight to protect the original vision for Connelly Mill Park.
Despite overwhelming opposition, including a cease and desist letter from the Mayor of Salisbury, a demand for termination from the County Council, pleas from respected environmental agencies (even the Executive's own Natural Resource Advisory Committee!), and nearly 1,200 petition signatures, the Executive pushed forward with "Safari at the Quarry." As of October 2024, Wicomico County still awaits a proper accounting of the event's cost to taxpayers.
Those who dared to oppose the Executive's actions faced stonewalling, threats, intimidation, misinformation, and even attempts at false arrest. Yet, through persistence and community solidarity, legislation was passed requiring public and Council input for future motor vehicle events in Wicomico County. The Executive went so far as to veto this legislation but her veto was overridden.
Many beyond our movement to Save Connelly Mill Park took notice of this abuse of power including the producers of Open Agenda. They made an episode dedicated to addressing this painful saga and the broader implications it holds for citizens of Wicomico County. We are sharing it here with the hopes of reaching many so we can work together to prevent such a thing from ever happening again.