Meeting with local representative
Yesterday we met with delegates Stuart Schmidt, Seth Howard, and Councilwoman Shannon Leadbetter. Many of the neighborhoods from the Riva Area were represented, and were able to voice their concerns. We also walked alongside Riva road, and showed the impact on traffic. The representatives assured us that much of the burden for the proposed venue will be on zoning in the county. In prior communications with AAC zoning we were told that “...Zoning Ordinance does not list sports wagering as an allowed use in the County.”
Follow up
After our meeting, however, we did further reading about their assurance. Specifically, the Sports Wagering Application Review Committee (SWARC) states that entities can not apply for a sports wagering license if the location is not zoned for it, and that it is the applicant's responsibility to verify. (https://swarc.org/faq/
Upon review of Kathe P Hospitality Services, Inc. dba “Michael’s on the South River” application, special note is made of the following “A change to the zoning law governing this property is required. Applicant advises that a zoning amendment is being introduced and expects it will be supported.“
(https://swarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SWARC-Powerpoint-for-February-15-2023.pdf
- If this is correct, how come we weren’t informed during our meeting yesterday?
- If it is incorrect, then, how can the SWARC have accepted the application?
- If it is incorrect, does it demonstrate a lack of good faith on the part of “...Micheal’s..''?
Additionally, after reviewing “...Michael’s…” application statement I'm concerned about the following from Kathe Piera, “I decided to apply for a Sports Wagering License and turn the venue into a destination sports wagering bar and restaurant.”
- A destination bar and restaurant that will be operating all year round and specifically during sporting events, will be bad for our neighborhood’s traffic.
Meeting Records
SWARC Agenda, powerpoint, Application statement, virtual meeting link were published yesterday. Please review them, I have found some concerns noted above. Feel free to add yours.
https://swarc.org/meeting-records/
The link for the virtual meeting tomorrow (2/15) at 9 am is as follows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSQmXphC4Zk
We cannot comment, nor show a specific handle. This is through youtube. Please attend, our numbers will demonstrate our concerns.
Action
I have reached out to our delegates, and councilwoman to verify that the information on “...Michael’s…” application is accurate. I will post updates to this specific question in the comments section.
I’m also sending a follow up email to SWARC. I will request that it be included in the petition. In the email I will make note of the inconsistencies in zoning and “…Michael’s…” assertion that zoning is changing, as well as the implication of a “destination sports wagering bar and restaurant.” Please, if you agree, do the same.
swarc@mlis.state.md.us
I have reached out to all district council members regarding this. I hope you can do the same. Please find their emails below.
shannon.leadbetter@aacounty.org, (District 7 Shannon Leadbetter)
lisa.rodvien@aacounty.org, (District 6 Lisa D. B. Rodvien)
amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org, (District 5 Amanda Fiedler )
Jhummer@aacounty.org, (District 4 Julie Hummer)
nathan.volke@aacounty.org, (District 3 Nathan Volke)
allison.pickard@aacounty.org, (District 2 Allison Pickard)
petersmith@aacounty.org (District 1 Peter Smith)
Share the petition
I’ve reviewed all the signatures, and tallied the location of the signature. Thus far, we have 1200+ signers. 900 are Maryland Residents, and 800 are within 5 miles of Mike’s crab house.
I’ve noticed that some signers have left out the location details, please make sure to fill these in. I’ve spoken with couples who both agree with our cause, however, only one has signed. Please, if you agree with the petition, sign it, even if your significant other has already done so.
Our cause is local, and local voices speak louder. Share the link.
I’ve created a QR code and page. I’ve put them up at local community boards. Feel free to do the same.
<iframe src="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vS0BY5EvhH1SA31nnClVM8JDeEl5Wt4W_iG68cF8lcUtLQQi3ydAZpgXHSdDDcB0tM8mYn9Bb5ea3w8/pub?embedded=true"></iframe>