Harmony ZoningBy Scott Christian Fisher

What are the changes to Harmony?The quiet village of Harmony Maryland is facing two new zoning proposals that will drastically change the family farms and village centers to one of industrial and commercial uses. While it is true that all zoning plans are not always in the best interest of a community, I believe with input from the residents a workable solution can be found in this case. In any community there are mixes of opposing viewpoints that can lead to a positive future for all members. In the case of the Harmony Village rezoning, it has been my observation that the feeling of intrusion upon family histories, life styles and moral character of the area is very deep seeded. Among longtime residents the families have tilled the land, built their homes, raised their children, and have great grandchildren still within the community.

My family History Future plans to pressure century farms.

My connection to the issue

Remembering Harmony Changes in Harmony Thoughts on new proposed codes Harmonies past and future Thoughts on the proposed changes

David Nagel Interview

Called Talked to se up an appointment No response back

New comer interview

Remembering Harmony Changes in Harmony Thoughts on new proposed codes Harmonies past and future Thoughts on the proposed changes

David Label Interview New comer (Naysayer)

David recalls his younger years growing up in Harmony. Close knit community with family, safe roads, and church activities until the weekend arrived. That’s when the quiet little village turned into a town Visitors and local people walked down the streets in a disruptive and disorderly manner. As stated by Mr. Nagel “If you wanted to find trouble on a weekend, then Harmony was the place to go.” It was a rough and rowdy village with two beer gardens on the main street and nickel boxing matches with people coming in from other places to meet the challenge.

David Nagel’s interview

“Police were called on a regular basis for drinking, fighting, and even shootings occurring in this small village on weekends. Mr. Nagel has seen this all change for the good. “ It no longer has taverns or beer gardens and has changed from rough and rowdy to a more peaceful village.”

The zoning changes - “It would change Harmony from a traditionally rural area to a highly populated town where there are now several Century Farms. This is not in keeping with the history of this village and would completely change the landscape.” He feels, “The people would like it to remain as it is.”

What to do - Mr. Nagel answered, “Taken off the dockets. Not in keeping with what we have had before, reasonable slow growth is a good thing” (Personal Communication, March 6, 2012).

He remembers Harmony as, “The same way it is now, a falling down town. The town is prettier than it was; they cleaned up the old building that was falling apart.”

(This was the old school house used from prior to 1918 until Preston School was built, then as a Community Club building supported by the Harmony Helpers Club.)

David Label’s Interview

Harmony’s change and the zoning changes - “Harmony has some new businesses now, and a flag pole.” “I think the new proposed planning and zoning codes would be for the better of Harmony. If people have businesses it will help the tax base for the governor for taxes.”

Are they in keeping with the nature of the village and its future - “Couldn’t tell you but hopefully for the better.”

Mr. LaBelle responded that what he would like to see happen - “Just to benefit the people” (Personal Communication March 22, 2012).

 I feel as though it is my responsibility to continue the legacy and history of my ancestors, not only by keeping the century farms in the family, but also by keeping the same morals and ethics they have portrayed.

My grandparents and I will have to address issues of the community. These will include century farms being zoned for development, one family homes on land now planned as commercial development, and the possibility of changing the historic agricultural atmosphere to one of agricultural competition. This zoning could also change agricultural property to residential dwelling, commercial or industrial development.

My Situation

Beer gardens or pubs would be allowed on the residential homes of long time members. This does not follow the moral or ideals my family or other community members expressed for the future of our village. My great grandfather, Towers Todd, his brother Webster Todd, Mr. Brooks Nagel and Leon Cox didn’t morally except beer gardens and public displays of immoral character, as they went out of control in Harmony. Today all that could be changed back to what they fought against if the new zoning is allowed.

We will stand together to protect our heritage, because we as an agricultural community think development can better be directed to areas where public transportation, employment, and municipalities already exist.

The new zoning laws would allow lounges, bars, and taverns that Harmony ridded itself of years ago. Residents do not want Harmony to become that rough and rowdy town again by changing codes to allow these facilities. The community of Harmony still hopes for traditional farm families and people who build their homes, raised children and grandchildren within the area to unite on one common goal of a clean safe community.

Bennett, J. (1999, May). Home Bodies. Home Bodies, (1-7). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/ docview/ 206714501?accountid=10071

Presents the side of the longtime resident very nicely and shows the animosity they have with the zoning comity. “Zoning is rushing to catch up with home based businesses.”

Briscuso, R. J. (2012, February 15). Enforce the law commissioners. Times Record, p. 9. Caroline County Comprehensive Plan [Rezoning and redistricting homes.]. (2010, April 6).

Retrieved from Commissioners of Caroline County website: http://www.carolinemd.org/ governmt/ planning/ comp_plan/ comp_plan_as_adopted_100406.pdf

Caroline County Goverment. (2012, February 1). Times Record, p. 7. Doherty, F. (2012, February 1). Property values need to be protected. Times Record, p. 6. Freeman, K. (2011). Caroline County Department Of Planning & Codes [Brochure]. Ghrist, J. (2012, February 8). Let common sense dictate zoning regulations. Times Record,

p. 8. Knauss, C. (2012, January 25). Feasibility of employees for home-based businesses under

discussion. Times Record, pp. (4,25). Knauss, C. (2012, February 15). Home business ordnances aren’t easy. Times Record, pp.

(6,17). Zoning (175 Attachment 3 ed.). (2011). [Brochure]. Zoning on distressed communities. (2005, May). Zoning on distressed communities, 8.

Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/ docview/ 198427658?accountid=10071

References