October 6, 2009, Chestertown, Maryland

Out and About

It was a big win for the U. of Maryland home football game against Clemson on Saturday. There was an enthusiastic crowd who came out on a beautiful fall sunny day. Only one player, Webb Dulin, a sophomore, and graduate of Easton High School was from the Eastern Shore. Two former Maryland governors (Mandel and Hughes) were among those fortunate enough to be guests in newly renovated ‘President’s Suite’. The ‘Suite’, tastefully decorated with Terp turtles including Terp turtle tiles in the ladies restroom, is located in the center of the football field providing an unparalleled view of the game … fans looking out across the field saw a ‘sea’ of red – Maryland’s color, of course! U of Maryland has a huge band that performed before the game and during halftime. Particularly impressive were the perfectly in-sync flag wavers.

Big happenings at the Kent County Commissioners meeting this morning. State highway consultants unveiled their Chester River Bridge Study results. Lots of ‘media’ present
besides the reporter from the KENT COUNTY NEWS including WCTR. The report said: the Chester River Bridge, built in 1930, is good for 30 years from 1990 when it was last rehabilitated (that would mean it is ‘good’ until 2020). It was inspected in 1997 when it was reported as ‘functionally obsolete’ but not ‘structurally deficient’. A survey revealed that 77% of those traveling the bridge are making local trips; 23% are making ‘through’ trips; 10% are headed to Rt. 213; 6% are going to Rt. 291 and 5% have ‘other’ destinations. Truck traffic was destined for deliveries in Chestertown. A map showed options including a northern bridge as has been considered in the past and a southern bridge that would begin on Rt. 213 south of Kingstown, hook into John Hanson Road, then Airy Hill Road and then Rt. 20.

Kent’s Economic Development Director presented recommendations for new space for the Kent County Board of Education Administration: space at KRM Business Park or
space at Radcliffe Creek Industrial Park – no decision was made due to lack of funds!