Elaine Blaisdell
OAKLAND — The Garrett County Planning Commission voted unanimously last week to table a discussion regarding a text amendment to the Deep Creek Watershed Zoning ordinance to include broader use of special exceptions within the watershed for recreational uses.
The discussion was tabled until a date to review the county’s comprehensive plan update is determined and until action is taken in regard to an ethics complaint that was recently filed against County Commission Chairman Robert Gatto, according to Deborah Carpenter, assistant director of the Office of Planning and Land Management.
During a Feb. 18 meeting, the county commissioners voted to send the matter of text amendments of the zoning ordinance back to the planning commission. Gatto and Commissioner Gregan Crawford voted in favor of the motion and Commissioner Jim Raley voted against it.
“Deep Creek Lake is a recreational area and given its nature is subject to competing demands,” reads a position statement made by Crawford and Gatto. “The public has expressed concern that there has not been sufficient public discussion and consideration of issues relating to recreational uses and the board is simply responding to that concern and are asking the planning commission for their input, nothing more.”
Also during that meeting, with Gatto recusing himself, Crawford made a motion to approve William Meagher’s request to add a new category of use for boat rentals including boat rides and/or boat tours as a separate service business and not offering any other services associated with a marina. Crawford’s motion died for lack of a second and therefore ended the pursuit and consideration of Meagher’s request for amendments to the zoning ordinance.
