I was extremely dismayed by recent misleading statements made recently by Carl M. Freeman Companies. In a press release regarding the former golf course in Berlin, Maryland, that it is selling to the state, CEO Michelle Freeman said, “We are always hyper-focused on quality of life for the people in and around our communities,” and continues, “CMFC has a solid, verifiable history of being outstanding stewards of the environment.”
She adds that the company has “preserved hundreds of acres of wetlands over the years,” but that could not be further from the actions of this corporation. In fact, selling this to the state was a huge departure from Freeman’s original plan for this site.
CMFC originally wanted to build a massive campground/RV park; however, the state, the town of Berlin and Worcester County made it clear that this would not be allowed. As a result of significant public opposition, its application for rezoning was denied. The only option Freeman had to get their money back was to sell it to the state of Maryland for $4.2 million.
Freeman’s press release was conveniently released a few days prior to pushing the Sussex County Council to approve its hotel project on an extremely environmentally sensitive area adjacent to Del. 54 that has garnered zero public support. Worcester County is fortunate to have zoning laws in place to protect its environment and quality of life, and to preserve open spaces for future generations. Sussex County Council has failed to stop overdevelopment in eastern Sussex, rapidly ruining the quality of life for taxpayers, choosing to work with developers rather than the constituents they are elected to represent.
The denial by Worcester County of the Freeman campground near Berlin is an example of what proper zoning and holding elected officials accountable can achieve. Pressuring the Sussex County Council to approve a project on wetlands does not make you a corporation dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Please send letters and emails immediately to each Sussex County Council member, voicing your opposition to Freeman’s proposed hotel complex on Del. 54, so that we can enjoy the same level of environmental protection and proper zoning that residents in Worcester County have.
Samantha Danaher
President, Fenwick Protection Project
Selbyville
