EXTRA
County Planning Commissioner Coker Quits in Disgust
CAPE CHARLES WAVE
August 7, 2014
Stating that “I can no longer serve in good conscience given the flawed processes we are working under,” Northampton County Planning Commission Vice-Chair Martina Coker submitted her resignation August 5 effective immediately. Coker was the District 1 representative, which includes the Cape Charles area.
“I continue to be dismayed at the manner in which the Zoning Ordinance was developed and proposed, without any public input or analysis of data which could support proposed changes,” she wrote, adding that there could be a “significant detrimental effect on residential property values” as a result.
Coker did not attend the August 5 Planning Commission meeting, but submitted her statement to be read at the meeting. Economic Development Director Charles McSwain reportedly suggested that Coker’s statement be included in the record but not read out loud. But after it was pointed out that Coker had so requested, the letter was read.
Coker’s frustration comes from the County Board of Supervisors’ refusal to give the Planning Commission more than 100 days to review what amounts to a whole new zoning code for the county. She wrote: “The proposed ordinance strips property owners of their rights to maintain their property value by eliminating Special Use Process for virtually all uses, many of which could decimate property values.”
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE
Coker said she was particularly concerned over statements by Planning Commissioner Mike Ward, whom she said wants to rewrite the Comprehensive Plan to fit the proposed zoning ordinance [rather than have the zoning ordinance fit the Comprehensive Plan].
Coker is the second Planning Commissioner to leave following dissatisfaction over the direction the county is moving with rezoning. Roberta Kellam was not reappointed when her term expired June 30.
CLICK to read Coker’s resignation statement.
It is a shame to lose a person with the integrity of Martina Coker, but at times the frustration and uphill battle become too much, I know. I am constantly amazed that the local politicians, on various levels, continue to make and support such foolish and detrimental plans and legislation. I have yet to figure out whether they don’t know or just don’t care. They were appointed or elected to SERVE the public, but they seem to forget that when in office.
Thanks to the WAVE for breaking this story. Losing Commissioner Coker’s balanced representation on the Planning Commission is a huge loss for the county, yet her resignation letter underscores the absolute travesty that the rezoning procedure has become. While the Board of Supervisors and several remaining members of the Planning Commission may be raising a glass to this perceived victory, the fight to protect Northampton County from the assault by our own local government is far from over. We wish Ms. Coker all the best and thank her for her incredible contribution to our county, especially during the 100-day review period, and toast her resolve and spirit. Thank you, Martina, for exposing this process for what it is — a sham!
What a kick in the teeth for county Supervisors. An experienced, effective Planning Commissioner resigns, citing a corrupt process and calling out a fellow Commissioner for trying to manipulate county documents. How did the Board let this get so out of control? Where is the County Administrator? Hasn’t she warned her Board about the legal consequences of their actions?
During the fight to save the Old School in Cape Charles, we reached out so many times to folks in the County for support, trying to make the point that all politics is local, and what was going in our Town was not that far removed. The only sound we heard was crickets (as well as a few snickers). Well, now the shoe is on the other foot. Once the privileged water views of the trust fund babies came into play, all of a sudden “there’s an issue!” Now I just laugh. Good on you, Northampton. Last Tuesday, at the Nine Inch Nails show, I realized Trent was right all along: “Bow down before the one you serve, You’re going to get what you deserve.”
Martina Coker’s resignation underscores the complete sham the county has perpetrated in writing a set of zoning regulations that are diametrically opposed to the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comp Plan was developed with extensive public input spanning several years. The new proposed zoning has had minimal public input, with even that occurring after the fact. It is obvious the BOS who instructed Mr. McSwain to write this Zoning Ordinance was trying their best to circumvent the public and pass their own version of what was “best” for Northampton. The extremely short time period the Planning Commission was given to review the proposed Zoning Ordinance, the comments by Katie Nunez erronously stating the BOS was required to rule on the Zoning Ordinance after only a 90 day review, and the loss of Roberta Kellam, and now Martina Coker, all underscore what a travesty this whole process has become. I’d like to extend my appreciation to Ms. Kellam and Ms. Coker for their unstinting efforts to make all this right, despite the efforts of the former BOS, Ms. Nunez, and Mr. McSwain.
It is difficult to understand the logic of one quitting the Planning Commission position, especially since the Commissioner is thought to be experienced and competent. Her voice is silenced by resigning.
Since moving here some 25 years ago the Planing Board was a superficial body of sheep led by the Board of Supervisors that had no clue how to move the county forward, and that is the same position we have today. Change personnel all you like — the Planing Board will always be insensitive to the real issues that plague Northampton County. We will continue to decline with the loss of the hospital and the brain power of our students to find jobs. We are now one of the lowest incomes per family in the state and the rest of the country: $18,000 compared to $42,000. There is one person on the board that overpowers the rest, and that could be intimidating to others to achieve anything. I am ready to be called to serve just like I served in WWII to defeat tyranny and I am ready to lift our county out from the bottom. My qualifications: 42 years in banking — that includes law, controller of the currency, and chief clerk of personnel.