A proposal was made to rezone property near the intersection of Route 5 and Billingsley Road from rural conservation to commercial, potentially for a convenience store, a gas station and a commuter parking lot [“Rezoning near Zachia Manor draws residents’ ire,” Maryland Independent, May 23].

Kudos to the local homeowners who attended the Charles County Planning Commission meeting to express their concerns, and to the planning commission staff who recommended denying the proposal.

Although a final decision has yet to be made, weighing the environmental cost against having an unnecessary business at the corner makes it clear it is not a good idea and local residents do not support it.

Runoff from the property would affect the surrounding wetlands and pond adjacent to the property, and eventually the Zekiah Swamp. Fortunately, Charles County’s prudent land use policy helps to protect our farmlands, our water quality and the wildlife diversity found in our wetlands, all of which make Charles County a great place to live.

The rural character and environmental habitat found here are treasures we need to protect for future generations.

If this were a beneficial proposal, why didn’t the landowner or any local residents in support of the proposal attend the meeting to speak, and why hadn’t the landowner’s lawyer done her homework so she could answer the questions the commission members asked?

A good idea? Nah, this rezoning proposal is all wet.

Kathryn Marsh, Waldorf