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Dear greater Kingsville residents:
I want to thank the community for your support and investment in preserving the rural character of Kingsville since 1974. I also want to extend a warm welcome to all those who are new to our community, and invite you to our meetings held every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Kingsville Elementary School Library.
After I became GKCA president, it occurred to me to look back over my 40 years of residence in Kingsville and attempt to reflect upon the reasons for my commitment to this organization and to maintaining a rural atmosphere in our community. My grandmothers' memories of Belair Road being the only "dirt" road into the city, and their stories of life on the farm, still resonate with me long after their departure. The quote: "Think Globally, Act Locally" is more my style than trying to change the world. Therefore, I have attempted to fulfill my passion for safeguarding those things I value and cherish the most through The Greater Kingsville Civic Association.
Many of our members have spent countless hours on County committees, rural strategy planning and attendance at Baltimore County zoning hearings, in order to ensure that the laws are upheld as they apply to development in our area. The objectives of the Association are to use the combined efforts, talents, resources and influence of its members to improve and preserve the community, and for other non-profit purposes. At times there has been a great deal of confusion among citizens about topics ranging from the Comprehensive Zoning Process all the way to why there are "two" community organizations. If you want up-to-date information regarding these issues, please join us.
The topic has already been broached, but for those new to our community, the signs you see on the roads advertising "Community Meeting" do not refer to the meetings held by the Greater Kingsville Civic Association. Our goals and intent are clear, and although there are some in the community who are distressed enough to form their own group with goals and motives different from the Greater Kingsville Civic Association, we have not changed. We stand behind the same purpose we put forth in 1974, and we are aware that there are going to be those who do not agree with our stance. Such is life ... but my conviction and efforts are rooted in the same motives as when I joined this organization over 17 years ago...
The economy has influenced the development patterns in our community, and undoubtedly we have all witnessed the traffic increases; commercial establishments invading residential areas; strange weather causing extremes of droughts or flooding, bright lights going up, and more trees coming down. The GKCA is struggling to close the present loopholes in the zoning regulations that do not differentiate between development patterns in urban and rural areas of Baltimore County. Through your support and participation in the GKCA some of these consequences may be mitigated and we may enjoy the peace and solitude that our community provides. Thank you for investing any effort through volunteering your time and/or financial support, in our joint effort to preserve our community for generations to come.
Leigh Keller
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