Billings hits a nerve

Based on Supervisor Chairman David ("Dave") W. Hoff's Letter to the Editor (Express Times) today, it certainly appears as though Supervisor Candidate David Billings has hit a major nerve with Mr. Hoff. Based on the amount of double-talk in this letter, it certainly seems like a "done deal", especially when sentences are used such as "All avenues of resolving this situation need to be explored".

Considering the amount of money, time and resources the township has spent on this matter to date, other than outright rejecting the proposed development, why should all avenues be pursued to resolve this? Isn't it funny how the town has not worked to resolve other controversial development plans and instead is relying on the court system to deal with these matters?

Actually, come to think of it, it isn't funny at all :-(

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No Kings Mill settlement

I believe it is important to point out several inaccuracies in David Billing's letter ("Public input needed on proposed homes").

There is no possible settlement between KMRD and Forks Township as indicated because there have been no discussions at this point.

The Forks Township Board of Supervisors did not initiate any settlement talks. KMRD contacted Solicitor Karl Kline about the willingness of the board to suspend the current hearings and discuss a possible solution to the litigation. The board directed our solicitor to respond by indicating that if all litigation was suspended there could be dialogue. No "significant decision" has been reached as indicated in Billing's letter because no decisions have been reached.

Since the first development plans were submitted more than two years ago and litigation has been ongoing for about 15 months, I find the suggestion that this can be settled prior to the November elections highly unlikely. It is unlikely any agreement could be reached prior to the new board being in place in January.

Kings Mill is an important issue in Forks. All avenues of resolving this situation need to be explored. Being open-minded and willing to have an open dialogue are part of that process. I don't know how this will all work out. It may happen through discussions or through the courts, but I know discussions will take place in the end.

This topic will be on the Oct. 4 board agenda.

David W.Hoff
Chairman Forks Township Board of Supervisors