• About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

The Dagger - Local News with an Edge

  • Local
  • Politics
  • Schools
  • Sirens
  • Health/Food
  • A&E
  • Sports
You are here: Home / Local / Letters to the Dagger / Boardman: Joppatowne Residents Their Own Worst Enemies in Pool Controversy

Boardman: Joppatowne Residents Their Own Worst Enemies in Pool Controversy

July 27, 2014 By A Dagger Reader 9 Comments

From Christopher Boardman:

JOPPATOWNE RESIDENTS THEIR OWN WORST ENEMIES IN POOL CONTROVERSY

The Joppatowne Community Council recently hosted a meeting in which the Save the Pool Committee ran the meeting. When it was clear the pool committee would not allow comments from the floor except for written questions, I left the meeting. This is not the way the community council works, but the pool committee clearly didn’t want to answer some of the questions and deal with some of the issues that have long simmered in the community.

Frequently in recent months I have heard the criticism that the previous owner, a Mr. Stephens, did not inform the community that the pool was for sale, and he sold it to a black Southern Baptist Church congregation. Now a lot of residents are upset about that and they are citing traffic and overcrowding concerns, while denying that there is any racism in their opposition to the church moving into the community. I’ll accept that for what it is but the majority of residents in Joppatowne don’t want to buy the pool property themselves and they also want to make it hard for anyone else to buy it either. At least the Southern Baptist Church people saw the value in the property and are willing to pay for it. that is a lot more than can be said for the citizens of Joppatowne.

But before I get to that point, I would like to speculate on why Mr. Stephens sold the property without informing the community. I think he must have been angry with the community for not adequately supporting it while he was the owner. He ran a good operation, but the property likely did not generate enough revenue to make it profitable. During his ownership also there were no pool parties, which were good fund raisers and they served valid community events and needs. It takes a lot of sources of income to keep a property like that going. That may never have been because as I found out as the president of the community organization that owned the pool in the early 1990’s, residents of the nearby condominiums would complain about noise and music in the evenings when there were parties. If there was anything as unpleasant as having sheriff’s deputies show up in the middle of a party that was well-run and orderly, it was that. Yet those condominium residents moved into the neighborhood long after the pool had become established and when there were occasional parties. But this was just one of the ugly things that happened.

The property is a beautiful one, the pool is a regulation-size pool and the site has served the community since the 1960’s. As Councilman Dion Guthrie has been advocating, the property needs to be kept in the community and for community uses. It is the last piece of community property in the center of town and the community has grown substantially over the years. In addition, many new and existing uses have been identified for the property. Guthrie’s ideas are right on target but it’s hard for him or anybody to gain the initiative because of all the negative things that were done in the past. It’s also worth noting that if revitalization efforts were to begin today, even simple maintenance tasks—such as tracking down a reliable pool acid wash service near me—would play a part in bringing the facility back to life and ready for public use.

As I told one of the pool committee board members last summer, that property would already have been bought and paid for at least 17 years ago if the community had backed a proposal to assess a one-time $300 charge in 1992 to acquire the property for the community. the plan would have charged Joppatowne residents $9 per month for three years!! and the acquisition would have already been paid off. There would not be any of these arguments about other organizations gaining control if the community had people in the community done it. But people screamed so loudly, they complained to then-County Executive Eileen Rehrmann and they made the whole matter into a personal issue–I was taking advantage of the situation, etc. etc. So we backed off and let the families that would spend $300 put their money out to become sustaining members. We were able to get enough money to open the pool and keep it open for two years before the money ran out. The county flat-out would not help us. Yet county legislators obtained money from the state for Aberdeen to acquire a city pool, even though Aberdeen as an incorporated municipality had the taxing authority to finance their pool themselves. The county government and the county’s legislators told us to take a hike.

Councilwoman Susan Heselton was no help whatsoever. She might even have worked to undercut us during that time; she nor Rehrmann ever came to the pool to catch up on events and wish us well. I am sorry that I must have been such a threat to her and the executive. But what happened as we are learning to our sorrow now is that the community threw away its best opportunity to acquire the property.

After 1994 our organization sold the property to a pool operating company, and through a succession of owners the pool remained open for the community for another 20 years. When we re=opened in 1992, our volunteers through their hard work efforts and love of the community did a great number of things that were part of the ongoing 20 additional years. the plumbing in the bathhouse was fixed, the building was painted, the tiles around the perimeter of the pool were replaced and re-set, large marble tiles were installed, the kitchen was refurbished by one family and many of us took our turns mowing and trimming the extensive grass. In addition, after arranging for concrete companies to contribute concrete that had been mixed but was not needed for higher-paying projects, our volunteers did the difficult work of setting concrete sections that needed to be replaced and repaired. One of our members was a mason and helped direct a lot of these kinds of activities.

As publisher of a community newspaper The Towne Crier I was able to give a lot of publicity to the project with the help and support of our advertisers when The Aegis was often too slow to respond in order to assist us. The Sun , however, was very supportive. In addition, we had two artists pain a large mural of fish swimming on one of our walls. The marina across the street lent its equipment and operator to help us remove large chunks of concrete.

Yet the county was decidedly unfriendly, and we still have that situation. The current Save the Pool committee members apparently think the county is going to rescue them. Now the price of the property is at least $700,000 and the price could go even higher. We were able to buy the property for $300,000 and we were willing to give it to the community or to the county. For shame! If the property is somehow re-acquired it will cost much more. Even though the county can afford to pay for it, as we found out last winter the executive was a fickle and unreliable partner to say the least. And there are a lot of other people who need to be paid as well: teachers, school employees and sheriff’s deputies.

Yet the current pool committee is not doing any fund raising. Why not? As a famous person once said, “Money talks, and B.S. walks.” We raised $250,000; of that about $35,000 went to the seller while the rest went for renovations and operating expenses. Of course, it will cost a lot more money now. That is why I am upset when I hear people complain about an organization that wants to invest in the property (even though it is for other things we don’t want).. The people who live here don’t see the intrinsic value of this property and they are not willing to put any money where their mouths are…

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

About A Dagger Reader

Send Us Your Letters
tellus@daggerpress.com

Comments

  1. Eddie says

    July 27, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    Whoa, talk about butt hurt. You stormed out of the meeting because you thought the rules shouldn’t apply to you, like your the king of Joppatowne.
    You and Guthrie love to blame all this on the county, maybe it’s just bad business to buy a 50 year old pool. If it was so great and profitable you wouldn’t have sold it.

    Log in to Reply
  2. NIMBY says

    July 28, 2014 at 8:12 am

    I like how everything is a big conspiracy theory. Now its a conspiracy theory as what a property owner sold a piece of property. Hyuck, Huck, Huck, huck.

    We gotta make sure we inform the impromptu mayor here before we sell land, hyuck, Huck, Huck, Huck.

    Fart, and smell it

    Log in to Reply
  3. Christopher Boardman says

    July 29, 2014 at 8:14 am

    hyuk hyuk hyuk. And you learned this on Face book, along with all the other useful things in life? That’s what I love about Gen X Y and Z’s. Good for nothing.

    Log in to Reply
    • George M. Frontose says

      July 29, 2014 at 8:42 am

      How’d the Primary go for you?

      Hyuck, Huck, Huck.

      Log in to Reply
    • Jaque Strap says

      July 29, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      Being a senior citizen, you may not appreciate younger generations.

      Unfortunately for you, these X,Y,Z made up a lot more votes against your political aspirations, ever, than for you.

      Keep digging the hole deeper.

      Log in to Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2014 at 9:12 am

    You looked completely childish and more concerned with hearing the sound of your own voice than the pool by storming out of that meeting. Thanks for the history lesson on all of the great and wonderful things you have done for this community. Put your pompous “know it all” attitude away and join the fight instead of picking it apart if you really care. Otherwise don’t show up next time and throw a hissy fit.

    Log in to Reply
  5. Albert says

    July 29, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    Take a look in the mirror when you say, “Good for nothing.”

    Log in to Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    August 5, 2014 at 6:56 am

    When did it become our responsibility to ensure the pool was a profitable business?

    Log in to Reply
  7. Weird as hell says

    August 24, 2014 at 5:02 pm

    Talk about odd, a Church, but… right across the street from a very large Marina. I see lots of impatient driving that is going to occur, especially when people are going to and from “church” all while big, pick-em-up trucks towing boats to and from the Marina.

    The Pool seemed like more a fitting place for the community, and perhaps, anyone coming and going from the Marina. Lots of Marina’s in Ocean City are built right by Condo/rental property where there is usually a Pool that Marina patrons can use.

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sounding Off

  • “I can't wait to see what is in these emails that Bob is not wanting to share.”

    Bob Watch | Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act

  • “I like Gahler as well but don't forget he is backing his Sgt.Pennman who sits on the County Council. Pennman…”

    Lalta Durbal | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “This Cassilly/Penman spat I believe was initiated, at least in part, by the possibility of public housing projects being built…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “A plat revision reducing the number of lots is hardly worth you weeing your shorts over.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You do know there is a system in the county called “Fast Track”. Ask your buddy Euler, he’s already used…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Nothing at all suspicious about a property that has sat around for generations and then gets approved in record pace…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The supposed development that everyone is referring to goes back generations. When 95 was built there were lots created by…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Right you are. Pretty comical that Bob Cassilly has a business registered at his home address that is not his…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Quite a display of clownsmanship from Penman at last nights council meeting. Is he off his meds? You’re not in…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I don’t have a dog in the fight regarding the Cassilly v. Penman conflict. I hope it is resolved in…”

    Open Your Eyes | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Shenanigans? You’re hilarious.”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Yeah, that's the whole point. He is not any other county resident, he is the county executive and he and…”

    Happy Bob Real Estate | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “The amount of disinformation here is staggering. The land that is owned by Bobs family was actually platted for 14…”

    Dragonman | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “$145,000 for a part-time job and then demand more money? Pretty cushy spot he's in...maybe he needs to spend his…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Cassilly makes way over 145k and in fact took a cola double of what he gave county employees. You are…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@money tree OMG! Penman is paid the same sergeant's salary that every one else earns and a rate that is…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Good lord man, go back and read the claim being made. You folks are all over the map. First it's…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “@Money Tree Since you are so much in the know, Did Bob authorize the Administrator to sign as Bob Cassilly,…”

    Where there is Smoke | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “All that money must have you high. No one said executive forged a document. It is Bob claiming someone else…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I will repeat - you are aware that any approvals for development go through various county agencies to ensure whatever…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “He had plats expedited and also some things allowed to get more lots. His Planning Advisory Board appointee Amy O’Neil…”

    JJ | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Claiming the county executive forged a document could wind you up in civil court if you care to say that…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “You must be Bob with the name money tree since it seems to be raining down money on you and…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “Ethics complaint stating Cassilly signed off on a plat for development that involves his family which has already been easily…”

    The Money Tree | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

  • “I read the Aegis article and it looks like Penman made his ethics complaint on Feb. 14 and Cassilly made…”

    Bob Watch | Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly

Recent Posts

  • Trio Arrested In Connection With Alleged Assault, Kidnapping In Darlington March 17, 2025
  • 3P: “Developers’ Exploitation Led to Missed Opportunity for Harford County” December 19, 2024
  • 3P Protect Perryman Peninsula: Developers Exploit Horse Training Facility to Push Illegal Freight Terminal Project September 5, 2024
  • Arrest Made in Aberdeen Triple Homicide; Victims Identified April 30, 2024
  • Harford County Sheriff’s Office: Cassilly Administration in Violation of Maryland Public Information Act March 25, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly: “Once Again I Find Myself in the Position of Having to Fend Off Personal Attacks” March 20, 2024
  • Councilmember Penman Named as Subject of Harford Ethics Probe; Responds with Attacks on County Executive Cassilly February 28, 2024
  • Harford County to Purchase Land of Abandoned Eva Mar Development for New Public School in Bel Air February 27, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Cassilly Initiates Legislation for Comprehensive Zoning Review February 22, 2024
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder February 22, 2024
  • Violent Carjacking in Aberdeen Leaves Man Injured; Victim Clings to Hood as Stolen Car Speeds Away February 17, 2024
  • Bel Air Man Found Guilty of Rape, Sex Offense, Assault; Faces Immigration Consequences February 9, 2024
  • Harford County Councilman Penman: “King Cassilly’s Intent is to Bully the County Council and Mislead our Community Members” February 6, 2024
  • Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly Announces Opposition to Legislation Allowing Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units in Residential Areas January 16, 2024
  • Harford’s Cassilly Delivers State of the County Address: Redirecting Government to Serve People; No Tax Increases, Public Safety Upgrades, New County Parks January 12, 2024
  • Confrontation Leads to Gunshot, Murder in Bel Air December 30, 2023
  • Woman Charged with 1st-Degree Assault for Threatening Rental Company Employees in Aberdeen December 19, 2023
  • Edgewood Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape and Intent to Distribute Cocaine December 11, 2023
  • Mother Charged with Homicide in Death of 3-Yr-Old Son in Bel Air December 4, 2023
  • Longtime Employee of Harford County Manufacturer Sentenced to 42 Months in Federal Prison for $20 Million Kickback Scheme December 1, 2023

Archives

Extras

  • About The Dagger
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Sign up for The Daily Dagger Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Daily Dagger and receive new articles by email.

Copyright © 2025 ·Dagger Press LLC · Log in

%d