Remember the bumper sticker that defiantly proclaimed: There is no life west of the Chesapeake Bay? This "life" included thousands of acres of farmland, forests, beautiful rivers, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. These resources bring hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to enjoy the Eastern Shore and its hospitality.

It seems a cruel irony that the attributes which make our area special are under attack because of its popularity. I fear travelers seeking refuge from overpopulated areas will soon find little difference in Wicomico County and wherever they came from.

The manner in which we plan for additional citizens will determine whether we maintain the "life" we are privileged to enjoy.

Wicomico has a liberal agricultural zoning policy which permits construction of one home per 15 acres. Many Maryland counties allow one home per 30 or more acres to decrease rural density and preserve farmland.

Wicomico has an extra provision called the "bonus density" provision which, under certain conditions, allows developers to increase five times the number of homes they build above what is called for in the county's comprehensive plan.

Unfortunately, nearly every time a developer has requested the "bonus," the county has granted a waiver. In 2002, 23 acres of rural land were approved for development; in 2007, that number grew to more than 1,100 acres.

Wicomico has identified a growth corridor for future development. The bonus density does not follow that provision and results in a threat to our way of life. I urge county leaders to eliminate this developer loophole.

Barry Johansson

Fruitland