Editor, Gazette-Journal:

In a rare move during its March 6 meeting, the Mathews County Wetlands Board voted to open a second public comment period on two Mathews County Land Conservancy projects at Williams Wharf. One of the projects is a proposed two-story, 19,224 square-foot "Rowing Center and Sailing Club" with a total of 7,183 square feet of impervious surface positioned over the tidal wetlands.

The "Rowing Center and Sailing Club" is huge. The name implies it’s a dedicated facility for rowing and sailing programs; it’s much more than that. This multi-use, non-water-dependent facility would be available to rent for any private non-aquatic event, and it would compete with other county facilities operated by charitable organizations such as the American Legion and the Piankatank Ruritan Club.

Can you imagine a private homeowner seeking permission to construct even a 2,000 square-foot structure over 700 square feet of tidal wetlands in which to throw parties?

Aft...