Doth mine eyes deceive me...

Or is someone--other than me, of course--actually addressing the military base realignment that may bring thousands of new residents to our county?

Apparently, yes.

Preparing for the thousands of government jobs heading to Maryland from the nationwide consolidation of military bases, County Council Chairman Christopher J. Merdon is proposing a local commission that would examine the effect the added population will have on the county's infrastructure.

Merdon is planning to prefile legislation in the council this month to create a nine- to 11-member group that would analyze how the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process would affect the county's schools, roads, housing and businesses.

"Howard County needs to be prepared for the impact that BRAC will have on our community," Merdon said Friday.

Chris, all I've got to say to you is "thanks."

I know this is only a study, but it beats the head-in-the-sand tactic most others are using to approach the matter.