La Plata, MD – The College of Southern Maryland cleared its first hurdle for the new campus in Hughesville when the Charles County Planning Commission approved the adequate public facilities study Monday, July 27.
John Mudd, resource manager for Charles County, said the site plan is nearing completion, and that a traffic study was performed for the site.
The 5.8 acre parcel is for the campus’ CTE building and is related to the site development plan.
“Staff is currently moving through the site plan,” Mudd explained. “It is necessary for the planning commission to approve the APF findings.”
The traffic study encompassed three nearby intersections at Gallant Green, Fosters Lane and Route 5, he noted, adding that adequate reserve capacity will be in place and will meet requirements. Some improvements will be made at two of the intersections.
“These traffic improvements will serve to adequately improve and maintain traffic conditions,” Mudd said. “The staff finding indicate that the CTE development will not adversely affect the adequate public facilities as part of the zoning ordinance.”
“I read an article that said this was going to have water and sewer fed to it,” member Wayne Magoon stated.
“There is no public water or sewer available in Hughesville,” Mudd replied. “We do envision at some point in the future to serve Hughesville with sewer, but that’s about five years away. For this building to exist it will have to depend on individual sewer systems and a number of individual wells.”
“When water and sewer goes in, will they be required to hook up?” Nancy Schertler asked.
“Yes, they would be required to hook up and includes businesses in the town who would be able to hook up,” Mudd said.
“Is the Hughesville sewer system in planning now?” Joan Jones wanted to know.
“Yes,” Mudd stated. “Areas have been set aside to accommodate those septic systems. It’s up to the Department of Environmental Health to determine how many linear feet are necessary to serve a particular use.”
The motion to approve the APF studies were unanimously approved by the board.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com