Charlotte Hall, MD – There was a time not so long ago when the Charles County Planning Commission was a contentious body, with accusations and retaliations bitterly dividing members.
That’s a far cry from where things are today. A much calmer atmosphere prevails.
Gilbert “Buddy” Bowling Jr., (pictured, left) was recently reappointed as chairman of this important governmental board by the Charles County Commissioners in a unanimous vote. Bowling agreed that the current planning commission’s members seem, to the casual observer, to be more inclusive and more apt to listen to all viewpoints.
“I think that’s a fair statement,” he said during an interview with The BayNet, adding that instead of the commission’s composition being intentional, the board’s demeanor is “probably something that just happened.
“Any time you have people serving on a board or a commission, people realize there is a tremendous amount of respect you need to have,” Bowling noted. “They give everyone an opportunity to speak. I have a firm belief in transparency. It’s a philosophy I have in relation to how we look at things.”
One recent project which spawned lively debate was Guilford, encompassing 183 acres, 438 units, include 127 single-family homes, 171 townhomes and 140 apartments on the western side of Charles County. That particular development caused concerns because of its proximity to Mattawoman Creek, which environmentalists feel is becoming threatened by encroaching growth.
“That particular project was very interesting in relation to land use,” Bowling said. “With this group [of commission members], we actually have respect for every opinion. That’s what makes this board more unique.”
Once the board had reassurances that environmental and storm water management requirements were in place, the board approved the preliminary site plan for the project, with Bowling casting the deciding vote.
“The commission members wanted to hear from the general public and have all the facts and information concerning this project,” he noted. “We collectively do the best job we can. In closing, the Charles County Planning Commission members can only make recommendations to the Charles County Commissioners on a subject matter such as this.”
Bowling is a farmer in Charles County. His father owned the Hughesville Tobacco Warehouse where leaf auctions took place before the crop’s demise.
“I think agriculture, in my opinion, is going through a transition,” he said. “The tobacco industry is now part of the history of Southern Maryland. Farmers over the years have begun offering fresh from the farm, trying to meet the needs of the local community. Agriculture is a business and it’s got to be profitable and sustainable in order to continue to be in business.
“I have many fond memories of the way agriculture has been, but again, it’s changing,” Bowling added. “You have to learn to adapt to it. It’s an adjustment to a new environment.”
Agriculture in Southern Maryland today is not what in the past was traditionally known here.
“We’re seeing a lot more veterans, females, different races and ethnicity, who are looking at it from a small scale, growing ethnic crops for specialized markets,” he said.
Agriculture, much like the county, is evolving, he said.
Bowling admitted that the biggest issue facing the Charles County Planning Commission is the county’s comprehensive plan, which for the past several years has seemed mired in minutia.
He acknowledged the long-awaited framework to guide the future of the region’s growth will most likely be completed on his watch.
“It has changed [throughout its development],” he said. “It’s something we’ll be looking at over the next several months, to make some decisions and recommendations to the county commissioners, which is ultimately the body that has to look at that document and make a decision.”
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com