The Charles County Board of Commissioners met with The St. Charles Companies in Waldorf on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the community’s compliance with Docket 90. Overall, the commissioners left satisfied, saying St. Charles was a perfect example of smart growth in the county.
The meeting over Docket 90 compliance is an annual meeting held between the St. Charles Companies and the Charles County Board of Commissioners. Docket 90 is an agreement between Charles County and The St. Charles Companies.
The St. Charles Companies Chief Executive Officer Alan Shearer told the commissioners that there is growth but that growth is not translating to the market value for new homes increasing when asked by Commissioner Ken Robinson if St. Charles was seeing a legitimate turnaround.
“We’re seeing (a turnaround) in pace but not in price,” Shearer said. “Part of what’s happening is people are healing from period of downturn. But we are seeing a pace.”
Shearer also said St. Charles Companies had record first quarter sales and stated the builders are not able to push prices up.
The St. Charles Companies Vice President, Public Affairs and Community Relations Craig Renner said the company is current on all bonds issued. He also spoke in-depth about the progress of St. Charles High School, being built with land donated by The St. Charles Companies.
“We understand why St Charles HS was delayed,” Renner said. “It’s not just construction but, can it fund its operations? (St. Charles High School) is a significant attraction to new home buyers in St. Charles.”
“Got any money,” Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly joked.
There are also plans in the works in St. Charles to expand trails to connect to the Indian Head Rail Trail.
