La Plata, MD – A proposed changed to zoning in Hughesville appears to be nudging closer to approval following a public hearing at the Charles County Governmental Building Tuesday, June 16 in La Plata.

The Charles County Commissioners held the public hearing to garner comments on the proposed zoning change from agricultural preservation to commercial at the Elrod Property in Hughesville on Route 5 and Gallant Green Road.

James Glenn Elrod Jr. of Hughesville, citing a change of character in the neighborhood and encroaching development all around his property, is asking for the zoning amendment.

Although Elrod hasn’t specifically determined what type of business he would place at the site, he mentioned to the Charles County Planning Commission last month that it most likely would be a dentist’s office or something similar that would not seriously impact traffic in the area.

Professional Engineer Randall W. Crowder told the commissioners the change would be for 1.8 acres near Foster Lane and Paternoster Lane. There is a dwelling on one of the parcels, the other is undeveloped.

The property was zoned for low-density use, he said. With future plans for SMECO’s new headquarters and the proposed campus for College of Southern Maryland, he suggested to the commissioners that the property, zoned agricultural Conservation in 1992, the area has seen much change.

“With the Hughesville bypass and All-American Harley-Davidson nearby, most of the property along old Route 5 is zoned and used as commercial,” Crowder explained.

He sought to dispel concerns that traffic would significantly increase in the neighborhood due to the proposed zoning change, saying any such impact would be “minimal.”

Hughesville resident LaKesha Bailey wasn’t convinced, however.

“We are secluded off that main road,” Bailey told the commissioners. “How individuals would be traveling to this new location would be Foster Lane. We have children in the neighborhood. I was talking to owner of the daycare there who expressed that it was a large concern for her. This is going to greatly impact my concern for children standing on Foster Lane waiting for the school bus.”

The commissioners voted to keep the record open for 15 days before making their decision.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com