PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert Planning and Zoning has made re-evaluating the designated town centers of Huntingtown, Owings and St. Leonard part of its comprehensive plan update. Planning and Zoning sent out surveys to residents of these areas over the summer and recently presented the results to both the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Planning and Zoning Commission. But some are still worried about losing out on valuable perspectives throughout the process.
The Planning and Zoning Department sent survey notifications out by mail and other digital resources. They also have a dedicated web page to guide people through the process, which Long Range Planner Tay Harris said is currently “not even step one.” The town center conversation is just one part of the master plan revision and was only launched in response to concern about overdevelopment in areas with a “town center” designation. Harris outlined a process that would take at least several months if any changes were to be made to the town center designations. Those changes would require an amendment to the comprehensive plan.
The surveys and upcoming public meetings are “information-gathering” exercises and are taking place because Planning and Zoning had heard feedback in other public hearings and meetings about development projects.
“In case you haven’t realized yet, Calvert County residents want to stay rural,” one resident said during the public comment period. The resident also requested that Planning and Zoning consider sending postcards to residents of the areas in question like they have in the past. Harris said the department hadn’t sent postcards about the public information sessions planned over the next two months and instead was relying on online resources to spread the word.
“Not everyone is plugged in,” the resident added. Members of the Planning Commission echoed this concern.
The Planning Commission voted to proceed with the meetings as scheduled and asked for updates at the first meeting after all the public information sessions were concluded.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
Time to get over being rural. Attempt to get out of the is county between 6am and 9am. Traffic backs up aplenty. Then try to get to shopping centers on north rt4 from south rt4 at any time and wait and wait in traffic. Live in the senior housing and all you have is the bus: restricting travel to anywhere, oh and forget Sundays. In this county Sunday bus travel doesn’t exist? Because people don’t work on Sundays?
NO, WE don’t have to get over being rural. If you like metropolitan amenities, there are plenty in the surrounding areas you can move to. How about PG county, DC, or even Waldorf?