Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Beveryly K. Swaim-Staley and State Highway Administration staff met with the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners Tuesday at 3 p.m.
After visiting several county road projects as part of the Annual Capital Program Tour, Swaim-Staley told the board the continuation of current and approved upcoming projects is thanks to the $638 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. She said, “If not for that, project losses and delays would have been worse.”
SHA Administrator Neil Pederson discussed budget cuts that would affect the roads and said, “The cuts are such that citizens will notice the decrease in maintenance.” Pederson also announced that, as of Oct.1, it will be illegal to text while driving. He also mentioned the delay in licensing for young drivers which would require them to hold a permit for longer and a stricter DUI law.
Pederson gave details about the Route 4 and 235 Project that will enhance the Calvert-St. Mary’s connecting bridge. He called it a “huge financial challenge” that could cost as much as $700 million.
Commissioner Jarboe told the secretary he understood “When you’re dealing with dollars, you’re limited”, but asked her to consider MD 234, Budd’s Creek Road. Jarboe offered a buggy ride with the Amish in the audience, down what he calls “the worst state road in St. Mary’s County.” He bluntly said, “We need a road.”
Commissioners Raley and Dement inquired about Route 5 to Point Lookout on the south end of the county and stated it was a road that needed some attention. Commissioner Raley said Lane Construction was doing a good job on the Chancellor’s Run Road project and acknowledged the support of the Great Mills Road Streetscape Project.
A few hours later, the BOCC held a public forum at the Chesapeake Building. Only two citizens spoke, both about issues concerning land use and zoning. John Springer, a homeowner in Wildewood, complained to the board about the overdevelopment of his neighborhood. Springer suggested that the current developer does not have the same intent as the original one, causing the degradation to the environment and value of the area. A demand for housing in the rapidly-growing area has caused many developers to plan and build more homes on less land.
The other speaker, George McKay Jr. of Callaway, told the board he was speaking on his children’s behalf. McKay repeatedly referred to the planned development districts of SMC as “reservations” and disputed the RPD zoning that limits housing development in the county’s rural preservation areas. McKay claimed that the zoning change made it difficult for him to build a family home on his own land.
The population increase that St. Mary’s County has experienced makes the planning of the county a challenge, making it hard to please everyone. Public forums are an excellent springboard for citizen concerns. The next chance to be heard will be Oct. 27 at the Northern Senior Center.
