Charles County Commissioners Debra Davis, Peter Murphy, Amanda Stewart, Bobby Rucci and Ken Robinson.
Indian Head, MD – If there was one thing the Charles County Commissioners gleaned from their annual meeting with leaders from the towns of Indian Head and La Plata in Indian Head Tuesday, March 1, it’s that exciting things are happening.
La Plata leaders are planning upgrades for Wills Park and adjacent property, La Plata Councilmember Lynn Gilroy told the commissioners. Wills was established in 1950s and Gilroy noted it needs renovations.
“Security is also necessary,” he pointed out.
The town is also looking at acquiring a 53-acre tract of land adjacent to the park and making upgrades at Tilghman Lake.
“With Wills Park, our idea is to be open to seeing if we can consider what might be of mutual benefit to the county and the town,” La Plata Town Manager Daniel Mears said.
The annexation of 470 acres in the northwest quadrant of La Plata offers the town a massive 5 million-square-foot office park.
“There is a huge development associated with it,” Mears noted.
The town is currently working on an annexation agreement with the developer, he added.
“There are three property owners associated with it, so we’re in a bit of a stalled process,” Mears admitted.
“That’s the key,” said La Plata Councilmember Joseph Norris, “[it] is finding out where that property stands.”
“Is annexation something that would require a referendum?” Charles County Commissioner Ken Robinson [D – District 1] asked.
“No,” Mears responded. “The people can petition for a project going to referendum, but it is not part of the process.”
Gary V. Hodge, president of Regional Policy Advisors in White Plains, reiterated plans for the Town of Indian Head, a process he admitted is challenging but possible with the help of county, state and federal resources.
“We have narrowed the list down to four priority areas,” Hodge said. “Two of those four do require some involvement by the county. One of those is the boardwalk, which opens up the Potomac River shoreline to the people. As you are aware, there is limited public access to the river. It is a major project. What we’re asking for is 20 percent matching funds.”
The other, he stressed, is for fiber optic cable to be established for the town and the Naval Surface Warfare Center – Indian Head.
“It’s extremely important,” Hodge said. “The county’s role in that is vital.”
The town’s pending application as a sustainable community through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development would allow the town access to crucial funding for its long-range plans.
“It opens the door for all kinds of grant money,” he pointed out.
Charles County Deputy County Administrator Deborah Hall told the gathering that a major Bass Master Fishing Tournament is planned for the town in August.
“We are working in conjunction with Indian Head to coordinate this event,” Hall said. “Their footprint is pretty big, speaking of eco-tourism.”
“We do see this as everyone working together,” Charles County Commissioner President Peter Murphy [D] stated. “What has gone a long way is keeping us informed.”
“We certainly recognize the autonomy of the towns,” Robinson added. “After all, you are Charles County citizens.”
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com