Commissioner Ostrow Hosts Town Hall
Originally Published: March 5, 2023
Scott Ostrow County Commissioner’s town hall yesterday afternoon was well attended and numerous topics were covered. Ostrow and Commissioner Eric Colvin answered questions. Commissioner Mike Alderson Jr. made an early appearance but had to leave due to another commitment. Mike Hewitt for Commissioner listened from the audience. Randy Guy - Commissioner President did not attend.
Also in attendance were Jaymi Sterling from the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office and an officer from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office District 4 Station.
A laundry list of topics were discussed, including:
the YMCA
SOMD Skate Association was concerned over updating/expanding skate parks
Westbury Community Association raised points about so much high density housing along Great Mills Rd; additional traffic; sidewalks not being ADA compliant, Pegg Rd lacking sidewalks; frequency of accidents at Pegg Rd/Westbury Blvd intersection; excessive speed in the area; Pegg Rd/Westbury Blvd roundabout being delayed
spread out low income housing throughout the county, not just in Lexington Park/Great Mills
the need for an olympic size swimming pool for local swim teams
school safety concerns due to underfunding the Board of Education budget
the need for more visible road lines along 235 from Hollywood south
discussion about the constant yield rate, and rising property assessments
using vacant office buildings for housing the homeless
why hasn’t the Route 5 project in Leonardtown been completed?
Lexington Park Community Development Corporation and improvements to St. Mary’s Square
causes of youth crime, including the need for more activities other than sports
Jaymi Sterling announced a new, grant-funded initiative that the State’s Attorney’s office will soon roll out
Sarah Penrod, EASMC President, made passionate remarks about funding educators and school safety
residents of Patuxent Homes asked for signage to identify the neighborhood, and raised concerns about speed
zoning changes that would allow a homeowner to split their home into a duplex to help with affordable housing
feedback given about the county paying for studies/plans to be developed and never executing them
funding after school programs that last into the evening so working parents know their kids have something to do
can Lexington Park be incorporated like Leonardtown?
zoning changes that would prevent gas stations from being close to schools, public parks, and churches
discussion around Breezeline and the need for more internet providers
need for additional lighting along Great Mills Rd between GMHS and The Mission
better address family needs; creation of Youth and Family Services Advisory Board
There are a lot of actionable items here. The Commissioners were receptive to the feedback, but there was an overall lack of answers to many questions. Follow up will be needed. Nevertheless, this was a step in the right direction to getting increased community involvement in our government so that our elected officials can better serve the people.
