Comprehensive Plan Update
Originally Published: November 22, 2024
“St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow”
Every decade, each county in Maryland is required by state law to update its Comprehensive Plan, a document outlining a vision for overall quality of life in the area. The St. Mary’s County Comprehensive Plan (CP), last updated in 2010, focuses on things like growth management, resource protection, land preservation, housing, economic development, transportation, human services, and community facilities. Anything impacting the daily life of residents is influenced by this document. Recommendations also inform the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO), laws regulating development.
On October 8th, LUGM Director Jessica Andritz briefed the County Commissioners, introducing consultants hired to facilitate the process and draft the revised plan. In 2023, the Commissioners allocated $300K from their reserve account to pay for the consultant. Three firms will partner throughout this process: Clarion Associates, Burns & McDonnell, and Innovation Resources Group (IRG). Clarion is the primary partner, handling project management, meeting facilitation, public engagement, technical analyses, and policy and plan development. Burns & McDonnell and IRG will assist with technical analyses and plan development as well. All this is according to Director Andritz’s October presentation.
Titled “St. Mary’s 2050: Charting Our Tomorrow,” the CP is intended as a forward-thinking plan covering the next few decades. Consultants will be present in the community as the project unfolds across four phases: “Launch, Establish Vision & Goals, Develop Policies & Strategies, and Adopt the Plan.” Public engagement is absolutely critical so the county has launched a website with all relevant information the public will need to follow along and participate. Completion is targeted for Winter 2026 in approximately 18 months.
According to a St. Mary’s County Government (SMCG) news release from November 18th, the public can “access to detailed information on the scope and goals of the CP update; review timelines, progress updates, and upcoming public events; participate in surveys, provide feedback, and share their vision for the county’s future; stay informed about ways to get involved as planning moves forward” on the website.
Currently, a Community Engagement Team is looking for volunteers and has scheduled upcoming meetings:
Tuesday, Dec. 3rd, 6-8PM
Loffler Senior Center
21905 Chancellors Run Rd, Great Mills
Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 2-4PM
Leonardtown Library
23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown
Thursday, Dec. 5th, 6-8PM
Northern Senior Center
29655 Charlotte Hall Rd, Charlotte Hall
Those interested in helping can also email StMarys2050@stmaryscountymd.gov to express their interest.
CP Website: https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov/StMarys2050/
