Ostrow Town Hall Recap
Development, Housing, Immigration Discussed
Around 100 people gathered on Saturday afternoon for Commissioner Ostrow’s town hall, where a lively two-hour discussion covered a wide range of topics. Updates on the Pax River Village Center redevelopment led the conversation, followed by discussions on affordable housing, immigration policies, and the county’s comprehensive plan.
Atlantic Realty provided an update on the transformation of Pax River Village Center, formerly known as Millison Plaza. Phase 1 of the project, a $45 million investment, includes demolitions, facade and sidewalk improvements, and the addition of major retailers like Aldi and Starbucks. Dollar Tree has already opened in the former Rite Aid location, while Greater Baden Medical Center is set to occupy the space next to Popeyes, previously home to Walgreens. The medical center will offer urgent care services, and there is hope for a small pharmacy to open next to Aldi. Aldi is expected to begin interior assembly in April, aiming for an early summer opening.
In a creative touch, Atlantic Realty announced a partnership with the St. Mary’s Arts Council to install three public art pieces in the shopping center. Additionally, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is exploring the possibility of operating a community space with classrooms and technology, pending funding approval. There was also mention of a potential recreation space, though details are still under wraps.
The AMC Theater, currently in the center, was given the opportunity to stay and possibly expand but declined. The theater is set to close in March 2025, with plans for the building to be repurposed as a daycare center. While an operator has not yet been selected, Atlantic Realty remains optimistic.
Looking ahead to Phase 2, plans include 91 townhomes—dubbed Pax River Village Center Townhomes—situated in the large parking lot near FDR Blvd. These two-bedroom units aim to complement the surrounding area, with Nicolet Park across the street and the commercial center within walking distance. More to come on this.
Screenshot from Concept Site Plan; townhomes are in the large parking lot adjacent to AMC Theater.
During the second hour, Commissioner Ostrow fielded questions, with affordable housing taking center stage. Addressing his decision to vote against a Housing Authority (HA) project on FDR Blvd, Ostrow explained that he had "no faith whatsoever" in the HA’s ability to manage the complex. He also expressed support for distributing affordable housing projects beyond District 4, which encompasses California, Lexington Park, and Great Mills. Ostrow emphasized the need for homeownership opportunities rather than just rental-based affordable housing.
In the audience were Mike Bellis, Chair of the HA, and Roy Alvey, former HA Board Commissioner, who refuted Ostrow’s claims about the organization. Bellis acknowledged there have been problems in the past, but said many have been addressed and challenged Ostrow on visiting their properties for himself. The HA need administrative help but lacks funding to hire people, Bellis explained; federal and state funding mostly flow to housing costs, and the county doesn’t contribute any money. The Commissioners approached the HA with the idea of using the land on FDR and the HA pursued putting a concept together, Bellis went on, but then backtracked when it was time for approval. Alvey confirmed this when he spoke later. Ostrow said he was interested in touring HA properties.
In 1996, the HA was part of county government under the Department of Economic Development (DED). The decision was made to split from the DED “because housing takes up too much of the director’s time,” according to then County Administrator Aleck Loker. The agency has operated independently, releasing the county from any legal liability and responsibility for ensuring the HA’s success. The move was approved by 1996 Commissioners Barbara Thompson, Paul Chesser, Christian Brugman, Larry Jarboe, and Frances Eagan. When the HA was part of DED, the county covered the administrative costs.
A question about whether St. Mary’s County is a “sanctuary city” was raised by Dorothy Andrews, who said she’d done research and found St. Mary’s County is a sanctuary city due to a policy with the Sheriff’s Office. Her goal was to bring it to the attention of the Commissioners after the recent murder of a 19 year old in Hollywood. Ostrow called the claim “wildly inaccurate,” saying the Sheriff’s Office follows state law and notifies Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) if someone arrested is found to have an ICE detainer. The individual arrested and charged with the Hollywood murder was reportedly from Capitol Heights, and had been staying with the victim in Hollywood.
Later, when a question about reading proficiency was asked, Andrews identified herself as a member of the Board of Education and said curriculum like “interventionists, DIBELS, and other programs that, over the last year or two have been set up” to help. However, these programs have been in place for years, something an audience member soon pointed out. Board of education member Josh Guy, also present, said the board is working to address the reading and math proficiency across several elementary schools and “hopefully by next year we’ll have solid plans in place.”
Several in the audience stressed the importance of community participation in the Comprehensive Plan revision process. Ostrow joined in emphasizing the need for people to attend the Planning Commission public forums when development is proposed, and to show up at the County Commissioner public forums to provide ideas, concerns, and other feedback.
Town hall video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18MA8iFQ1Q/
