Public Forum Recap
Originally Published: February 3, 2024
Democracy In Action
Overwhelmingly, at the public forum on Tuesday, the Commissioners heard from residents of the Lord Calvert trailer park, and their supporters, who united to save their homes. Thanks to efforts of the Southern Maryland Democratic Socialists of America, whose members contacted Lord Calvert residents to provide information, new faces were seen in the Commissioners meeting room. It was a masterclass in engaging in democracy at the local level to deliver a clear message to the Commissioners from a strong, dedicated community.
More than two dozen people spoke about a variety of topics. One student spoke about the need to fund education and support the Chesapeake Public Charter School. Another child pointed out the need for indoor recreation and fun centers, asking the Commissioners to somehow incentivize these businesses. Heartbreakingly, a young person from Lord Calvert explained how his father passed away last year and his mother works hard to support their family. “I’m begging you guys, please, don’t take away our homes,” he said.
The stories shared were powerful. One man said he knew “what it’s like to have upheaval because of housing insecurity.” A Lord Calvert resident, there on her lunch break, had been through this before as a resident of White Oak trailer park from which she had to move due to redevelopment. One woman, a mail carrier for Lord Calvert who lived there as an infant, said she was “aware there isn’t a lot of affordable housing in Lexington Park” since she wasn’t a homeowner herself, and knew it would be difficult for residents to find a place to go. A man described his “beautiful neighborhood with a great view” where they raise their kids in a “happy community.” He spoke through an interpreter, a fellow Lord Calvert resident who volunteered to provide assistance.
No interpreter was available from County staff, and a speaker later pointed out there was no information on the county website about requesting this type of service. The county website should be available in multiple languages, but there are no options to translate the content. It may be surprising, but these are exactly the opportunities found when diverse perspectives and participation are a part of the overall process. The young woman who interpreted for others gave her own comments, saying the children being raised there will grow up and remain in this community. She told the Commissioners to “think of us, where are we going to go?” She spoke for those residents in attendance who didn’t speak English, and asked them to raise their hands.
At the end of the forum, Commissioner Hewitt said he wanted to visit the community and give everyone an update on how the Commissioners are attempting to help. “We’ve been working with the Department of Housing and Community Development” to look at alternative housing options for those who will be impacted in the Lord Calvert community, Hewitt said. It was reported by SOMD News that property owner Cherry Cove sent residents a letter explaining there was no imminently planned development or permits filed. Cherry Cove also noted they are required to provide one year’s notice prior to beginning work.
Maryland Real Property Law Statute §8A-1201 defines what is required of a mobile home park property owner when applying for a change in land use. The owner must submit a relocation plan to the County with a list of residents, relocation timeline with monthly progress updates, a budget reflecting the amount of relocation assistance to be given each household, a list of area mobile home parks with vacancies, and a list of companies that relocate mobile homes. The law specifies relocation assistance must equal the amount of rent, excluding taxes and utilities, paid for the 12 months preceding the date the resident vacates. Half of the assistance is paid within 30 days of the resident giving written notice of leaving to the landlord, the second half is paid once the landlord has possession of the property again. While state law does not require local governments to help, it does specify that they may if they choose.
If you spoke at the public forum, thank you! I was there and I saw many of you who also engage in conversation here. If you don’t hear back from the Commissioners about your specific concern, I encourage you to follow up. Consider attending Commissioners Ostrow’s Town Hall on February 10th, 1PM, at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department location near the Lexington Park Library.
