Comprehensive Plan Approved

After a two-year planning process, the St. Mary’s County commissioners voted 4-1 on Oct. 20 to approve the county’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Scott Ostrow was the only member to vote against the plan, citing too many unanswered questions.

The plan, which replaces the county’s 2010 comprehensive plan, establishes a framework for future growth, land use and development in St. Mary’s County. The project began in fall 2024.

The Planning Commission, consulting firm Clarion and staff from the county’s Department of Land Use and Growth Management led the effort to update the plan. The process included community engagement sessions and outreach at local events, where department staff solicited public feedback.

Despite those efforts, approximately 1% of the county’s population participated in the process, according to figures provided by the county.

The final version of the plan will be available on the county’s website.

During the planning process, several property owners submitted requests to change their properties’ land use designations, potentially allowing more intensive development than currently permitted.

One proposal from developer Stanley Martin sought a land use change that could have allowed development across several hundred acres between the Wildwood and Forrest Farms neighborhoods. The proposal drew significant public opposition, and the developer withdrew its request shortly before the commissioners’ Oct. 6 public hearing.

Six properties remained under consideration when the commissioners met Oct. 20. Commissioner Eric Colvin indicated early in the discussion that he intended to support only two of the six requested land use changes.

The commissioners voted on each request individually, approving changes for two properties, one in Oakville and one in Abell. Both properties were redesignated from Rural Preservation to Rural Commerce.

Readers can find additional details about the six properties and their requested land use changes in previous Informed St. Mary’s coverage.

The commissioners took no action to change Piney Point’s designation from a Town Center to a Village Center, leaving the existing Town Center designation in place. Residents who supported changing Piney Point’s designation argued that the waterfront community lacks the infrastructure needed to support the level of development associated with a Town Center designation.

Colvin opposed making the change at this time, saying, “I’m not in a position to make that change right now.” He acknowledged residents’ concerns, describing them as “well founded,” but said he was uncertain about the potential effects of the change on properties in the area.

Commissioner Mike Alderson also raised concerns about potential zoning implications for waterfront property owners, including how changes could affect their ability to build a pier.

Some residents had called for the commissioners to delay a final decision until a new board takes office. However, Commissioners Hewitt and Colvin said the incoming board would have the ability to request revisions to the plan if needed. “Time to move forward recognizing that the next board can make any changes they like,” Colvin said.

Any changes would require a formal amendment process, including a public hearing.

The commissioners’ approval followed a series of proposed changes to the plan during the final stages of review. Informed St. Mary’s previously reported on those changes and their potential implications for future growth and development in the county.

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