Joint press release from Charles Co. Gov., Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, and the Town of Indian Head
INDIAN HEAD, Md. (April 1, 2015)—Approximately 50 area residents attended a second public forum for the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study (JLUS), a cooperative land use planning effort underway between Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, the Town of Indian Head, and Charles County, on Wednesday evening, March 25 at the Village Green Pavilion in Indian Head, MD. In attendance were Town of Indian Head Mayor, Dennis Scheessele, and Naval Support Activity South Potomac Commanding Officer, Capt. Mary Feinberg.
The Indian Head JLUS is investigating how changes in land use around the installation could affect the Navy’s mission, as well as how current and future operations at the base may impact the surrounding areas. The purpose of the second public forum was to present the preliminary findings and recommendations of the JLUS and give community members an opportunity to share their inputs. The first forum was held in January to present information on the JLUS process and get initial feedback from the community.
Feinberg urged those present to provide “honest feedback,” so the Navy can remain a good neighbor and continue its good relationship with the community. Scheessele echoed those words, encouraging attendees to provide input, noting that everyone’s opinion would be considered.
“The JLUS provides an open forum for dialogue between the community and NSF Indian Head to identify and resolve any issues,” said Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Charles County Department of Planning & Growth Management. “If you have not been able to provide feedback, I encourage you to go to the JLUS website, www.indianheadjlus.com/, to make comments or contact me directly with any questions or concerns.”
During the forum, an overview of potential compatibility issues was discussed, as were preliminary recommendations. Attendees had an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. Topics discussed during the public forum included development and land preservation, economic growth in the town, the environment, and Navy operations.
Naval Support Activity South Potomac Community Planning Liaison Officer, Emery Nauden, explained that joint land use planning is mutually beneficial and that the JLUS strengthens partnerships to “prevent issues from arising down the road.”
“The JLUS will help the Navy, who wants to be a good steward, understand community concerns and needs and will also help the community understand what the base needs to meet its mission. It is a symbiotic relationship,” said Nauden. “As the Town explores continued revitalization, we want to ensure that the mutually supportive, good neighbor relationship we’ve enjoyed with the Navy for decades continues,” stated Mayor Scheessele.
Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2), who serves on one of the JLUS planning committees said, “The JLUS is a vital joint planning effort to ensure the Indian Head base, Charles County and the Town of Indian Head continue to work together to strengthen our relationship. We encourage input from all of our citizens. What happens in the western side of the county affects the entire Charles County community.”
Comments received during the public forum will be incorporated into the Indian Head JLUS. A compatibility factor review has been placed on the website, and a draft of the Indian Head JLUS report will also be uploaded for public review and comment in the upcoming months.
If you were unable to attend the public forum and wish to learn more about the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study, visit www.indianheadjlus.com or contact Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Department of Planning & Growth Management, at 301-645-0650 or BlessingA@CharlesCountyMD.gov.
The Indian Head Joint Land Use Study is sponsored by Charles County and funded by a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) grant.