Commissioners Adopt Comprehensive Plan, Effective July 12
The Board of Commissioners adopted a new Charles County Comprehensive Plan, effective July 12, 2016. The plan will serve as a blueprint on how and where the county grows for years to come. The Comprehensive Plan allows for development, redevelopment, conservation, and preservation. Data and analyses of several topics, including land use, transportation, community and economic development, natural resources, and an implementation schedule, are provided in the plan. View the plan online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/pgm/planning/planning.
"I am pleased the Charles County Comprehensive Plan is adopted, and thank all those involved with the five-year draft development process," Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy said. "The plan balances development with environmental stewardship, and will guide our county's future growth."
The Charles County Comprehensive Plan:
• Creates a new, 30,000-acre Watershed Conservation District to protect Mattawoman Creek watershed.
• Protects stream valleys from development.
• Requires updates of the zoning ordinance, zoning maps, and subdivision regulations.
• Provides a long-range vision of a new light rail transit corridor and Waldorf urban redevelopment.
• Continues work on historic village revitalization plans.
• Supports eco-tourism.
• Maintains commercial core and neighborhood areas.
• Mandates new affordable housing requirements.
• Promotes energy conservation.
• Provides for the study of a potential mixed-use village center for the southern area of the county.
The adoption of the Charles County Comprehensive Plan completes a five-year process of developing a draft plan, including resident and Planning Commission participation, and County Commissioner review and adoption. The plan includes data projections to the year 2040, but will be reviewed and updated again in 2026.
July 25 Planning Commission Meeting Canceled
The Charles County Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for Monday, July 25 is canceled.
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners' meeting room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata).
Visit www.charlescountymd.gov/commissioners/boards/planning-commission for Planning Commission agendas and minutes.
For more information, contact Clerk to the Planning Commission, Theresa Pickeral, at 301-638-2409 or PickerTh@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Stewart Holds "Back to School" Community Event
Sponsorship opportunities now available
Kick off the school year with Commissioner Amanda M. Stewart, M.Ed. (District 3) at her second annual "Back to School" Community Fiesta on Saturday, August 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mattawoman Middle School (10145 Berry Road, Waldorf). All ages are invited to attend. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
"I encourage students to start the school year with fun and learning at the Community Fiesta," Stewart said. "This is a great opportunity to learn more about community resources and positive lifestyles in a relaxed environment. I look forward to meeting our young residents on this special day."
The "Back to School" Community Fiesta will focus on saying no to bullying, drugs, and texting and driving. During the event, children will have the opportunity to sign pledges to "say no." Several learning opportunities will be available, including self-defense and hands-on CPR demonstrations, and testimonies on bullying. The Department of Health, CCSO Crime Solvers, and Department of Social Services will provide safety and health information and resources for parents.
Participants will have the opportunity to make a craft and sign up for a Charles County Public Library card. Children can also meet several mascots including the Pinch from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, the Chick-Fil-A cow, Andy Armadillo, and a Minnon. Back to school haircuts will be available for children by Mobile Hair Cuts. Raffles, giveaways, and light refreshments will be available.
Sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from gold to titanium levels. Sponsors must complete the sponsorship levels and commitment form by Saturday, July 30. Those interested in monetary donations can complete the Receipt for Cash Donations form. Both forms can be downloaded at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov and returned via email to StewartEvents@CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information about the event, please email StewartEvents@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Recognize July as Parks and Recreation Month
On Tuesday, July 12, the Charles County Commissioners recognized the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month. The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism is vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of the community and region.
Commissioners encourage residents to visit Charles County recreation and parks facilities in Charles County and discover all that they have to offer. To learn about upcoming events and opportunities, visit the GUIDE at www.charlescounty.org/webdocs/cs/publications/Guide.pdf.