[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6345635,"mediaKeyId","2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3","parentId",2248731,"title","Staff outlines schedule for comprehensive plan update; Metcom describes Hollywood sewer options and funding changes","audioSeconds",247,"startMs",5491000,"endMs",5738000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3&start=5491&end=5738","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3/thumbnail_5491000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345635/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Staff-outlines-schedule-for-comprehensive-plan-update-Metcom-describes-Hollywood-sewer-options-and-funding-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345635-18eb160b8b1fae6e6552440fffb4f269/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185038&Signature=mc4evfra4hfjjT2S6aizcze1qWqPshHa3BvuidTHCX6AYf01ztUqAKW8pzI4pej0KT5XgjIWXEM4R1qiQJVKyCMuyWpM6UGatL4V~iZQu-RdFhJuKe6Jz4s4uGqV8hmqbAOLIDlGUMKaZU1DZVkuZdh9u2cVraggnGH~dFQqOvwkxSX8jNN51ZWYG9cAbIEZut9c3f-hVel-BvIHz9qwoQJJAcQCArQwCKieg346CsfrK9KcxwNiaDEQSAuXag6HfpSEHepNOcQywuEGevI1e8O9yoYeuZGu-82g49CqMO8NM9ajlNofKgF5wOXeb2b5nZ67LRhAgFM~AE0BJLRO-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-02-07T20:15:46Z","article","Planning staff told the commission on Nov. 24 that work on the county comprehensive plan update is progressing and that staff aims to deliver a staff draft to the Planning Commission around its first meeting in January to begin the statutorily required 60‑day review period with state agencies.

Jackman (planning staff) outlined a timeline that targets a staff draft in January, a public hearing roughly 60 days later (likely March), followed by iterative revisions and a potential Planning Commission recommended draft in April and a target for adoption later in the year. Staff said the timeline is ambitious but noted the county has until October to update the water resources element to meet state requirements.

The commission also received an update on sewer service for the Hollywood area from Chet Frederick, chief engineer for Metcom. Frederick said state law and internal funding policy changes shifted Metcom’s capital funding approach toward countywide cost sharing (a five‑year capital plan) rather than the prior patchwork of special taxing districts. He described existing sewer extents: a main that transitions from 8‑inch to 6‑inch near the St. John's Road/Broad Creek area and service that reaches the Broad Creek/Twin Ponds area; further extensions (for example to Satterley/Sotterley commercial area and Hollywood) depend on final decisions about where town‑center infrastructure should be focused and on funding availability.

Frederick said the facility plan for the Fifth and Eighth sanitary districts is near completion and that Metcom will present a capital/facilities plan to the commission (anticipated in January). Commissioners and staff discussed that delineation of town and village center boundaries in the comprehensive plan will materially affect where sewer and water lines are extended, and several commissioners urged the use of soils, environmental constraints and funding eligibility (priority funding area considerations) to shape the plan’s growth‑area boundaries rather than allowing infrastructure to evolve parcel by parcel.

Frederick and planning staff committed to present the Metcom facility plan and capital program details to the commission when available so the commission can incorporate infrastructure constraints into the comp‑plan deliberations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","11/24/2008 St. Mary's County Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff set a target to release a staff draft of the comprehensive plan update in January, starting the 60‑day state review window; Metcom briefed the commission on sewer line extents near Broad Creek and Twin Ponds and said funding rules now favor countywide capital planning.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County, Maryland","taxId",51086,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345639,"Planning commission grants concept approval for St. Mary's Marketplace, sets conditions on FDR connection and buffers",1995,3399000,5394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3&start=3399&end=5394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3/thumbnail_3399000.jpg","/articles/6345639/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-grants-concept-approval-for-St-Marys-Marketplace-sets-conditions-on-FDR-connection-and-buffers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345639-2f8a21d1b3524cbf7f49461155d9d19a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185038&Signature=jcNWeGR9lMRmqGiR5RKj9XHoeZfU8iVlMm79ffHF2zaOmPkoLbYmqVDGKN~OIOuZK6XqgMRMXijnQDjuTeG4RzJwkiiJqiwrnC133DqjxYAKFwhVZbOFO6JNKCwLGlcdZRhIFiGpkc3B253i4bWeLnzq9WJZI06YbGagLl5ClEBO0hvOWDwD1NChPu307IVCnvb9oiLoyycAxS6M-4SrRdWUIA6JtHM-FIJpM1OAxzH6FIIStxnB6fr1aeaaZxShGIHkk8Tjgl4Vi88zTf~ja69OwJ99pe4fZwDWEcDc~KQYUrNvTZGzrRDS7BpnnkW875BmmD06pbKwUDXyS6HbeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on Nov. 24 approved the concept site plan for St. Mary's Marketplace, a proposed 121,242‑square‑foot retail shopping center on about 14 acres near the intersection of Route 4 and Route 235, subject to conditions and outstanding items to be resolved before final site plan approval.

Bob Bowles, Department of Land Use and Growth Management staff, described outstanding items: the planning director must make final adequate public facilities (APF) findings prior to final site plan approval; Board of County Commissioners approval is required for vehicular access across county‑owned right‑of‑way; buffer yard reductions (movement from a 75‑foot B buffer to a narrower C buffer) were discussed and may require administrative or Board of Appeals action depending on the precise reduction and any parking proposed within a buffer; and the applicant and county must address completion of FDR Boulevard and the land connections between Sturbridge Village and the proposed site.

John Norris, engineer for the applicant NGO Engineering (DRS Development), and traffic consultant Michael Lenhart presented the site layout, proposed access points and off‑site transportation mitigations. The developer proposes to construct portions of FDR Boulevard through the site, donate frontage land intended for future state improvements, close certain existing driveways and build a signalized main entrance; the project includes roadway widening, added turn lanes and a proposed interconnection that the traffic model shows would divert trips away from the failing Route 4/Route 235 intersection.

Lenhart’s traffic simulation showed two scenarios: future traffic without the FDR connection and the marketplace, and future traffic with the project and FDR extended. The consultants said the FDR connection and signalization would shift traffic patterns so some drivers could bypass the 4/235 intersection, and the study concluded the project’s improvements would mitigate several times the project’s direct traffic impact at the studied intersections. State Highway raised modeling questions during review and recommended an assignment change for some trip routing; the consultants revised the analysis in response and said the mitigation still offsets the project’s impact.

Reverend Leroy Finto of St. Mary's Church of Christ, whose property is adjacent to part of the proposal, spoke in support of the project and said the FDR extension would improve safety. Commissioners attached conditions at concept approval: final APF findings and director administrative approvals must be completed before final site plan, the FDR Boulevard/Sturbridge land connection must be resolved before final plan recordation, right‑of‑way crossing approvals must be secured from the Board of County Commissioners, and fencing and buffer designs must prevent small children from passing through (child‑retaining fencing).

Motion to approve the concept plan was made by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Evans. The motion passed by voice vote with Miss McNeil recorded as opposed.","The Planning Commission approved concept site plan CCSP O513200019 for a 121,242‑square‑foot retail center called St. Mary's Marketplace, subject to conditions including final APF findings, right‑of‑way crossing approvals and resolution of land needed to complete the FDR Boulevard connection to Sturbridge Village.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345644,"Planning commission approves removal of 55+ restriction and preliminary plan for McKay Estates subdivision",842,3111000,3953000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3&start=3111&end=3953","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3/thumbnail_3111000.jpg","/articles/6345644/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-approves-removal-of-55-restriction-and-preliminary-plan-for-McKay-Estates-subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345644-16360efcf328d611770d3e7da7dc52c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185038&Signature=GjP-8KJ9mpZdvG2zLm4LLPBtOGMon7b0Qdo0wbAuFP668qDzdiIP8U~fY7a0ibz5Lc9zbCCxMHB1ncfIZhRa5cwlNZtDJfQVdzmGQRCyD2PVMmW20hVLJNZnFXzs5x3SkC64-ZjPCoo60sR82xbrWmDS9ovBuHmPB0LqpKx0xLlzXENQViFVnJxBqtmlQC2CmH9mlsT9OaLS3CFzvzIlUy4Iytf42S8hlteEBusoozVuc7KE42CQEzSyP8ipW89rpqIV9~PSKSaZRgMMpx3E4rNksFH8TYu95mjvZYo10BA0-NuQ5P9e~J14lOGE2qML25K3xcYh~hnNQMeId1LpzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Nov. 24 approved a request to remove a recorded occupancy restriction limiting certain lots in the McKay Estate subdivision to occupants aged 55 and older, and granted preliminary approval for three detached single‑family lots.

Bob Bowles, Department of Land Use and Growth Management staff, summarized the application and staff analysis: the property is a resubdivision of an existing family conveyance subdivision situated in the Rural Preservation District; staff found the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan, subdivision design standards and the county’s Annual Growth Policy and recommended approval provided the required adequate public facilities findings and plan details are addressed.

Robert Troutman, the applicants’ surveyor and agent, said the three lots in question (identified as plats 5B, 7B and 8B in the record presented to the commission) had been deeded within the family and had not been sold to outside purchasers; he told the commission there was never an intent to market the lots as a 55‑and‑older community but family conveyance procedures led to the recorded note restricting occupancy.

Commissioner Evans moved the motion to permit removal of general note 31 (the 55+ restriction) from plat reference cited in the staff packet and to approve the preliminary subdivision plan; Commissioner Thompson seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; Commissioner McNeil recorded an abstention.

The planning director’s report will be attached to the record; final plan recordation and removal of the restriction will occur after the director’s administrative findings and signatures are completed and after recording of the confirmatory plat.","The commission approved a confirmatory plat removing a recorded 55‑and‑older occupancy restriction from three family‑conveyance lots in the McKay Estate subdivision and granted preliminary plan approval for three single‑family lots, subject to standard plan review and recording.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345648,"Planning commission opens public hearing on digital signs, leaves record open for more comment",2772,320000,3092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3&start=320&end=3092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6345648/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-opens-public-hearing-on-digital-signs-leaves-record-open-for-more-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345648-546a287b9ea9490dcbc620190a721d26/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185038&Signature=P3Mk9jhlxDGN2Arcr5Y36~SPAVGlvemhSHM2qU2sZshq975LNDq7bk8krtZvEAp-km4LCGynUWa-u4n34tAa5kCmePm8j1ApNhThnUUZ1nx-FGFY2Lrg2eITCmxyruOrsztI8yxDSWhs-WnlUk1JPAmvLZ4ge8TgXbJ-t-w-oCd1WOaXKkfnRfmNXT0R2kd2bcA5~fkarqCH-4VG5JEmSY~UkNEEStWFpn09BEyteniitUicsxW5mbFWH9Dg0peynMoc8pQ0YQ4ASkJ5KWKVIp-ryZpxuuYnhORloLw8vHCGE8uJOHKCsyFCF4jCBPH8vp2V7roV5ikBp2lrtzor4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Mary's County planning staff on Nov. 24 proposed a text amendment to Chapter 65 (Signs) and Chapter 90 (Definitions) of the county zoning ordinance to permit limited on‑premise digital signs in specified districts and to set technical standards for their design and use.

Michelle Shelley, a planning staff member, told the commission the ordinance currently prohibits movement or apparent movement of sign copy except time and temperature, and that staff’s research found a range of approaches in nearby counties. “Staff is recommending allowing digital signs in St. Mary's County where we currently allow on‑premise freestanding signs,” Shelley said, but added staff proposed limits including a minimum message cycle of five seconds, no animation or sound, no intermittent lighting, and a 32‑square‑foot cap on the digital portion of a freestanding sign face.

During discussion commissioners pressed for clearer definitions (for example of “animation”), limits on logos or pictures, and whether shopping centers or multi‑tenant sites could have a single digital sign. Planning staff said the proposal would permit one freestanding on‑premise digital sign per site in development, village and town center districts; only 50% of an allowable face could be digital, capped at 32 square feet; and staff intentionally recommended against permitting digital wall signs to avoid proliferation.

A member of the public speaking on behalf of landowner Van Aldridge described a plan to install an off‑site, freestanding digital display at a high‑visibility intersection, to allocate a percentage of message time to government and nonprofits (the proponent suggested 10%), and to offer advertising space to recoup the high installation cost. The proponent asked the commission to consider a larger digital face and a 10‑second cycle for that privately owned multi‑user sign; Sheriff Cameron submitted a letter supporting potential public‑safety uses such as Amber Alerts.

Commissioners expressed safety and distraction concerns and asked staff for firmer wording on animation, logos and cycle timing. The commission voted to leave the public hearing open and continue the matter to the Dec. 8 meeting so staff and proponents can refine language and the public can comment further.

The hearing will be revisited at the Dec. 8 meeting and staff was directed to collect additional input and provide clarified definitions and options for the commissioners.","Planning staff proposed a zoning text amendment to allow limited on‑premise digital signs; the commission heard staff, a proponent offering an off‑site advertising sign, public comment and chose to keep the public hearing open and continue the matter to Dec. 8 for additional input.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345653,"Planning commission approves resolution recommending zoning changes for small wind systems",102,203000,305000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3&start=203&end=305","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2248731-4f5e988dcf829aa1c30eb2ab422921e3/thumbnail_203000.jpg","/articles/6345653/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Planning-commission-approves-resolution-recommending-zoning-changes-for-small-wind-systems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345653-b168a7b59889ace7ee4e7356029d279b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185038&Signature=ZVaPAnJkjCotvMRkYQs05zk0aRqVWlRm~1MvFNMYoKL2Q4P9ieyod4W4HjUmQd1sNRZEMGrQKmX2ZC1B3i6nnNKJjf1x0tQ5RegEJt15vdZuNkFnpGpo7r2FBoggEsGnPzVQnlt2msMayIc8YJ1Bn6xpVLsZugrV8Z5kHODIIvOvOq4v8VqTtSuRwCla1m5W4rZSckylZ119WW8gkR3-EYaCUs-0G871eacYOpY6NOUraimE9-NccsEC-1rffeOHoQXeDmOIBDRBSZE3HtqjXVrctgFszeXMwBoxk4G8tiCP97jJX1TfUfGTNJe0uDU~j3jiW~mm2vNEtC9DZ64iZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted Nov. 24 to approve PC Resolution O8‑17, a recommendation to amend chapters 50, 51 and 90 of the St. Mary's County comprehensive zoning ordinance to address small wind energy systems, and authorized the commission chairman to sign and forward the resolution to the Board of County Commissioners.

Planning department staff said the resolution records outcomes from a Nov. 17 work session and frames changes the commission agreed to during that meeting. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner Baden and seconded by Commissioner Thompson. After members voiced support, the chair called the question and the motion passed.

The resolution as read by staff requests that zoning text changes be prepared to accommodate small wind installations; staff asked commissioners to review the draft and, if needed, return minor edits before the chairman signs the final version for transmission to the county commissioners. No substantive amendments were made on the floor.

The action is procedural: the planning commission’s approval is a formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. Any ordinance or regulatory change would require further review and adoption by the Board. The commission directed staff to deliver the signed resolution to the county commissioners’ office.

Notes: the vote was recorded on the motion made by Commissioner Baden and seconded by Commissioner Thompson and carried by voice vote.","The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted to forward PC Resolution O8‑17 recommending amendments to chapters 50, 51 and 90 of the county comprehensive zoning ordinance to allow and regulate small wind energy systems, and authorized the chairman to forward the signed recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff outlines schedule for comprehensive plan update; Metcom describes Hollywood sewer options and funding changes

Planning commission grants concept approval for St. Mary's Marketplace, sets conditions on FDR connection and buffers

Planning commission approves removal of 55+ restriction and preliminary plan for McKay Estates subdivision

Planning commission opens public hearing on digital signs, leaves record open for more comment

Planning commission approves resolution recommending zoning changes for small wind systems