[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6256538,"mediaKeyId","3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4","parentId",3155663,"title","Owner seeks rezoning for 8.27-acre Goddard Road parcel; commissioners hold public hearing","audioSeconds",1458,"startMs",1830000,"endMs",3288000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4&start=1830&end=3288","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4/thumbnail_1830000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6256538/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Owner-seeks-rezoning-for-827-acre-Goddard-Road-parcel-commissioners-hold-public-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256538-20f7b08fd9cc0cd7c4c84616ced53cbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1775550467&Signature=NWzKTw2bllnQOQFEodldaBsWb-WwUL8VzhwQcWv5webnvujMe75phFY14K~CaCu1YiuIHd2fhBheCCUdMV2xx3typrwVXt346nvAh0oY5n2-ljzzX~jLNfQI8jA1pH7aYDe1k7~5biQjWMwt3vb4vQc7HLf4QniLX93qV~rR27ZCvQeTHqbmGdmg7~iqgAIUAnoI8lT4Xn6aJSbhSv-Sc60EWTk64vzy-fuUg6ShLuVUQU5kUQX1B160SV08BoVBVuVXtv~6B845l1IyzyfVkRQNXxgCdB2rFAqGiNna00~VtmYTfKr933ruGv6Wm2ooMRf1miV7KueADXuItiSCug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-04-30T11:44:59.08Z","article","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened and closed a public hearing April 29 on a request to change the land‑use and zoning designation for 20698 Goddard Road in Great Mills from Rural Preservation to Mixed Use Medium Intensity and to add the property to the Lexington Park Development District.

The rezoning application, filed by property owners Robert and Robin Belden, would change the parcel’s land use and zoning to MXM (Medium Intensity Mixed Use). The applicant’s attorney, Chris Longmore, told commissioners the owners’ intention is to develop a DOD‑support facility for IPT Corporation with office, light manufacturing and maintenance uses and that they currently “have no intention to develop this with any residential use.”

County planning staff told the board the parcel is 8.27 acres and lies immediately adjacent to existing MXM zoning along Route 5. Under MXM rules the base residential density ranges from 1 to 5 dwelling units per acre and can rise to 25 units per acre and up to 30 units per acre with the purchase of TDRs; staff noted RPD zoning would generally allow 1 dwelling unit per 5 acres. Commissioners and staff discussed the significant potential density difference between the current designation and the maximums allowed in MXM during a later site‑plan review and cautioned that rezoning alone does not approve any site plan.

In discussion, Commissioner Mike Hewitt asked how many units could be built “now” and the staff response quantified the difference in allowed densities and repeated that any specific development would require planning commission review and a separate site plan. Longmore emphasized the rezoning request is a preliminary zoning change and that any future project would return to the planning commission for public review and notifications to owners within 200 feet.

One resident, Jesse Grumbles of 20583 Goddard Road, spoke during the hearing and opposed the request. Grumbles described the neighborhood as “a rural area” near the St. Mary’s River and said traffic at the Maryland Route 5/Great Mills Road intersection already causes significant delays. “I do think it would be a big mistake to proceed with doing this,” Grumbles said, adding that he believed the change would hurt nearby property values.

The county’s planning commission recommended approval by a 5–2 vote at its February hearing; planning staff circulated agency reviews and reported no adverse comments from reviewing agencies. Longmore said the Maryland Department of Planning reviewed the application without objection but provided criteria for the commissioners to consider when deciding whether to expand the Lexington Park Development District boundary.

No final rezoning vote was held April 29. The commissioners closed the public hearing and left the written public comment period open for seven days, through close of business May 6, 2025; staff said comments could be submitted by email (CSMC@STMarysCountyMD.gov) or U.S. mail (PO Box 653, Leonardtown, MD 20650). If the commission approves a map amendment, Longmore reminded the board that the applicant would still need to submit engineered site plans and obtain planning commission approval and any necessary permits before constructing the proposed facility.

Why this matters: The request would change a small parcel’s designation from rural preservation, meant to protect open space and resource‑based uses, to a designation intended to allow clustered commercial and residential uses adjacent to transportation corridors. Commissioners noted that such boundary expansions raise questions about long‑term planning as the county updates its comprehensive plan.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/29/25 Commissioners of St. Mary's County","oneSentenceSummary","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County opened and closed a public hearing April 29 on a request to change the land‑use and zoning designation for 20698 Goddard Road in Great Mills from Rural Preservation to Mixed Use Medium Intensity and to add the property to the Lexington Park Development District.","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},6256521,"Commissioners adopt no‑parking resolution for Willows Road at Lancaster Park after safety, Navy concerns",428,5132000,5560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4&start=5132&end=5560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4/thumbnail_5132000.jpg","/articles/6256521/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-adopt-noparking-resolution-for-Willows-Road-at-Lancaster-Park-after-safety-Navy-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256521-33354e035fa5c478562310a0c90698fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775550467&Signature=hbIVrN4M8qWstUNVnmAQly2iPAWXLmeGvM8l8xOfomXeo2o9HO57Mk8Ejqac~C4jK89YufurT~G9EfaeKvwr~IMvxiZ1eCYVzOUaQkyS-jmbgcuWfDlHVL8lh1ZruUm0ZcNTdd6mFS5gJ-aAXoF6mQfAcKD8BJBW4Wc7nz3EOTR2~rxp~TCVJF-ozVJD3dtGHipfrXU69RvhjukEtGsCFNJ-hMPGfUl~yeqCA-ACxT0wOA7D~m1lfN5sO1hCp2Bc2sVfRPp6T8LCH49HO4MVpoyXFkLwVSNWw~~PZ8CV2mOtq9SFXtHZ8ysDTNSsOePbYXKmtZTvN0LvWj2j1CfcxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County adopted a no‑parking resolution April 29 for Willows Road at Lancaster Park following presentations by the Department of Public Works and input from commissioners.

Public Works Director Jim Gotch told the board there is a safety concern caused by vehicles parking on Willows Road rather than in the park’s lot. Gotch said the county has received complaints from the Navy and the sheriff’s office and that a memorandum of understanding with the Navy includes a provision discouraging on‑street parking at Lancaster Park.

Gotch described options for signage along the park’s passive area and estimated a materials cost of roughly $6,300 for 42 signs spaced at 100‑foot intervals; staff said spacing consistent with MUTCD guidance could reduce the number of signs and cost. Commissioners and staff discussed enforcement: once signs are posted the sheriff’s office could issue tickets, but towing and predatory towing organizations also have been a general concern in the county. In debate commissioners raised scheduling of sporting events, parking adequacy in the lot, parents’ parking behavior and the potential benefit of pedestrian circulation or a connecting path between lots.

Commissioner Scott Ostero and others noted that while parking shortages can occur during overlapping games, the park was designed to meet code parking counts for scheduled activities and that much of on‑street parking appears to be convenience rather than necessity. Colvin and others urged clearer wayfinding signage to point drivers to additional parking rather than simply posting prohibitions.

After discussion Commissioner Mike Hewitt moved to adopt the no‑parking resolution for County Road ID 30334 (Willows Road at Lancaster Park). The motion passed by voice vote; staff will proceed with installation of signage under county rules and coordinate enforcement with the sheriff’s office and the Navy as appropriate.

Why this matters: The change is intended to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety, protect emergency vehicle access and implement terms of a Navy MOU tied to Lancaster Park use. The county will fund signage materials and rely on the sheriff’s office for enforcement once prohibitions are posted.","The board approved a no‑parking resolution for Willows Road adjacent to Lancaster Park, adopting new signage to prevent on‑street parking that county staff and the Navy said creates safety and occupancy concerns; staff estimated signage costs and commissioners discussed enforcement and scheduling issues.",{"_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},6256527,"Commissioners schedule June 3 public hearing on two road transfers with Maryland DNR",470,4560000,5030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4&start=4560&end=5030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4/thumbnail_4560000.jpg","/articles/6256527/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-schedule-June-3-public-hearing-on-two-road-transfers-with-Maryland-DNR","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256527-38cba8964d0ff692f61e9bcf3c18d7a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775550467&Signature=LZKEfvvJ7R4YPqJ67MiYndxF~ZRdZQ4e3BWxxbj5O2Xy97YS8Z6K3C4gekPnenD3n5qA-Kv8dTCGBvZL5aj9X~yWfWc8YBq4RbqlO8pcWixhQRQFhrqyHhzvwj90LL0b0U4jg~BhbhjLk-MpbFB6kf5VkIkmXoN6sPLb9~lJfDPk58Z2R1Dliy7onxNOdN0AZ2dOR9yLuQNKvWUICzHwwjqn2A~fHNGY6AznP8s1uAJh04OjSBm2XBnhuWbYD8NdbBfUOeRBjyQ1JlWpFwIvtHz8LK9-f3Koz~fv2Wq1hXgAxrWLrZvdGpLZLLl097fbtWyjZHj5hUhqnKVQO2fypA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","St. Mary’s County commissioners voted April 29 to hold a public hearing June 3 on two proposed road transfers with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): a transfer from the state to the county of part of Camp Casoma Road and a transfer from the county to the state of a segment of Newtown Neck Road that runs through Newtown Neck State Park.

County Attorney “Miss Giddens” told commissioners the two transfers have been discussed for years and are commonly described as a “land swap,” though each transfer is a separate deed: the state would deed the segment of Camp Casoma Road (from Red Bud Road past Allen Owens Way) to the county; the county would deed the portion of Newtown Neck Road that runs through the state park to DNR. Both transfers require deed paperwork and, for the county transfer, an appraisal and plat; counsel said neither transfer involves monetary consideration.

Public‑works and emergency‑management staff described the practical drivers behind the transfers. Snow‑removal operations and access during storms highlighted that the county does not maintain Camp Casoma Road but regularly receives requests from residents on Someday Farm Lane and Allen Owens Way about plowing and maintenance. Conversely, DNR requested state ownership of the Newtown Neck segment that provides access to the state park; staff said transfers would clarify maintenance responsibility and simplify emergency access plans.

Commissioners asked whether residents would be affected; staff said no residents would be displaced or directly impacted by the Newtown Neck conveyance. County staff reported one prior public comment in favor of the transfers. A public hearing requirement is part of the historical process used for road conveyances, and commissioners agreed to proceed to public hearing so the record reflects public notice and opportunity to comment.

Commissioner Mike Hewitt moved to schedule the public hearing for June 3 and the board approved the motion. The county will publish legal notice and accept public comments in advance of the hearing, and county staff said the state must prepare deed documents to initiate the transfer process.

Why this matters: Conveying maintenance responsibility clarifies which agency is accountable for snow removal, emergency vehicle access and long‑term upkeep. The transfers require deeds and administrative steps and may affect operations for park access and rural road maintenance.","St. Mary's County will accept a state deed for a section of Camp Casoma Road and transfer a portion of Newtown Neck Road to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; commissioners voted to schedule a public hearing for June 3 to receive public comment.",{"_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},6256532,"Saint Mary’s College president gives final ‘state of the college,’ cites enrollment gains and space challenges",1269,3323000,4592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4&start=3323&end=4592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3155663-0ef369c9ac0774c8f39beba6e6c2b3d4/thumbnail_3323000.jpg","/articles/6256532/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Saint-Marys-College-president-gives-final-state-of-the-college-cites-enrollment-gains-and-space-challenges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256532-b5cfe0ca611b7213c37bc1c2702cb296/orig.mp4?Expires=1775550467&Signature=ZnjFRfZOMnhlJ035eFOJ2GguwD4SWoltngM5-r9XTF2w7~JX0BLT6Q94WOu1wo-ZS-PlZxCeFRfHO0HYFeU~cEkTVLMH3ZvhpzHOw-F3OnmWyD7zzqErcsQ8tYM6EBzaR9UDAlx0k2zDTm6PaA7aVWdYlpE-c-tEgwW8GfURrKOS0Ljh0cVLyWjcWBJvIDNHyYzxkNZ~1ZZWTOUSZwpsPDxqa18MEK-0mXOM1X-OBQQ9YS1Od2CgggW~-vp-PZNzMqaDLfR930zhkcqwKAioSMO5xGDXBGo3W4RCoAZWY-Pjw~ghKVFkLQ2XrDlybYkV~ROyMNjCk2i0HgmHM-VbyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tawanda Jordan, president of Saint Mary’s College of Maryland, gave the county commissioners her final state‑of‑the‑college briefing April 29, telling elected officials the college has increased enrollment, added academic programs and faces space and student‑support constraints as it grows.

“To this day, tuition remains lower than it was 13 years ago,” Jordan said, and she told the board that 96 percent of Saint Mary’s graduates “find employment, continue their education, or join public service programs within 6 months of graduation.” She said the college employs more than 500 people locally and has an annual economic footprint of roughly $55 million in direct wages and business activity.

Jordan said total enrollment is up 13 percent since 2020 and that some recently added majors — business administration and marine science among them — have produced notable demand that requires additional classroom and laboratory space and more faculty. She said the college must balance “excellence, affordability, and accessibility” as it adds programs and services and that student demand for mental‑health and other supports has risen.

Commissioners and Jordan discussed campus capacity and planning. Jordan said the college has been renovating existing facilities and reviewing a capital master plan to identify cost‑effective ways to create more classroom and program space; she said residence‑hall capacity remains an important issue because roughly 80–86 percent of students live on campus.

Jordan also noted the college’s fundraising and a recent $20 million capital campaign the school completed early. Commissioners thanked Jordan for her service; several commissioners praised the college’s cultural and economic role in the county. Jordan said she looks forward to continuing conversations with the commission in her new role as a private citizen after her retirement.

Why this matters: Saint Mary’s College is one of the county’s largest non‑military employers and a regular partner in local cultural, workforce and economic development initiatives. Enrollment growth, program expansion and facility needs have budgetary and planning implications for county‑college collaboration.","Saint Mary’s College President Tawanda Jordan delivered her final briefing to the St. Mary’s County commissioners, highlighting enrollment growth, program expansion, a strong graduate employment rate and ongoing space and student‑services needs; she also said she will retire.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Owner seeks rezoning for 8.27-acre Goddard Road parcel; commissioners hold public hearing

Commissioners adopt no‑parking resolution for Willows Road at Lancaster Park after safety, Navy concerns

Commissioners schedule June 3 public hearing on two road transfers with Maryland DNR

Saint Mary’s College president gives final ‘state of the college,’ cites enrollment gains and space challenges