[{"_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",6172254,"mediaKeyId","5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b","parentId",5390881,"title","Commissioners accept several state and federal grants, including VOCA, recovery‑court, family‑services and RSVP awards","audioSeconds",448,"startMs",3618000,"endMs",4066000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b&start=3618&end=4066","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b/thumbnail_3618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6172254/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-accept-several-state-and-federal-grants-including-VOCA-recoverycourt-familyservices-and-RSVP-awards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172254-ec02207ed5e7fa6790db94a29b76a426/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141724&Signature=NYJ99uRHX3SYLHa-Dko9iqOK69b8WGCMA1FEp8U~EJfs1HQ1-mR1eU1Ga6-0bM5xDXEqouMdnl91aQ7LkOD0mV1wkSQ3IvwS1N0KNl4-WA3WzldC~9O9Xcq5fpbfCcrqma4Ih4gJujBkcjrP8etzPYE04JD6Wzc608VHGrxzaCLLBZExRRHDk8QMS8P6Qcp3~IaEkuwWO39iwa4k~7myNjNpG6z9YfVsfMJ0bZrh2JBKGTwrLfgDrp-E6EST3bMAsrPGqVGJi8Z7ldPjcC4e0lW~98QYsFiEdvn~OYo4Ep9NV6NqO7EHBHowA3hFcGIUZxb8Pty8OWs6CM3vHQvrsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","St. Mary's County, MD","date","2025-07-15T12:06:40Z","article","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted July 15 to accept multiple state and federal grants and approve related budget amendments for county programs.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) — State’s Attorney’s Office: The office informed commissioners that federal grantors reduced some funding lines and changed salary fringe coverage for the director of victim services. The awarded federal grant amount is $427,987; the office asked the county to increase the previously budgeted county match from $132,412 to $142,964 (an increase of roughly $10,552) to cover the changed salary/fringe split. Commissioners approved acceptance of the FY26 VOCA award and the budget amendment.

Office of Problem‑Solving Courts — Recovery Courts: The circuit court requested acceptance of an Office of Problem‑Solving Courts award (MD2625) for the adult recovery court and family recovery court programs in the amount of $311,421, with a county match of $232,000 for a total program budget of $543,421. Commissioners approved acceptance and the related budget amendment.

Family Services Program — Administrative Office of the Courts: Court family‑services staff requested acceptance of a state award (MD2620) of $225,990.10 to cover programs for family cases; the award requires no county match. Commissioners approved acceptance and the budget amendment.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) — Corporation for National and Community Service: The Department of Aging and Human Services reported it received year‑one of a three‑year RSVP award. The total first‑year budget is $165,816: $144,972 federal; a required county match of $16,165; and $4,679 additional county funding. The commission approved acceptance and the budget amendment.

Why it matters: the grants fund victim services, court problem‑solving and recovery programs, family‑services supports and a volunteer‑placement program that connects volunteers to nonprofit partners countywide. The awards preserve program capacity and in some cases increase county funding obligations to match revised federal awards.

Next steps: departments will execute grant documents and implement programs under the accepted awards. The county will reflect the approved match amounts in upcoming budget management actions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","7/15/25 Commissioners of St. Mary's County","oneSentenceSummary","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted July 15 to accept multiple state and federal grants and approve related budget amendments for county programs.","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},6172259,"Commissioners authorize solicitation to seek outside manager for county employee childcare center",928,4377000,5305000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b&start=4377&end=5305","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b/thumbnail_4377000.jpg","/articles/6172259/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-authorize-solicitation-to-seek-outside-manager-for-county-employee-childcare-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172259-18691a4ee3a3c76c41b5acb2a5e04a9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141724&Signature=e~~1-~VrkJVwKTw4hdLP6hUJjH7S4brxmWvuDRewifiMYfCo-9bScU7l1CmDujTKUTInnNI2RjeF0qyc7VYLAsIyAUQ5yE2Ldxnbqk0~4Gvf-UcVI-FtxBmrxMLEgDktxoXIZ4rEV~yVLxF1OVEVa223e2aY8BPaufjnT24UHSzpjQuw9mOv-DSw3ikH4PFdiCofMc527KkYhCJkZI7Pe82WGpNiBHIwqlg2gm9vpju2OZcGyVLUD3fYw5qRr9lhJkbKPrpE6mxMwFRXzlkY9S5kx8c82LRNEkJsvzEKB7VrvzLIiBu~D2kH9X8wMvWYAtqsm9lTgu6fLhI1xNpZUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County authorized the Department of Recreation and Parks on July 15 to solicit proposals for an outside organization to manage the county’s planned employee childcare center.

Why it matters: department leaders and commissioners framed the center as a recruitment and retention tool for county employers — notably the sheriff’s office and other shift‑work operations — and as a contribution to Lexington Park’s service capacity. County officials said the center could have capacity for about 100 children and aim to open in August 2026 for the school year.

Recreation and Parks Director Ray Bivens told the board staffing and benefit competition in the local childcare market make it difficult for the county to operate the center at the scale planned. He said the county’s preference would be to partner with a nonprofit first, with private contractors considered if nonprofit partners are not available. Bivens said a contracted manager would likely assume utilities and outfit the facility, and the county would seek to structure compensation as a share of gross receipts rather than a traditional rent model.

Commissioners asked for details about pricing, discounts and hours. The board discussed offering discounted rates and enrollment preference to county employees, and commissioners asked the department to explore options for shift‑work or off‑hours care to support emergency‑services personnel.

Several commissioners urged strong partnerships with local education providers — including College of Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s County Public Schools — for staff training and early‑childhood curriculum alignment. The department confirmed hazardous‑material remediation and demolition work are underway at the site and that detailed construction drawings were near completion.

Outcome: the commission approved the solicitation to seek a management partner. The motion passed with four commissioners in favor and one opposed; one commissioner had previously recused from a related vote earlier in the meeting. Department staff will return with procurement documents and proposed contract terms for commissioner approval.","The Board approved Recreation & Parks’ request to solicit proposals for an outside contractor to operate the county’s employee childcare center; commissioners cited recruitment and retention benefits for public safety and county staff but raised questions about pricing and service hours.",{"_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},6172264,"Commissioners approve Pax River Village Center rezoning despite Navy opposition",781,2702000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b&start=2702&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b/thumbnail_2702000.jpg","/articles/6172264/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-Pax-River-Village-Center-rezoning-despite-Navy-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172264-b553c45f1c61bd86f24bb23a6d62402f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141724&Signature=d~PeVZBBbe58xFWYf1VNVHn~wj-N9EhPbJSgMcyXfyRkKGEekNPB4jGfoesoC2zPqiXxuzbfvolbAZA7hJqvhKjMbU5L69UEUm8G4NbJ6SL-Zj42TeGimiFgnSuR2pldAJxcm7oJZhiyR4n2AoWtlTIr9l-2eRCE~VBqbnS893IHWkDJCfebaipZEHw32fiPQVP-EEUpzqHukmhlGnD3q6TTai1Z9aYrBbN5yr26trOhCCYcGFOpFlNahvbfTMPxwwZPvSENtIertH8IBCra9DaAusTB3oqfQe72mYQceK1NfmHLmzyI5ftaSo~0NlsyuDOXavArEbkT5k14jK8hAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County voted July 15 to approve a comprehensive-plan and zoning‑map change (Zone 24‑0413) for portions of the Pax River Village Center that fall outside the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (ACUS), moving the land use designation to mixed‑use high intensity and the zoning to MXH (high intensity mixed use).

Why it matters: the proposal aims to support downtown Lexington Park revitalization with higher‑intensity, walkable development and specific uses the developer has proposed, including townhomes and a childcare facility the YMCA would operate. The change drew both developer and local support and a formal recommendation of disapproval from Naval Air Station Patuxent River.

Commissioners heard that Atlantic Realty has invested in a plan it says will revitalize the Lexington Park corridor. “I like Atlantic Realty's plan. They've done a substantial investment,” one commissioner said during the discussion, while another commissioner said the Navy’s input on health, safety and mission implications compelled a no vote.

The record shows the Navy submitted a recommendation to disapprove the amendment; commissioners discussed follow‑up with Navy representatives in the meeting and noted Navy staff were in attendance. Commissioner comments were split: one commissioner said the project was outside the ACUS and supported moving ahead; another commissioner said the Navy’s stated concerns about health, safety and mission at NAS Patuxent River prevented support.

Roll call on the motion was recorded in the meeting transcript as: Commissioner Hewitt — Yes; Commissioner Coleman — No; Commissioner Alderson — Yes; Commissioner Guy — Yes. Commissioner Ostrow recused himself from the decision. Staff was directed to prepare findings of fact and final ordinances consistent with the decision.

Next steps: staff will draft final ordinances and findings of fact consistent with the commissioners’ approval. The developer and county will continue interactions with Navy representatives as suggested during the meeting.","The board voted to change land use and zoning to high‑intensity mixed use for portions of Pax River Village Center outside the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone; the Navy formally recommended disapproval and one commissioner voted no.",{"_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},6172269,"Commissioners approve Stewart’s Grant PUD changes after developer offers larger buffer and phased build schedule",1592,1069000,2661000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b&start=1069&end=2661","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5390881-ac9605a73ade8ef790d2fbf6d016821b/thumbnail_1069000.jpg","/articles/6172269/St-Marys-County/Maryland/Commissioners-approve-Stewarts-Grant-PUD-changes-after-developer-offers-larger-buffer-and-phased-build-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172269-e7afa1fcfcba8517554447ed81c9afb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141724&Signature=YQvEmVVxHAWcZLd93Y4x2WfKjdYRAqoZk0I7P8Po0AkhqqF45FKBigRhPmXaLHJxA7xgqfnsVHI1x0xMofBmvn-2qeiS1vLnqy7v3jsMQv-cvqQeXd6M8nqvp1x~PXN2QW-~S8heKe6XtI0-7Qah4OSAjWcHAvSd3krJgVFlJxe7msnern7inqVwApHSnvys8o6q2MjcGUyuz~7il6eb-V~2HV0Qv9sUdWDKWYWaKJjihg6-5Mb7dCI5M1CYJGCaPcTSJc-uLmJrWXDmv3cND00JymIiG3SgeXGNFFx3kcJBYjWq0CxBx3X1PPXeHRHbvDN6x1S6LcpjpGx9piXqqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved ordinance text 240030 on July 15, 2025, to amend the Stewart’s Grant planned unit development, including a reduction in maximum dwelling units and a new phasing schedule.

The ordinance lowers the maximum authorized dwelling units from 1,122 to 1,084, establishes an average build-out pace of 108 units per year once construction commences, and “reserve[s] those school seats to ensure adequate capacity will exist for the Stewart’s Grant for the duration of the build out,” Deputy County Attorney John Sterling Hauser said.

Why it matters: commissioners pressed the developer and staff on three principal community concerns — proximity to the longstanding Sanders Lake Sportsman Club shooting range, the project’s impact on school capacity, and traffic and road-design changes tied to the proposal.

Developer representatives told the board they altered the site plan to address range-adjacent concerns. “The setback…was increased from 56 feet to a 134 feet to the back of the lot line,” Paige Wyra, speaking for the applicant, said, adding that proffers include a vinyl-clad fence and expanded planting buffer. County staff described the proffered buffer as a type C planting buffer (35 feet with planting requirements) plus an additional 10 feet of plantings — effectively a roughly 45-foot vegetated buffer — with the remainder of the space to be maintained as open space out to the approximately 134-foot separation described to the commission.

On schools, Hauser summarized the county’s student-yield calculations: using St. Mary’s existing yield factors, Stewart’s Grant’s full build-out would generate a projected 516 students. He told commissioners that, factoring projected allocations and other developments, the county’s estimate produced a 13-year period during which allocated school seats would absorb the project’s student yield. Hauser also noted that if neighboring counties’ yield formulas (Calvert and Charles) were applied, the projected student yield would be lower.

Traffic and roadway design drew close attention. Traffic consultant Jackie Plott described the planned roadway as modeled on FDR Boulevard: “one lane in each direction with 6-foot shoulders” and left-turn bays at major access points. Plott said the revised plan omits a raised median to allow bypass around incidents and that restriping or widening at key exits could add two outbound lanes to reduce stacking at intersections.

Noise and safety concerns tied to the Sanders Lake range remained a topic of questions. Commissioners asked whether a sound study had been completed; project representatives said no sound study had been performed, and the developer plans disclosures in sales documents informing buyers of the adjacent shooting range.

Outcome and next steps: After discussion the commissioners voted to adopt text 240030 as presented. The ordinance includes the reduced unit cap, the phasing schedule, the increased open-space commitment and the road-design change from a multi-lane to a two-lane configuration where specified. Staff will implement the ordinance provisions and monitor required plan submittals and phasing compliance.","The St. Mary’s County commissioners voted to approve ordinance text 240030, which reduces the Stewart’s Grant planned unit development (PUD) dwelling count, adds a binding phasing schedule and increases a buffer near Sanders Lake Shooting Range; commissioners heard questions on school capacity, road design and noise mitigation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners accept several state and federal grants, including VOCA, recovery‑court, family‑services and RSVP awards

Commissioners authorize solicitation to seek outside manager for county employee childcare center

Commissioners approve Pax River Village Center rezoning despite Navy opposition

Commissioners approve Stewart’s Grant PUD changes after developer offers larger buffer and phased build schedule