Archaeological report at LaGrange property raises potential state review for proposed subdivision

Planning staff informed the Historic Preservation Commission about an archaeological site identified on the LaGrange subdivision property and the potential for additional state-level review if the developer requires state or federal permits or funding.

Staff said a phase‑1 archaeological context and investigation was completed in 2017 by St. Mary’s College of Maryland; the report is titled In Search of Josiah Henson’s Birthplace: Archaeological Investigations at LaGrange near Port Tobacco, Maryland and the site is recorded under Maryland Historic Trust number CH‑267. Staff told commissioners the town’s standard subdivision review includes a condition: if the project needs state or federal permits or uses state/federal funds, then the project will be referred to the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) for further review; that referral could prompt additional archaeological investigation (expanded phase‑1, phase‑2 testing, or phase‑3 data recovery) and mitigation measures.

Staff explained that possible triggers for MHT involvement include a State Highway Administration permit for a new access onto MD Route 6 (Port Tobacco Road) or wetlands permits related to on-site streams. If state permitting is required, MHT would review the site, advise on additional archaeology work, and could require mitigation measures such as expanded testing, excavation (phase‑3), or interpretive/commemorative measures if the site is found eligible for the state or national register. Staff emphasized that such reviews are initiated by state permitting agencies and MHT; the town’s role, as described by staff, is to ensure the applicant meets any state or federal permit conditions before issuing local grading or building permits.

Commissioners asked whether excavation had already occurred; staff confirmed that the phase‑1 investigation and test-pit work were completed circa 2016–2017, and that the report documents those efforts. Staff cautioned that further study could be required once permits are sought and that any required archaeological work must be completed before ground‑disturbing construction to preserve the site’s stratigraphic context. Staff also noted the town’s historic‑resource ordinance currently does not provide a separate local review path for this property and that updating the ordinance to allow earlier local review of archaeological resources is an item the commission may consider in its work plan.

Action/administrative note: staff said the planning commission is expected to see the subdivision again (noted meeting date Oct. 7) and that staff will include the appropriate condition of approval requiring referral to MHT when state or federal permits or funds are implicated. Staff encouraged interested commissioners to contact planning staff for the report and to direct any public questions about the LaGrange project to the planning office.

No local legal action or designation was made at the meeting; staff described the state review pathway and the possibility of mitigation depending on MHT findings.