Commissioner urges St. Mary’s County residents to complete land‑use survey for comprehensive plan

A St. Mary’s County commissioner urged residents to complete a Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM) survey that staff are distributing as part of the county’s comprehensive plan process, saying the outreach is “extremely important” for shaping future growth.

The commissioner said LUGM staff were handing out the surveys at the county’s Juneteenth celebration at the fairgrounds and encouraged residents to use the opportunity to record their preferences and concerns. “That is your time to put your opinion forward and let us know,” the commissioner said during remarks at the meeting.

The request follows earlier references by Commissioner Hewitt to planning sessions connected to the comprehensive plan. County staff have been holding outreach events and distributing surveys to gather public input; the commissioner said many people are reluctant to fill them out but that answers from residents are essential to guide future decisions. No formal vote or policy change was announced at the meeting.

The commissioner also reminded residents that public forums and town halls are available for direct questions; the commissioner said a town hall is scheduled for August. The commissioner urged residents to contact commissioners directly rather than relying solely on social media, saying social posts sometimes lack factual detail.

Discussion: County planning staff’s outreach at community events was described as the primary method currently in use to collect input for the comprehensive plan. Direction: LUGM staff are distributing surveys at outreach events; residents were encouraged to complete those surveys and attend public hearings.

Background: A comprehensive plan guides local land‑use decisions, but the meeting transcript included no details on timelines, specific policy proposals, or funding tied to the plan. The meeting record did not include any formal motions or votes related to the comp plan.