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Commissioner says St. Mary's County needs mental health facility, stresses property rights and zoning process
Summary
An unnamed commissioner said there is a "dire need" for a mental health facility in St. Mary's County, cautioned that a proposed site may not be ideal, and emphasized that zoning rules and public hearings determine whether developments proceed.
An unnamed county commissioner told the St. Mary's County Commissioners there is a “dire need for a mental health facility in St. Mary's County,” while cautioning that the specific location mentioned in public discussion “probably” may not be the best fit.
The speaker said property owners retain land-use rights and that county officials must follow zoning rules. “If it fits all the zoning parameters, then they're within the letter of the law,” the commissioner said. “It is not our place to tell them no. That is why we have the public hearings. That is why you get to come out and voice your opinions.”
The speaker referenced prior remarks by Commissioner Hood, saying Hood “also said, the owners have property rights.” The commissioner urged residents to attend hearings and use the public-comment process to express views about siting and zoning; no formal county action, permit decisions, or votes were described during the remarks.
Context: the comments framed the county’s role as applying zoning standards and providing public hearings rather than preemptively blocking privately proposed projects. The speaker did not identify a specific proposed site by address, and no official county evaluation, staff recommendation, or permitting decision was reported in the transcript.
The commissioner concluded by saying he looks forward to seeing members of the public at hearings and thanked listeners. No motions, directions to staff, or deadlines were stated in the remarks.
