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St. Mary’s commissioners ask state for more time on Plan Maryland; approve county comment letter
Summary
The commissioners approved a staff‑drafted letter to the Maryland Department of Planning on the state’s Plan Maryland draft and voted to request a 12‑month extension to the comment period; one commissioner voted against the extension.
The Saint Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday approved sending a county comment letter on the state’s draft Plan Maryland and separately voted to request an extension of the Plan Maryland public comment period.
County Administrator John Savage told commissioners the state released an initial draft in April and that local staff had discussed the draft with state staff and at regional meetings. Commissioners said the draft contains many non‑measurable goals and terminology that are not defined; several called for more time to review specifics and to work with state agencies on a version that counties can implement.
Commissioner Cynthia L. Jones said 60 days will not be sufficient to evaluate the draft and recommended a longer review. Commissioners discussed the Carroll County resolution circulated among counties; staff said the county’s draft letter asks for additional time but does not specify a duration, while Carroll County’s resolution had asked for a year.
The board approved a motion to sign the letter to the Maryland Department of Planning as presented. The board then approved a separate motion asking the state to extend the comment period; the motion to request a 12‑month extension passed with one dissenting vote.
Why it matters: Plan Maryland is the state’s strategic growth plan; commissioners said a one‑size‑fits‑all approach risks imposing standards that will be difficult for faster‑growing rural counties such as Saint Mary’s to meet without losing local flexibility. Commissioners emphasized they support planning goals but want measurable objectives and time to collaborate with state agencies.
Next steps: Staff said the state will issue another draft (the next draft targeted for Sept. 7), after which the county will review again and submit formal comments. The board also directed staff to pursue the Carroll County resolution circulation among counties and to continue coordinating via the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) and regional planning forums.
