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Council signals readiness for aggressive action on long-running Richfield Station developer issues
Summary
Council members said they are prepared to take drastic measures to address years-long development and maintenance failures at Richfield Station, asked staff to pursue options with the town attorney, and discussed using bonds or taking steps to bring the property into compliance.
Chesapeake Beach council members pressed staff to pursue stronger action on chronic infrastructure and maintenance issues at Richfield Station, a multi-year problem the council said has left residents with substandard roads and exposed utilities.
At the meeting a council member said they were “ready for drastic action” to compel developer compliance and discussed options that could include using performance bonds or taking steps to assume responsibility for incomplete infrastructure. The mayor said the town attorney was listening via the livestream and that staff would consult with the attorney when she returns to address next steps.
Council members asked staff to place Richfield Station developer issues on an upcoming agenda or discuss them in a staff meeting with the town attorney present. One council member proposed a closed-session briefing with the attorney to allow a full appraisal of legal options related to Richfield Station and a separate matter, referred to in the meeting as the “Capital Connections” cases (the latter will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the town administrator said).
A resident who spoke during public comment asked whether the developer had updated completion or surety bonds; staff said they would check and provide that information. Council members emphasized the prolonged nature of the issues and expressed impatience with past administrations’ handling of the matter.
Ending: Staff agreed to follow up with the town attorney, check the status of any surety/completion bonds, and return with suggested agenda items or a staff briefing to determine legal and procurement options for addressing developer noncompliance.
