Richfield Station residents urge town action on unpaved roads, traffic signal and safety

Several Richfield Station residents told the Chesapeake Beach Town Council on Feb. 18 that unfinished roads, exposed and raised manhole covers, parking shortages and the timing of the entrance traffic signal are creating safety and quality-of-life problems.

The most immediate complaints came from residents along Clearview, Crestview and Clear Spring Drive, who described visible transitions from paved to unpaved surfaces at the circle, popping manhole covers, temporary ramps placed around openings and repeated vehicle and pedestrian hazards. Robin Jones, secretary of the Richfield Station homeowners association, said the unpaved stretches worsen with spring weather and expected melting, and asked the town what it and the developer planned to do.

“As we get to spring and see what those roads really look like, it’s a huge discussion,” Jones told the council. Ashton Conklin, a Clear Spring Drive resident, said contractors briefly returned, adjusted manholes and left after one day of work. “They were supposed to finish,” Conklin said.

Other residents said manholes that sit proud of the pavement cause driving hazards, bicycle and pedestrian risks and snow‑plow damage. Councilmember Jay (full name not specified) said the town has not formally taken over those sections and that plowing was being done as a courtesy while the developer’s buildout remains incomplete. Justin Dudash, a member of Richfield’s board of directors, said the settlement language he reviewed may exclude some areas from developer obligations; he said he would share documents with the town to clarify responsibilities.

Multiple residents also asked the council to take up traffic‑signal timing at the Richfield Station entrance. Residents proposed changing the lane assignment (making the curb lane right‑turn only), shortening signal cycles during low‑traffic hours and, for overnight hours, running the light in flashing mode to reduce unnecessary wait times. Council members said the State Highway Administration (SHA) would be the agency to receive proposed timing changes and that the town could compile residents’ suggestions for SHA.

Public safety concerns were raised about people loitering near the trailhead, alleged drug use, and cars congregating in parking areas. Samantha (last name not specified), a resident at the trailhead, said that people “park in the couple of guest parking for the trail and sit there for hours getting high,” and asked for more patrols. Sheriff’s Office representatives said marijuana use in public is a civil violation and that deputies would increase patrols and citations where appropriate; they also noted the department’s beach‑patrol cart would be used on the railway trail when weather allows.

Several speakers described complex ownership and governance matters: some units are designated as “townhouse condominiums,” and residents pay both an HOA and COA fee; others said the developer partitioned buildout to retain control over sections while selling units. Raymond Menser, a Crestview resident, said he had consulted an Annapolis attorney previously and believed the developer may have exploited administrative classifications when building.

Councilmembers and staff said the council will gather legal documents provided by residents, discuss the matter with the town attorney during a planned closed session on the topic and continue outreach to SHA and other agencies. Councilmember Eric (last name not specified) moved to add the topic of Richfield Station and potential legal action to a closed session at the end of the meeting; the council approved that addition.

The council also accepted a written public‑comment submission from the Richfield Station HOA and asked staff to obtain copies of legal and settlement documents residents say they possess. Residents said they would provide those materials to help the town determine whether developer obligations remain outstanding and whether town action or collaboration with the HOA is appropriate.