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Calvert County presents survey results for Huntingtown, Owings and St. Leonard town center updates
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Summary
Long-range planners reported survey findings showing residents value rural character and small-scale revitalization but remain confused about zoning options; staff plans more outreach and early-2026 public meetings to refine town center designations.
Calvert County planning staff on Nov.19 presented results from an online survey and three October public input meetings for proposed updates to the Huntingtown, Owings and St. Leonard town center master plans.
Tay Harris, long range planner for the Department of Planning and Zoning, said the department asked respondents about residence (inside or outside the ZIP code), age and priorities for each town center. "Participants strongly valued the rural and small-town character and its sense of place," Harris said, adding that residents generally favored revitalization of existing commercial areas rather than introduction of large businesses.
Staff reported turnout and mailing volumes varied: the Huntingtown meeting (Oct.14) drew an estimated 25 attendees after 5,700 postcards were mailed; Owings (Oct.20) drew about 41 attendees after 3,500 postcards; and Saint Leonard (Oct.6) drew about 40 attendees after 2,800 postcards. Survey tallies presented by staff showed an estimated 60% of respondents for Huntingtown and Owings preferred rezoning to a rural commercial district while about 40% preferred remaining a town center; Saint Leonard responses were the reverse, with about 60% favoring staying a town center and 40% leaning toward a rural commercial district.
Harris said common concerns across the three town centers included traffic congestion and safety (notably MD 260 in Owings), limited pedestrian connectivity, vacant buildings in need of revitalization, uncertainty about permitted uses and whether existing businesses would be grandfathered under a new district, and questions about where water and sewer would be provided. She told commissioners staff will prepare FAQs, expand outreach by email and social media, and work with civic groups to improve notice and attendance.
The department plans follow-up presentations and public information meetings in early 2026. Harris said the Board of County Commissioners will receive a preview on Dec.2, and the department will return to the planning commission for further guidance before drafting formal amendments.
The presentation was informational; no action was taken at the Nov.19 meeting.
