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County presents public-review draft of Saint Mary's County 2050 comprehensive plan and schedules public engagement
Summary
The county's planning director and consultants presented the public-review draft of the Saint Mary's County 2050 comprehensive plan, described three vision themes and the 20-year policy framework, and outlined the third round of public engagement and open houses in March ahead of formal adoption hearings in early summer.
Department of Land Use and Growth Management Director Jessica Andres and consultant Leanne King (Clarion and Associates) presented the public-review draft of the Saint Mary's County 2050 comprehensive plan on Feb. 10 and described next steps in a multi-month engagement schedule.
King told the commission the comprehensive plan is a 20-year policy guidance document (not law) that will guide investments and land-use decisions. She outlined three vision themes — guide growth, protect environmental and agricultural resources, and serve the community — and said the draft aligns with state planning requirements and local master plans (for Lexington Park Development District and Leonardtown).
The consultant team summarized previous engagement rounds (beginning in 2024), technical analysis, and planning commission review. Round three of public engagement kicked off the week of the meeting; the team announced a series of open houses across the county in late February and March and will post a public‑review draft and surveys on the project website. The plan framework addresses growth management, housing, economic development, environment, transportation, public facilities and services, public health and community services, and natural hazards and resiliency.
Staff said that, following the public-review period, the planning commission and commissioners will review revisions and prepare a public-hearing draft; formal adoption hearings are expected in early summer. Commissioners encouraged broad public participation and the consultant said paper copies will be available at libraries and senior centers for those without internet access.
