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Residents urge strict oversight of Piney Point terminal redevelopment amid concerns about a proposed private airfield
Summary
Residents urged commissioners to require robust environmental remediation and regulatory oversight of the Piney Point terminal redevelopment proposed by Offshore Aviation Group, warning that a WWII-era runway does not authorize a modern private airport and raising concerns about noise, traffic, water and wetlands impacts.
Residents who live near the Piney Point terminal told the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday they support remediation of the long-idle site but want the county and state to require stronger oversight of any redevelopment.
At a St. Mary’s County public forum, Deborah White said she supports "smart growth" but urged officials to ensure full environmental cleanup and to clarify whether Offshore Aviation Group plans to build a private airport at the site. "Nor would a preexisting industrial use zoning designation automatically permit the construction of a new modern aviation facility," White said, asking that regulators impose limits and hold well-publicized hearings.
White noted the site includes a World War II–era runway that she said appears closed and marked with white Xs, and argued that the presence of an old strip is not equivalent to authorization for a contemporary airfield. She also cited Maryland law in urging that zoning categories alone not be treated as blanket permission for more intensive uses (transcript reference: "Chapter 2 85 of the Maryland laws").
Other Piney Point residents voiced related concerns. Susan Ross told commissioners she fears drone and aircraft noise, light pollution, stress on an already-limited sewer system and potential impacts on the local aquifer and wetlands. Kurt Engel, a former pilot, called adding aviation "a red flag issue," saying the proposed air operations would be very close to nearby homes.
Speakers asked the commission to require clear disclosure from the developer about intended uses, to insist on environmental testing and remediation plans, and to ensure public hearings and regulatory review before any new aviation use is permitted.
Commission staff did not make any vote or directive at the forum; President Randy Guy said department heads were present and that staff would follow up with speakers who provided contact information.
The commission has not set a public decision at this meeting; residents said they expect the county to demand written plans, environmental studies and explicit operational limits if the project proceeds.
