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Commissioners defer camera ordinances, read public comments and vote to oppose tree‑clearing solar project
Summary
County commissioners deferred votes on two ordinances covering red‑light and school‑zone speed cameras to allow amendments after public feedback, read emailed comments for and against the proposals, and voted to send a letter of opposition to the Public Service Commission over a proposed tree‑clearing solar field on Kenpoint Road.
Queen Anne's County commissioners on March 24 deferred action on two proposed ordinances—one that would authorize red‑light camera systems and another for speed monitoring in school zones—so staff can consider amendments following public feedback. County staff read emailed public comments in favor and opposed: Elizabeth Strater supported both camera types (citing school- and neighborhood-safety concerns), while Sharon Newsbach urged a 'no' on speed cameras on Route 8.
Commissioners clarified that the debated speed-zone cameras would operate on state roads only in school zones, Monday–Friday and targeting drivers exceeding the limit by more than 12 mph; county roads remain under local control where applicable. Staff said they will work on amendments and possibly return the ordinances for another hearing.
Separately, commissioners discussed a proposed 1.85‑MW solar project on Kenpoint Road that would require clearing forested ground. Multiple commissioners and remote public commenters described broad local opposition and expressed concern the recent state preemption law limits county control over siting and mitigation requirements. A remote commenter identifying himself as Jay Falset of the Cleanance Conservation Association urged the commissioners to object and said the developer is an out‑of‑state company; several residents and commissioners highlighted potential tree clearing near wetlands and habitat.
The board voted to send a letter of opposition to the Maryland Public Service Commission on the specific Kenpoint Road proposal and asked staff to keep the county delegation and state resource agencies informed. Commissioners said the state law that preempted some local controls does not remove their responsibility to register concerns with the PSC and state agencies.
What’s next: staff will draft ordinance amendments for the camera measures before a future hearing and will send the formal county letter of opposition to the PSC on the solar project; the PSC retains final jurisdiction under state law.
