Planning commission schedules Jan. 21 public hearing on Dunkirk Town Center master plan

Planning staff told the Calvert County Planning Commission on the night of the meeting that revised drafts of Chapter 1 (Town Centers) and Chapter 3 (Dunkirk Town Center) will be advertised for public hearing on Jan. 21, 2026.

Kat Lockwood, Planner II for long‑range planning, presented the December 2025 draft and said the revisions reflect agency, departmental and public comments received during the 60‑day comment period. "Fiber optic services are currently being expanded countywide," Lockwood said, and staff updated the draft to reflect that change. She described two parcels of about 10 acres that are encumbered by septic fields, stormwater infrastructure and planned rights of way, with roughly 8–10 acres of each parcel developable; she said two additional northern parcels measure "8 plus acres" and "4 plus acres." Tay Harris, long‑range planner, added that staff had provided the draft to the Board of County Commissioners so both bodies would have the same information while reviewing the plan.

Planning staff asked the commission for direction to advertise the draft for public hearing. Commissioner Kernan moved to schedule and duly advertise a public hearing on Jan. 21, 2026 to receive comment on draft Chapter 1 (Town Centers) and draft Chapter 3 (Dunkirk Town Center); the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The public hearing, once advertised, will be the next formal opportunity for public testimony and will return to the commission for consideration of any testimony and final action. Staff materials provided with the agenda list the draft chapters and a map showing the proposed updates; the commission did not amend the draft at the meeting.