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Commissioners approve zoning change to allow redevelopment of Owings gas station
Summary
Calvert County commissioners approved a map amendment to expand the Owings Town Center boundary and allow redevelopment of an aging filling station at 136–150 E. Chesapeake Beach Road; the applicant said a traffic study and state access permit will be required before construction.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a zoning map amendment that will reclassify two properties in Owings to the Town Center Core District and allow redevelopment of an existing automobile filling station. Planning staff presented the application and said the change would conform a longstanding, nonconforming use to the county's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.
"This application is specifically for these two pieces of property," attorney Matthew Tedesco, who represented the applicant, told commissioners. "It is limited to just these two properties to facilitate economic redevelopment of this station." Tedesco added that a traffic impact analysis and any required State Highway access permits will be completed during development review.
Planning and Zoning Planner Will Hager explained that the rezoning would let the applicant demolish the existing structures and build a modern station with improved circulation, landscaping, stormwater controls and septic upgrades. Hager said Maryland SHA traffic counts show average daily traffic along MD 260 of about 7,045 vehicles per day in 2023, and the applicant's concept plans show new entrances and on‑site improvements intended to reduce driveway conflicts.
Commissioners who spoke in favor said the project should include turn‑lane or intersection improvements if warranted and urged close coordination with SHA at permitting. One commissioner said, "I would implore you to put turn lanes in that station," citing safety at the busy intersection.
The board adopted the amendment as a standalone vote (map amendment case 25‑01); staff and the applicant said subsequent reviews will determine specific intersection improvements and any required mitigation measures during site development review.
