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Commission hears proposal to rezone eight parcels to heavy industrial; some commissioners raise environmental and siting concerns
Summary
Staff proposed reclassifying eight parcels in southern Calvert County to Heavy Industrial (I‑2) to encourage low‑traffic, high‑paying employers; commissioners questioned proximity to parks and water resources and raised concerns about potential pollution and park impacts.
Calvert County planning staff presented a proposed zoning change Sept. 18 to redesignate eight parcels in southern Calvert County from lighter categories (Industrial 1, rural/forest) to Heavy Industrial (I‑2) as part of the broader zoning ordinance update.
Long‑range planner Tay Harris said the parcels are near existing infrastructure and were identified to attract businesses that "generate little traffic to high paying jobs and substantially contribute to the county tax base." The parcels include seven near the Appeal Landfill and one property currently owned by Constellation (Calvert Cliffs), staff said.
Director Mary Beth Cook confirmed ownership details: "It's actually owned by Calvert Cliffs. It's currently Constellation," she said while explaining the parcels staff and commissioners identified for potential rezoning. Several commissioners expressed concern about concentrating heavy industrial uses in the southern part of the county and questioned whether parks and public spaces could coexist with heavier industrial zoning; one commissioner warned of pollution risks, saying, "We're just talking about more pollution."
Staff said detailed permitted uses for the heavy industrial category will be specified in the zoning ordinance update and noted that some uses (for example, asphalt plants) had generated public comment during the ordinance review process. The proposal will proceed with the required plan amendments and a 60‑day review period as staff works to align master plans and the zoning ordinance with the comprehensive plan.
