Story Category: The Bay Net Exclusives »

In less than two weeks Calvert County Government’s Department of Planning and Zoning becomes the Department of Community Planning and Building. During the Tuesday, June 19 meeting of the Calvert County Commissioners, a key member of the newly named department, whose task will be to make various processes more customer friendly, was introduced.

“We are taking our services to a more responsive level,” said Charles Johnston, the department’s director. Johnston introduced 20-year county employee Terry Williams, who will serve as Community Planning and Building’s “development navigator.”

In that role, Williams, who has spent a great deal of her county government career in the Division of Inspections and Permits, will assist applicants and other stakeholders by providing information on project site plans, subdivision reviews as well as other processes.

“I can take those phone calls and emails and get right back to the folks,” said Williams.

Commissioners President Gerald W. “Jerry” Clark [R] confirmed that homeowners concerned about the possible need for permits regarding planned projects on their properties would be wise to contact Williams ahead of time.

“Miscommunication happens a lot,” said Commissioner Susan Shaw [R], who indicated the development navigator position should eliminate such snafus. “It takes a certain personality to ferret out what people need.”

“Terry is a problem solver,” said Johnston.

The Department of Community Planning and Building will also present a more customer friendly image by utilizing a front desk as the first stop for citizens. Johnston said the construction project for the configuration is about 80 percent complete. It is expected to be in operation by July 2.

Clark quipped, “you got a permit, didn’t you?”

As part of its new name and image, the Department of Community Planning and Building will consist of four divisions—Policy; Development Review; Appeals, Variances and Exceptions; and Inspections and Permits.

Williams may be reached at 410-535-1600, ext. 2642.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com