PLANS CARRY FORWARD to develop seven carefully selected waterfront areas in Charles County.  The Bay Net received background and details on some of these projects during a recent interview with county Economic Development Director John Reardon. 

In 1999, a county task force charged with looking into future waterfront development along our major waterways delivered its report to the commissioners.  County government wanted to preserve our natural resources and avoid over-developing our waterfront areas.  They wanted a way to stay ahead of future waterfront development proposals and control where such developments could occur. 

The job of the task force, chaired by local business woman, Evelyn Hungerford, was to conduct a study of the county’s waterfront areas and make recommendations as to where development should be concentrated or avoided. 

According to Reardon, the task force recommended that the county limit waterfront development to seven specific areas.  Additionally, the report suggested that development of these waterfront areas should create jobs for the county, and continue to allow public access to each area.  Reardon told The Bay Net that the task force “did a great job” and the Economic Development Department continues to honor those recommendations.

Nanjemoy's western shore, above. Swan Point & Cobb Island, below.

Reardon described the future development for these lands as “very unique areas with strong amenities and public access”.  He added that a percentage of the tax revenue streams generated by the businesses in the target areas is planned to go into a special county-wide fund supporting “Active Open Space”.  Uses for such spaces include agriculture, conservation areas, game management areas, and view corridors with golf courses among others. 

The waterfront lands suggested for development include the area from Port Tobacco to Chapel Point State Park, the south county area around Aqua Land by the Nice Bridge, the Smallwood State Park area, and the area from Indian Head to Marshall Hall.

Nanjemoy’s Western shore may be slated for ecotourism development, working-farm type businesses.

The Cobb Island area is in the process of getting a $35 million 150-room luxury hotel/spa/conference center and marina at the southwest corner of Swan Point.  US Steel & partners are the developers for this, the county’s first Potomac River development. 

The final area, Benedict, is an important location, according to Reardon.  He feels it really has the potential to be a Solomon’s Island for the county.  He cautions, however, that it’s a sensitive area and should evolve slowly so the character of the area is preserved.  Lack of county utilities made the area less attractive to developers.  However, county water/sewer utilities should be extended there next year.

.