PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A local group of residents called the Neeld Estate Citizens’ Association (NECA) presented a petition to Calvert County on July 21 to help protect land and homes affected by soil erosion.
The purpose of the petition is to move forward with a construction project that should add shoreline protection for approximately 430 linear feet of community shoreline through installation of approximately 180 linear feet of headland breakwater, clean sand fill and marsh grass plantings. In order to do so, NECA needs the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to establish the area as a Shoreline Erosion Control District (SECD). SECDs work as a mechanism to apply for loans and permits.
The work is estimated to cost $791,713, including $768,653 in construction costs and $23,060 in fees. By establishing the SECD, NECA can request a 20-year, zero-percent-interest loan through Calvert County from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the work.
NECA has proposed an annual levy of $335.47 per assessed residence, totaling 118 residences, to pay this loan. It is not requesting any additional funds from Calvert County.
There are already two headland breakwaters built in this location. Soil Conservation District Manager Jeason Leavitt said this type of project is the “predominant protection” for this area, and adding the third breakwater should offer adequate protection for the residences in the area.
NECA President John Norries told the BOCC that, in his estimate, about 87% of the residents in Neeld Estates had signed the petition.
“It’s a tight-knit community, and pretty much everyone I know is on board with trying to do this and save the shoreline,” Norris said.
The BOCC agreed to post a public hearing for NECA’s petition and request and return in 30 days to vote on the measure.
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