The St. Mary’s County Commissioners have reduced the speed limit on a portion of Golden Beach Road in Charlotte Hall. The section from Route 5 to Kilpeck Creek Court, which passes by the new state park- and-ride lot, has been reduced from 50 to 40 miles per hour. Director of Public Works and Transportation George Erichsen made the request because of complaints of speeding and several accidents.
“I support this 100 percent,” said Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R: 3rd) who represents the northern portion of the county. The decision to reduce the speed limit was unanimous.
Erichsen was asked to notify the sheriff of the change and ask for additional speed enforcement along that stretch.
The park-and-ride also came in for some discussion during the commissioner meeting. Jarboe said the entrance needs to be revised by the state because a curb makes it hard to navigate.
Earlier in the meeting the commissioners approved a grant request by the Department of Emergency Services and Technology for security cameras for the parking lot. Commissioner Daniel Morris (R: 2nd) wondered why the state wasn’t paying for it. Department director Bob Kelly said the cameras were for the safety of county citizens.
Morris also criticized the state for putting a large sign on northbound Route 5 right before Golden Beach Road for the park and ride lot. Morris said the state didn’t have any trouble doing that but rejected a sign that he had requested because the road was too cluttered with signs. Morris wanted a sign at the county line indicating that Three Notch Road began there. At that point it changes from Leonardtown Road. He said there was some confusion for people looking for businesses.
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