La Plata, MD – Bryans Road’s rapid growth on the western side of Charles County has concerned residents and county leaders alike, but the Charles County Planning Commission voted Feb. 8 to keep the plan currently in place for that region intact.
The commission considered a proposal by member Nancy Schertler to have a 200-acre tract slated for development included in a nearby Watershed Conservation District, but the motion was voted down by a 4-3 margin.
Charles County Planning Director Steve Ball told the board that the discussion would allow “an opportunity to make changes in a few different areas.
“We want some direction on if you want to make any changes to the future land use in these areas for Brayns Road, or do we continue on with the plan that’s been in place for the region, the Bryans Road Subarea Plan,” Ball said. “We have the residential, community center, the Indian Head Science and Tech Park and the airport, all tied into this area.”
He said there were only two areas designated as residential that could be changed if the board so desired.
“The remainder of it is either in Watershed Conservation District or developed or committed properties,” Ball explained. “These are the only areas that I can determine, when people say there is too much growth in Bryans Road, these are what we are looking at that is remaining. It doesn’t change their perception.
“There are a lot of projects that are either built, committed or positioned for development,” he added. “There’s not much more we can do about that unless you put a moratorium on growth.
“Is it too much growth in keeping with the annual report for target growth?” Joan Jones asked. “Is it not within those goals?”
“Yes it is,” Ball responded.
“Is there any reason why it can’t remain as it is?” Jones asked.
“These are not staff issues,” he said. “This is what we’ve heard from the public, so we’re bringing them back to you. They can remain as they are or you can change them.”
“I wouldn’t recommend changing either, but that’s my opinion,” Jones stated.
Schertler made a motion to change the zoning on property currently zoned low density residential district adjacent to Indian Head have to Water Conservation District. The motion failed by one vote.
In reviewing the Watershed Conservation District, Priority Preservation Areas and Bryans Road, all for the proposed Comprehensive Plan, the board is slowly but surely moving through issues related to that plan, which is expected to be a blueprint for the county’s future, by late summer to early fall, when it is expected after a five-year gestation period, to be at last approved and in place.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com