La Plata, MD – The Charles County Planning Commission denied a request to allow Chaney Enterprises to move its gravel plant to an area designated as rural conservation Monday July 13.
At issue was the proposed relocation of an existing Chaney Enterprises sand and gravel processing plant and ready-mix concrete plant from the west side of Mattawoman-Beantown Road to the east side of Mattawoman-Beantown Road, approximately one-half mile to the north of the Maryland Transit Authority Park and Ride Facility.
“We had tabled this issue to get more information,” said Planning Commission Member Nancy Schertler. “This is basically the same study we got June 1. It doesn’t address the issue. The applicant hasn’t met the criteria to approve the comprehensive plan amendment. It’s too bad we had to extend it. The applicant failed to provide us with the finding of facts.”
“I completely agree with Ms. Schertler,” said fellow member Rosemin Daya.
“He has had two opportunities,” Schertler noted.
“I would agree with that,” said Planning Director Steven Ball.
“I tend to agree with Nancy [Schertler] and Rosemin [Daya],” said Commission Chair Gilbert Bowling Jr. “We need to make a decision based on the information we have.”
“I would make a motion that the planning commission transmit this proposal to the county commissioners with a recommendation of denial,” Schertler suggested. “It is not consistent with the 2006 comprehensive plan to limit uses within a limited use category. Once you make a change of this vision, then other parcels on the east side of Mattawoman-Beantown Road could change in use and this would have a domino effect.
“If we change the comprehensive plan, it would be a huge disservice to the county,” she added. “The comprehensive plan is a vision of how we grow.”
“We’d better find a way to deal with our business partners or we’re going to lose them,” said Wayne Magoon.
Dava seconded the motion.
“My concern is that we’re sending the wrong signal,” member Joan Jones said.
“We’re not sending the signal to this participant,” Dava countered. “They have said they will remain where they are. Staff worked to make concessions and they have not agreed.”
“It’s not as if this is the only spot in Charles County they can move to,” Schertler said. “If they don’t want to move the gravel plant, that’s their choice.”
The board voted 4-3 not to allow Chaney to relocate, with Bowling casting the deciding vote.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com