Noting that new state policies and procedures are causing concern among the business and civic communities, the Calvert County Commissioners requested a presentation from the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding the current sign regulations.
The presentation was made by SHA officials during the commissioners’ Tuesday, Jan 17 meeting. County officials have indicated their biggest concern is the seemingly inconsistent way the regulations are being enforced.
“This is causing heartburn with the public,” declared Commissioner Susan Shaw [R]. “People need to know what the rules are.”
During the 2011 session of the Maryland General Assembly legislation was passed to address enforcement of sign regulations within the state road right-of-way and adjacent to state “scenic byways.” One measure established a fine of $25 per sign should the law be violated. Enforcement of the scenic byways is tied to federal funding, which could be reduced if Maryland fails to demand compliance. Signs that existed on these roads prior to the passage of legislation may remain, however, they may not be replaced or upgraded.
The SHA Real Estate Office’s Chief of Special Acquisitions Gary Bowman noted that the portion of Route 2/4 below Prince Frederick and ending in Solomons has been designated a scenic highway and therefore, no new signs are permitted.
That’s when one board member, who is also a St. Leonard business owner, interjected a Shakespearian theme to the plight of the town center.
“There’s the rub,” Commissioner Steven R. Weems [R] stated. “The real issue for me is we [St. Leonard Town Center] are the red-headed stepchildren. We’ve got businesses in St. Leonard that are on life support.”
Weems said travelers on the southern-most portion of Route 2/4 are oblivious to the commercial activity within the St. Leonard Town Center since businesses are not permitted to put up signs to direct the motorists there.
“It’s very frustrating, I think, for a lot of us,” said Weems.
State officials admitted si
