The Leonardtown Town Commissioners on Monday voted down a proposal to reduce the density requirements for multi-family housing from the current ten units per acre down to eight units per acre. The decision came after a public hearing at which several people said the reduction would work against the need for workforce housing.
John Parlett, who chairs a St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce committee on workforce housing, said, “In the current economy it would be counterproductive for workforce housing. We are looking for a way to increase workforce housing. Multi-family does, by its very nature, provide opportunities for workforce housing.”
Parlett said that workforce housing shouldn’t be confused with affordable housing. It is described as 40-110 percent of the median family income. Typical targets for workforce housing are teachers, law enforcement officers and retail managers.
Town Councilwoman Leslie Roberts noted that there have been several multi-family housing proposals in town “that were kind of scary.” She said instead of reducing the density the town could use other planning methods to control the quality of the housing.
Also speaking against the proposed regulations was Joe Mitchell, an attorney and former director of the county’s economic development department. He said, “You may be sending the wrong signal.”
Mitchell said that the town has an opportunity of developing small industry such as high tech starter companies, but the town needs places for their workers to live. He said, “Hard working people need a place to live.”
Parlett’s committee co-chair Chris Longmore also attended the public hearing and town planning commission member Jack Candella is also a committee member.
The council voted unanimously to turn down the proposed change to the town zoning ordinance. They also turned aside a proposal to require a conditional use approval for a proposed retail use within an office location. Office building owner John Weiner said the extra regulatory requirement would be a disincentive for potential tenants. The commissioners did approve changes to the sign ordinance that also include new regulations for digital signs.
In other town business, the commissioners introduced a proposed budget that does not include a property tax rate increase. The budget will be reviewed at an upcoming work session and voted on in June.
The commissioners also approved a fee for use of the town wharf park for group parties similar to what is charged for use of the town square. Fees will be $75 for parties under 75 people and $150 for parties greater than 75.
