Sometimes it takes a different approach to make progress on a tough issue.  Our six-person workgroup was asked to present a status report to the Charles County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, March 4th, and I was asked to speak for the group at the meeting.  The Commissioners appreciated the efforts of the workgroup and seemed to like the results.

I am presenting Workgroup recommendations to the Charles County Board of Commissioners.

We were asked to reconvene to try to develop a final Tier map (indicating where major subdivisions are permitted) for the Commissioners to consider for adoption. Maryland Secretary of Planning Rich Hall (and member of the workgroup) indicated that the only minor changes would be needed to comply with state requirements.

Despite its proximity to Washington, D.C., Charles County still has over two hundred thousand acres of farm and forest land, plus 9,000 acres of wetlands. Some of its creeks are the most pristine in the state. The Commissioners have the opportunity to build its agriculture, forestry and fisheries economies, while improving the prospects for builders to construct homes in designated growth areas. Everyone should win with this approach. Stay tuned!

An informative article regarding the presentation can be found here.