CHARLES COUNTY, MD — In a comprehensive update to the Board of Commissioners on July 9, Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry, alongside Captains Cari Baker and Clarence Black, addressed recent community concerns about public safety following the Independence Day celebrations. The officials confirmed that the holiday weekend passed without significant incidents, alleviating worries from residents of the Stonehaven Community who had expressed their concerns during public comment sessions last month.
Further discussions included a proposal for a rental registry in Charles County, a suggestion originating from the 2008 Rural Housing Improvement Initiative Task Force. Despite previous rejections in 2011 and 2021 due to cost concerns, Building Code Official Don Litten and Assistant Deputy County Attorney Danielle Mitchell requested commissioner approval to proceed with fiscal analysis and community engagement for the registry. The commissioners unanimously agreed to move forward with the proposal.
Acting County Administrator Deborah Hall briefed on planned renovations for the Commissioner Meeting Room. The project aims to reintroduce the auditorium as the primary public meeting space with enhanced hybrid meeting capabilities and improved security measures, adapting after shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the zoning front, Planner III Amy Blessinger and Planning Director Charles Rice led a work session on proposed changes to the Aviation Business Park Zone around Maryland Airport. Following public feedback, an amended zoning map was presented, which excludes 300 acres to address community concerns, notably removing hotel use and adding educational facilities. The commissioners voted to send the revised proposals back to the Planning Commission for further analysis.
In legislative moves, a public hearing saw the introduction of Proposed Bill 2024-12 for the Establishment of Community Reinvestment and Repair Funds (CRRF), aimed at utilizing tax revenues from the 2023 Cannabis Reform Act. The funds are designated to support community initiatives in low-income and disproportionally impacted areas. The commissioners supported the bill unanimously.
Additional approvals included support for grant applications by Hospice of Chesapeake focused on dementia care in rural communities and professional development for clinical staff. A resolution to extend temporary agritourism event provisions through the end of 2024 was also passed.
The session also featured updates on various departmental activities including public works, economic development, and recreational services, underscoring the county's ongoing efforts to address diverse community needs.
The next Commissioners' session is scheduled for July 23-24. Accessibility services remain a priority, with contact options available for citizens with special needs.
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