LA PLATA, Md. — Starting Monday, March 17, 2025, the Charles County Department of Parks and Recreation will relocate nearly 50 employees into the former Bolton Building at 107 Centennial St., adjacent to Sacred Heart Church. The move, announced by the Charles County Government, is expected to increase traffic and reduce parking availability near the parish, prompting immediate concerns and planned adjustments from church leadership.
The influx of county staff and visitors conducting business with the department will strain the parking lot shared with Sacred Heart parishioners. Father Scott, the parish pastor, has prioritized member safety and access to parking for Masses and events, though existing agreements between prior church leaders and property owners complicate the situation. Details of these arrangements remain unclear, but the parish is actively addressing the issue.
To monitor the impact, Sacred Heart will assess parking conditions daily starting March 17. Church officials will also meet regularly with the Office of General Counsel for the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and the Charles County Attorney’s Office to negotiate a fair resolution. The goal is to balance the needs of parishioners with the new demands imposed by the county’s presence.
Traffic patterns around the church are already shifting. Increased thru-traffic from St. Marys Avenue and Carol’s Place, a street between the Downtown Commons Condos and the church, has turned the rear parking area into a de facto shortcut, especially as drivers avoid the four-way stop at St. Marys Avenue and Centennial Street. This has led to safety hazards, including two reported accidents and several near-misses behind the church.
In response, Sacred Heart plans to install bollards with removable chains at key points. The first set will block the intersection of Carol’s Place and the rear parking lot, forcing condo residents to exit via St. Marys Avenue and halting dangerous thru-traffic. These bollards will stay locked except during Saturday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., aligning with Mass schedules. The second set will close two St. Marys Avenue entrances on the rectory side during non-parish events, with hours to be determined based on parish needs.
The Charles County Government confirmed the relocation aligns with efforts to consolidate services, though specifics on parking arrangements were not disclosed. The Bolton Building, a historic structure near downtown La Plata, offers proximity to county facilities but limited parking, exacerbating the overlap with Sacred Heart’s lot.
Parishioners are asked to remain patient as these changes unfold. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves, and concerns can be directed to the parish office.
