PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning is inviting public feedback on Chapter Three of the Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan, part of a newly consolidated Master Plan of Town Centers, through August 19, 2025. The initiative, endorsed by the Calvert County Planning Commission in February 2025, aims to create a vibrant, well-planned community in Dunkirk with updated guidelines for land use, transportation, public facilities, and amenities.
The consolidated Master Plan of Town Centers merges updated information for all Calvert County town centers into a single document. Chapter One, which applies to all town centers, and Chapter Three, dedicated to Dunkirk, are available for review at www.calvertcountymd.gov/3929/Chapter-1-Town-Centers and www.calvertcountymd.gov/2870/Chapter-3-Dunkirk-Town-Center-Master-Pla, respectively. The plans are intended to amend the spring 2023 draft plan and replace the 1987 Dunkirk Master Plan, providing a streamlined resource for community development.
Residents, workers, shoppers, and visitors to Dunkirk are encouraged to review the drafts and submit comments by the close of business on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Feedback can be submitted via email to TownCenterUpdate@calvertcountymd.gov, by mail or hand delivery to Mr. John Toohey, Chair, Calvert County Planning Commission, 205 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or by fax to 410-414-3283. All comments will become part of the public record and be available upon request.
The Department of Planning & Zoning seeks to ensure the Dunkirk Town Center Master Plan reflects community needs and priorities. The plan outlines strategies to enhance land use, improve transportation networks, and expand public facilities and amenities, fostering a cohesive and thriving town center. For more details on the Town Center Master Plans, visit www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/TownCenters. Questions can be directed to Tay Harris, long range planner, at 410-535-1600, ext. 2333, or Tay.Harris@calvertcountymd.gov. Planning Commission meeting schedules and agendas are available at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/3881/2025-Agenda-Calendar.
The consolidated master plan represents a shift toward a more unified approach to town center development in Calvert County. By combining individual plans into one document, the county aims to improve accessibility and coherence in planning efforts. Dunkirk, as a key town center, stands to benefit from updated guidelines that address modern community needs while preserving its character. The public comment period offers a critical opportunity for stakeholders to shape the future of Dunkirk’s growth.
Calvert County has a history of engaging residents in planning processes to ensure development aligns with community goals. Previous updates to town center plans, such as the 2023 draft, have incorporated public input to refine land use policies and infrastructure priorities. The current effort builds on this foundation, aiming to create a sustainable and dynamic Dunkirk Town Center. Residents are urged to participate to help guide the county’s vision for a well-planned, vibrant community.
