PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners will host a public hearing on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. to gather community input on the draft Chapter 1: Town Centers and Chapter 2: Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan. These documents, part of the ongoing update to the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan, aim to shape the future of development in Calvert County’s key commercial and residential hub. The hearing, set for the Commissioners Hearing Room at the Calvert County Circuit Courthouse on Main Street, offers residents a chance to influence zoning, infrastructure, and growth policies in Prince Frederick.
The draft chapters build on feedback collected during a 90-day comment period from June 27 to September 25, 2024, which included input from county agencies, departments, and the public. The December 2024 draft of the Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan incorporated these comments, refining proposals for land use, transportation, and community facilities. Chapter 1 addresses overarching town center policies across Calvert County’s eight designated town centers, including Dunkirk, Lusby, and Solomons, while Chapter 2 focuses specifically on Prince Frederick, the county seat and a central hub for over 3,200 residents and businesses.
Residents can attend the hearing in person at 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, or participate remotely via a toll-free phone line (301-715-8592, Meeting ID: 899 4188 8251, Passcode: #, Request to speak: *9). The event will be broadcast live on Comcast channel 1070 and the Calvert County Government YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/CalvertCountyGov, with recordings available on-demand at www.CalvertCountymd.gov/Meetings. The hearing’s date may shift due to weather or emergencies, and residents are advised to check for updates.
The Prince Frederick Town Center Master Plan update aims to balance growth with the county’s rural character, addressing needs like walkable commercial areas, improved traffic flow on Route 4, and expanded public spaces. Prince Frederick, home to the CalvertHealth Medical Center and the county’s government offices, serves as a vital economic engine. The plan proposes enhancements like mixed-use developments, better pedestrian access, and sustainable infrastructure to support a growing population while preserving the area’s charm, as outlined in prior county planning documents.
Community input is critical, as Calvert County’s 93,928 residents rely on town centers for shopping, services, and employment. The 2018 Comprehensive Plan emphasized sustainable growth, with Prince Frederick targeted for denser development to reduce sprawl. Feedback during the 2024 comment period highlighted concerns about traffic congestion, affordable housing, and green spaces, which the draft chapters address through zoning adjustments and infrastructure proposals. For example, Chapter 2 suggests expanding bike lanes along Main Street and adding retail to attract visitors from nearby North Beach and Chesapeake Beach.
Residents can review the full drafts at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/3929/Chapter-1-Town-Centers and www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/PrinceFrederickTownCenter or contact the Planning & Zoning office at 410-535-1600, ext. 2356, or towncenterupdate@calvertcountymd.gov. Written comments are due by 4:30 p.m. on September 29, 2025, via email to towncenterupdate@calvertcountymd.gov or mail to the Planning Commission at 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Comments submitted at the hearing require 15 copies for distribution to the commission, staff, and media.
Tay Harris, the county’s long-range planner, encourages residents to engage. “This hearing is a chance for the community to shape Prince Frederick’s future,” Harris said. Questions can be directed to her at 410-535-1600, ext. 2333, or tay.harris@calvertcountymd.gov. The Planning Commission, which advises the commissioners, will use public input to finalize the chapters, influencing decisions on zoning variances, development approvals, and capital projects like road improvements or new public facilities.
The hearing follows Calvert County’s tradition of inclusive planning, seen in past updates like the 2010 Town Center Master Plan, which spurred developments like the Prince Frederick Marketplace. With the county’s population projected to grow 10% by 2040, according to Maryland Department of Planning estimates, the updated plan aims to manage growth while maintaining quality of life. Residents of Prince Frederick and surrounding areas, including Owings and Huntingtown, are urged to participate to ensure the plan reflects local priorities, such as preserving historic sites like the Calvert County Courthouse or enhancing community spaces like the Prince Frederick Library.
This public hearing underscores Calvert County’s commitment to transparent governance. The Board of County Commissioners, meeting weekly at the courthouse, relies on resident feedback to guide decisions impacting the county’s $350 million budget, which funds schools, public safety, and infrastructure. By engaging in the process, residents can influence how Prince Frederick evolves as a vibrant, sustainable town center serving Southern Maryland’s needs for decades to come.
