Charles County’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on May 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., to consider approval of the Hopewell Burial Ground Local Landmark Designation Application. The meeting will take place in the Government Building Conference Room, known as the Blue Room, in La Plata, with virtual participation available via video teleconference. The hearing remains open to the public, and residents are encouraged to provide testimony on this important historic preservation matter.
Approval of this designation will formally acknowledge the site’s historic importance, provide an additional layer of review to safeguard its integrity, and demonstrate Charles County’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship of its historic and cultural resources. This step offers meaningful protection for a burial ground that represents early settlement history in Southern Maryland, where such sites often connect families and communities to the region’s colonial roots along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay tributaries.
Supporting documents for the application will become available for public review on May 1, 2026. These include the staff report to the Planning Commission, the Landmark Designation Application, the Hopewell PP Presentation, aerial maps, a zoomed aerial map, the plat, the Cemetery Preservation Easement Deed, the PC Public Notice, and the Document Guide. Residents can view the materials in the Department of Planning and Growth Management or online through the county’s official channels. Public comments will be accepted beginning on the same date, with written submissions received prior to the hearing posted to the agenda for commissioners to review. To give members adequate time, written comments should arrive by 4:30 p.m. the Friday before the Planning Commission meeting.
Southern Maryland residents have multiple accessible ways to participate in the process. Limited in-person seating will be provided at the La Plata location. Citizens can watch the proceedings live on CCGTV via Comcast channel 95 or Verizon FIOS channel 10, view the stream online at the county government television page, or listen by phone at 301-645-0500. Those who wish to speak, either in person or virtually, must register in advance following instructions available at CharlesCountyMD.gov/PCVirtualMeetingInfo. Each speaker receives three minutes for testimony, and if a registered speaker is unavailable when called, the county may proceed to the next participant. Questions about participation can be directed to the Clerk to the Planning Commission at PlanningCommission@CharlesCountyMD.gov.
Lead Planner Cal Carpenter serves as the staff contact for this item and can be reached by phone at 301-645-0584 or by email at CarpentC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. The associated documents and public notice emphasize the county’s transparent approach to historic matters, inviting broad community input as part of the decision-making process.
This public hearing reflects broader efforts in Charles County and across Southern Maryland to balance growth with preservation of cultural landmarks. In a region experiencing steady development in areas such as La Plata, Waldorf, and nearby neighborhoods, protecting sites like the Hopewell Burial Ground helps maintain community identity and educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Landmark designations provide formal recognition and an extra review layer in future planning, ensuring that historic resources receive thoughtful consideration amid new construction and infrastructure projects.
The initiative also aligns with county goals to honor unmarked and historic burial grounds that surface during development, fostering respectful treatment and long-term conservation. For families in St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties, these actions preserve tangible links to the past, supporting local pride and heritage tourism that contributes to the tri-county economy. Public involvement at this stage allows residents to shape outcomes directly, reinforcing the value of civic engagement in Southern Maryland.
By order of the Charles County Planning Commission, chaired by Kevin Wedding, the notice underscores that the hearing could be rescheduled only if canceled due to events beyond the county’s control. As documents become available on May 1, 2026, interested parties should review them promptly and consider submitting comments or attending to ensure their perspectives inform the final recommendation. This process demonstrates how local government collaborates with citizens to safeguard Southern Maryland’s unique historic fabric for future generations.
