LEONARDTOWN — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approved requests to schedule public hearings on a proposed Verizon Maryland LLC cable franchise agreement and text amendments to local development standards during their June 2 business meeting.
The consent agenda included letters of support for the Evergreen at Cedar Lane affordable senior housing development in Leonardtown and the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The Evergreen project would add 70 units for income-eligible seniors on the Cedar Lane campus, with construction expected to start in 2027. The suicide prevention grant supports community-based efforts for veterans and families.
The commissioners issued proclamations recognizing LGBTQIA Pride Month, National Homeownership Month and National Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. They also presented a commendation to Susie Selzer upon her retirement after 21 years with county government.
Dr. Meena Brewster, the county health officer, briefed the board on public health matters, including tick-borne illnesses, water quality monitoring and disease surveillance.
On the main agenda, the commissioners approved a request to hold a public hearing July 14 on a resolution for a cable franchise agreement with Verizon Maryland LLC. Verizon has indicated most infrastructure is already in place to offer cable services. The agreement would include requirements similar to those for other providers, such as government access channels.
The board also approved a request for a public hearing June 23 on proposed text amendments. The changes would modify development standards for Use Type 60, fuel sales, and create new use types for small-box discount stores and vape shops along with associated standards. Under the proposal, these uses would become conditional uses. Applicants would need to demonstrate a public need for the proposed use and show that it would not unduly restrict land availability or upset the balance of land uses in the area for other commercial activities.
During county administrator time, the commissioners reviewed upcoming meeting agendas. They approved a Federal Aviation Administration grant application to update the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport Master Plan. The grant totals $905,290 with a required county match of $47,647.
The board approved the first amendment to a partnership intermediary agreement with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, extending the agreement for use of the TECH PORT facility through June 25, 2031.
Commissioners also approved FY26 Federal Older Americans Act grant awards totaling $415,120 for the Department of Aging & Human Services. The funding supports home-delivered and congregate meals, caregiver support, preventive health programs and elder abuse prevention.
In commissioner comments, one member highlighted recent community events, including concerts by Hope In Harmony and St. Maries Choral Arts, racing at Maryland International Raceway and local school graduations. The member also noted recent community losses.
The commissioners will hold a joint meeting with the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Patuxent River at 9 a.m. June 9 at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum. The regular business meeting follows at 11 a.m. in the Chesapeake Building.
