County government news

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Starting July 1, several new regulations go into effect concerning the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, areas within 1,000 feet of tidal waters.

The regulations will be explained at a forum on Tuesday, June 10, at the College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown campus, Building A, at 7 p.m.

To prevent houses from being built near the water, the updated law will require a 200-foot setback for all new subdivisions in the Resource Conservation Area. The legislation requires builders and home improvement contractors to comply with the critical area law, and imposes stiff penalties for violations of the law. Anyone who builds an illegal structure or illegally clears in the critical area will be responsible for restoration or fines. For questions contact the St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management at 301-475-4200, ext. 1500.

Meeting for residentsof Town Creek slated for June 11

The St. Mary’s County Department of Land Use and Growth Management is holding an informational meeting for the residents of the Town Creek subdivision in Lexington Park and other interested citizens regarding new development at the corner of Route 235 and Shady Mile Drive, known as Park Place.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the cafeteria of Town Creek Elementary School on Wednesday, June 11. Residents can ask questions and discuss the project with the developer Next Summer and county staff.

Young Eagles to rally at airport

The Experimental Aircraft Association is hosting a Young Eagles Rally at the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport on Saturday, June 14. The event begins at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and youth between the ages of 8 and 17 are invited to take a free airplane ride (Rides subject to weather conditions and pilot availability).

Designed to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts, rallies are held throughout the U.S. by EAA chapters. For more information, contact the local chapter at www.eaachapter478.org or call the St. Mary’s County public works and transportation department at 301-863-8400.

Trash center hours now fixed

The hours at the county’s six trash convenience centers will be fixed throughout the whole year, no longer based on winter or summer. The hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The convenience centers accept household trash, limit of four 35-gallon containers per trip, and recyclable items. The St. Andrew’s Landfill hours remain the same, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

County offers auto-notify services

Join more than 500 citizens automatically receiving e-mail information that is posted on county government’s Web site. To register, go to the county’s Web site at www.stmarys.com and click on the underlined words auto-notify in the upper right-hand corner or select the heading E-GOV and click on auto-notify sign up.