More parking coming to CSM in Leonardtown

59 new spaces approved for college campus

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously granted final site plan approval on Monday of the college's two-phase plan to add parking to the campus, pending approval by state agencies.

The college currently is using the St. Mary's County government campus for overflow parking, shuttling students back and forth from the college.

The project still needs approval from the Maryland Department of Public Works and the Soil Conservation District. Steve Layden, the college's contracted engineer, said he made minor changes to the lot's stormwater management system to appease the state public works office and expects approval soon.

"We're going over and above [zoning] requirements," Layden said, noting that the parking lot's stormwater facilities include a bioretention unit to filter pollutants from average rainfalls and a larger unit that can handle volume from a 100-year storm.

Town Administrator Laschelle McKay said that the town usually waits for state approvals before bringing projects before the board. However, she said that waiting for the approvals could push the project out of construction season, "and they really need this parking now."

The college is constructing a wellness center, which includes an indoor pool and athletic facilities.

"There is already a deficit of [parking] space, even without the wellness center," said David Prevette, whose architectural company designed the facility and the parking lot.

Planning board member Glen Mattingly suggested that Layden and Prevette move some of the handicapped spaces planned for the new lot to older, closer lots.

The men agreed that the suggestion makes sense and pledged to investigate the possibility.

jfriess@somdnews.com