Planning commission OKs Hughesville plans

Friday, Nov. 7, 2008

The recommendation followed a brief work session Monday night in La Plata.

Ace LLC proposes to build Hughesville Station on the property that would contain offices, flex buildings and retail establishments that would provide amenities to people who work in the business park, said Ray Mertz, the developer. The complex would offer clients flexible building space that would allow administrative, engineering, assembling and distribution services out of one location, he said in an earlier interview.

The complex would be designed as a campus, Mertz said, adding that the master plan includes design standards and features to preserve the environment and provide pedestrian movement in the complex.

The project would include a walking trail that will eventually connect to the Three Notch Trail in St. Mary's County, Mertz said.

The proposed complex is supported by Hughesville residents and members of the Preserve Hughesville group that successfully fought the construction of a baseball stadium in the village a couple of years ago.

The county commissioners will hold a public hearing and a work session on the proposed rezoning request before rendering a decision.

Zoning amendment

for high-voltage

lines approved

The planning Commission also recommended during Monday's meeting that the Charles County commissioners approve a proposed amendment to the county's zoning ordinance that would recognize existing and future overhead electricity transmission lines that carry a voltage in excess of 69,000 volts.

The Charles County commissioners proposed the amendment to clarify that the use of property through which the lines run is for the exclusive use of the transmission lines that carry more than 69,000 volts as defined by Maryland law, said Shelley Wagner, program manager for the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management.

The transmission lines targeted in the proposed amendment run from the Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC coal-fired power plant near the Gov. Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in Newburg along U.S. 301 and into Prince George's County, Wagner said.

No one testified during the hearing.

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative officials wrote a letter that stated some concern about the proposed amendment and if it would prohibit the power company's use of its transmission lines that carry less than 69,000 volts, said Sue Greer, assistant county attorney.

The planning commission recommended that the county commissioners approve the amendment following a brief work session Monday evening in La Plata.

The county commissioners will hold a public hearing and a work session on the proposal before making a decision on the amendment.

Nancy Bromley McConaty