County Hosts Open House to Address Parking Regulations in Solomons C-1 District

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- July 10, 1997 -- Calvert County will host an informational open house on July 1, 1997 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons. The open house will address the current request by the Solomons Business Association (SBA) to eliminate on-site parking regulations in the C-1 subarea in Solomons. The C-1 subarea is adjacent to the new Riverwalk and begins in northern Solomons Island at the "tide box" and ends in southern Solomons just across from China Harbor Restaurant. The C-1 subarea covers approximately 10 acres.

Due to the limited land area in that district and the immediate availability of adequate, off-site parking in County lots, the SBA requested that the Board of County Commissioners consider eliminating on-site parking regulations in the C-1 subarea to help existing businesses and to help stimulate economic development. Current zoning regulations require that a certain amount of parking be set aside per parcel prior to development. Because of the limited land area and the Solomons topography, particularly the C-1 subarea, property owners often find that setting aside parking on individual parcels makes it difficult todevelop their properties to its highest and best use. It also causes them to duplicate already available parking, in some cases, by tearing down existing buildings.

The open house is being held to ensure that community members are aware of this proposal and to have an opportunity to learn more about the issues, discuss options with County staff and to offer comments before any recommended actions to the Planning Commission or the Board of County Commissioners are finalized.

After receiving public comments, the County will develop a set of proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance and schedule a public hearing in September.

For more information please contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, 410-535-4583, e-mail cced@co.cal.md.us, or the Department of Planning and Zoning at 410-535-2348.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com