Update Town Council February Work Sessions and Business Meeting
Since COVID, all meetings have been virtual, using the Microsoft Teams platform. The first hybrid meeting (option to attend in person or virtually through Teams) started with the Town Council on February 22, 2022, a Business meeting.
Each meeting and agenda have the following guidance: “In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, the public has the right to view/listen to the discussion only. The Town Council at their discretion may let participants voice questions or provide comments on the topics under discussion. Written comments may be submitted via email to mminer@townoflaplata.org.”
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
At the February 15, 2020, Town Council Work Session, Town staff presented a draft spending plan from funds (initial allocation of $4.7 million of a total of $9.4 million) received through The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This is still a work in progress. Please contact me or the Town Manager with your ideas and suggestions to make the best investment of these funds for your community.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget
Town Budget preparation began with a February 19, 2022, budget retreat with Town staff to review current budget status by department, discuss future issues, and recommended operating and capital improvement requests.
The draft budget will be forwarded to the Town Council on April 1, 2022. This will be followed by Town Council Work Session, public comment, and hearing in April and May, with adoption by June 14.
March 1, 2022, Planning Commission Annexation Public Hearings:
The HUB Annexation - Recommendation to keep the comment record open for 30 days. The topic will be scheduled for April 5, 2022, Planning Commission Meeting
The Villages of Rosewick Annexation - PC Recommended the NCX zoning.
Hawthorne Yards Annexation - Removed from the agenda. To be rescheduled at a future meeting date.
Development Projects
Heritage Green-Construction has started for the initial phases of this large project, annexed in 1990. This includes the construction of a new entrance road on Charles Street (MD 6) opposite Willow Lane, installation of SMECO electric facilities, and installation of the trunk sewer line. The preliminary plan for the first phase (Neighborhood K) was reviewed and approved on August 4, 2021, Planning Commission meeting. Construction must comply with the Town Noise Ordinance, work between 7 am and 6 pm weekdays, 8 am to 6 pm Saturdays.
Magnolia Gardens
3.75 acres, The property is located along Washington Avenue at the intersection of Heritage Green Parkway, proposing seventy-two (72) apartment units. and a clubhouse
Upcoming Events:
Community Meeting La Plata Bikeway from Somers MS to Laurel Springs Regional Park, March 9, 5:00 – 7:30 PM, drop in any time
Tree Inventory – conducted by Davey Resource Group, selected by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay – assessment of estimated 2,000 trees on public streets in La Plata.
Thanks again for listening and your interest in La Plata. I look forward to your comments and questions.
