November 2016

Board of County Commissioners members are, from left,
Pat Nutter, Mike Hart, President Evan Slaughenhoupt Jr., Steven R. Weems and Vice President Tom Hejl. 

 
Patuxent Business Park Becomes Commerce Zone Enabling
Tax Credit for New Business
  
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) unanimously voted to designate Patuxent Business Park (PBP) a commerce zone, authorizing real property tax relief for new businesses that seek to open or expand in the Lusby park.

The BOCC has listened closely to the business community and made process improvements designed to ePBPase the regulatory burdens associated with business creation and expansion. The board's vote offers a temporary tiered incentive to businesses that construct a new premise or expand an existing premise by automatically qualifying the business owner for a real property tax credit. 

The tax credit begins at 50 percent for the first five years. The credit goes to 25 percent for years six and seven, then to 15 percent for years eight through 10 before expiring. The credit applies only to real property taxes imposed by Calvert County. 

"When the current board of commissioners took office in 2014, one of our goals was to enhance county government's support for business growth," said BOCC President Evan Slaughenhoupt Jr. "Real property tax credits are a common economic development tool used by jurisdictions across the nation. The commerce zone designation is an incentive that will help Calvert County compete."
 
Learn more about the Patuxent Business Park.


Sharing Calvert County's Rich Archaeological Treasures  

The Calvert County Natural Resources Division held an open house in October at the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm giving the public a rare front-row seat to archaeologists as they unearthed a pre-colonial Indian village oyster shell heap. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Historic Preservation Fund, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Department of the Interior. 

This site is rich in natural and cultural resources and is a living laboratory to explore Calvert County's agricultural practices and lifestyles throughout its history -- from Native American settlements, small-scale colonial farming and farming practices through the centuries. For more information about the Biscoe Gray Heritage Farm, located at 2695 Grays Road in Prince Frederick, or any of the beautiful parks throughout Calvert County, visit online.


Prescription Drug Discount Available to County Residents

Calvert County partners with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to provide county residents with a prescription drug discount program. To date, the partnership has saved Calvert County residents more than $380,900 on more than 20,000 prescriptions with discounts averaging 30 percent, or $18.89 per prescription.
drug card
This free program is available to all county residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage. There are no enrollment forms, membership fees or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The card also covers certain pet medications. The card cannot be used for co-pays or to obtain additional discounts on prescriptions that are covered by insurance.

Cards are available at all Calvert Library locations, senior centers, the Health Department and the Calvert County Department of Community Resources, located at 30 Duke St. in Prince Frederick. Learn more about this free service and review a list of participating pharmacies at www.nacorx.org or call toll-free 1-877-321-2652.


Thanks for reading Calvert Currents. We want to hear from you. Click the feedback link to send us your questions or story ideas.                   
 
Sincerely,
Evan K. Slaughenhoupt Jr. President
Tom Hejl, Vice President
Mike Hart
Pat Nutter
Steve Weems
Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
 
Reduce, Reuse, 
E-cycle 

Calvert County residents and businesses can dispose of their used electronic equipment at two free e-cycling events this fall. X-rays and MRI films are also being accepted. 

The events will occur rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:  

Saturday, Nov. 19
Huntingtown High School
4125 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown

Saturday, Dec. 17
Appeal Landfill
401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby

Examples of electronic equipment are televisions, radios, stereos, computers, cell phones, DVD and VCR players and recorders, power supply cords, printers, copiers, monitors, keyboards and scanners. Material from residents and businesses is accepted and proof of residency is required. Learn more about recycling in Calvert County.

Farm Tour
Explore Land Preservation Options  

The Calvert County Department of Community Planning & Building (CPB) and the Calvert County Division of Natural Resources invite land owners to an evening discussion about land planning options and agricultural preservation. The Nov. 17 workshop is hosted by the Calvert Nature Society and will be held at Kings Landing Park from 5:30-8 p.m. The park is located at 3255 Kings Landing Road in Huntingtown.

Topics include estate planning, conservation easements and cost-share programs. For information, contact CPB Rural Planner Rachel O'Shea at 410-535-1600, ext. 2489.

Zoning Changes Open Opportunities for Business

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Planning Commission recently approved zoning text amendments to allow greater flexibility for commercial development in several county zoning districts. 

One amendment changed the zoning ordinance to allow the location of boat dealerships in Light Industrial (I-1) zoning districts. Other amendments opened opportunities for non-farm breweries, wineries and distilleries. These types of facilities in the county are now allowed as home occupations in which employees are permanent residents of the dwelling. Changes also allow non-farm breweries, wineries and distilleries to be located in the Light Industrial (I-1), Rural Commercial (RC), Marine Commercial (MC) and Employment Center (EC) zoning districts. Learn more.

 
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