La Plata Mayor Calls It Quits

La Plata Mayor Gene Ambrogio resigned abruptly over the weekend, announcing his decision at an outdoor concert Friday night.

The first-term mayor said that he would leave his post immediately because he had become disillusioned with electoral politics and a "counterproductive" atmosphere within Town Hall. The announcement was followed by a letter to La Plata residents.

"Unfortunately, during the past 3 years as Mayor, my eyes have been opened to the realities of politics and it is a very disappointing picture," Ambrogio, 57, wrote. "I have also found that the overall atmosphere is incompatible with my understanding of the desires of the people of La Plata."

Ambrogio's resignation came two weeks after he had filed an ethics complaint against a member of the Town Council. The mayor said Ward 2 council member Scot Lucas should recuse himself from discussions about a proposed 14-acre annexation for a commercial development on Rosewick Road. Lucas is opening a sandwich shop in Rosewick Crossing, a shopping center created by Faison Enterprises, the developer for the proposed project.

Ambrogio was elected in 2005 based largely on a small-growth policy and his opposition to creating more commercial development within the town limits. He opposed the Rosewick Crossing development, where Lowe's and Giant are. During a public meeting, Ambrogio once declared that he did not want the town to become "La Waldorf."

Ambrogio could not be reached for comment.

Written Comments on Connector Due by Aug. 15

After a contentious public hearing on the proposed cross-county connector in Charles County last Thursday, the agency charged with deciding whether to issue project permits will accept written comments until Aug. 15.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials must decide whether to approve permits for the final three phases of the project, which would connect Route 5, south of Waldorf, with Indian Head Highway. The $70 million project, which is a year behind schedule, would cross through the environmentally sensitive Mattawoman Creek watershed, making it a target for environmentalists opposed to potential damage to natural life in the area.

Proponents have said that the county will make sure environmental damage to the watershed area is minimal.

Nearly 150 people signed up to speak at the hearing, the last in a series moderated by the corps. The meeting ran past midnight. Most of the speakers objected to the project's potential impact on the creek, although county commissioners and other residents spoke about the connector's possible benefits.

Corps officials said they do not know how long it will take to issue a decision. One option for the agency would be to order a full environmental impact study.

Beach Party Set for Saturday on the Square

Leonardtown's seventh annual Beach Party on the Square will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday on the square in downtown Leonardtown.