Calvert Deal to Develop Road, Bring Affordable Housing

Commissioner Linda L. Kelley (R-At-Large) voted against the action; Commissioner Susan Shaw (R-Huntingtown) was absent.

On Tuesday, the board voted unanimously to instruct county staff members to continue working on a plan to promote energy efficiency in construction and to adopt other environmentally sound practices.

Staff members plan to work with builders to use energy efficient equipment and construction materials and to upgrade the county building code to reflect some of the changes. They also are working to improve ordinances to allow for green design, such as living roofs and solar panels, in town centers.

Greg Bowen, director of county planning and zoning, said Calvert is not requiring green standards but is drawing up a list of recommendations for builders.

Commissioner Gerald W. Clark (R-Lusby) said the county should be setting the example for homeowners.

Watermen Areas Focus of Book

The Calvert Marine Museum has published "Islands in a River: Solomons and Broomes Island, Maryland," drawing from the museum's archives, photographs and interviews with older families in the area.

Under the direction of Richard Dodds, curator of maritime history, the 230-page book tells the story of Solomons and Broomes Island, once the most important watermen communities in Calvert.

The origin of Solomons and Broomes Island dates to the 19th century, when oystering in winter and farming in summer formed the backbone of the local economy. Over time, the once isolated communities have been transformed by a growing population, an emergency network of roads and a decline in the Patuxent River's oyster population.

"Islands in a River" highlights the families who developed Solomons and Broomes Island, as well as it schools, stores and churches.

The book can be bought for $15.95 at the Calvert Marine Museum Store in Solomons, Len's Marina in Broomes Island and the Calvert Historical Society. Dodds will be signing books Oct. 12 at Patuxent River Appreciation Days in the museum lobby.

Input Sought on Historic Roads

The Historic District Commission has begun a project to update Calvert's historic and rural roads inventory, which will address strategies for designating and protecting roads.

The most recent inventory, completed in 1997, is at http://www.co.cal.md.us under the Planning and Zoning link, followed by the Historic Preservation link.

Comments and stories can be sent to Kirsi Uunila at uunilak@co.cal.md.us or to Linda Collins, Historic District Commission chairwoman, 175 Main St., Prince Frederick, 20678.