Planners Look to Pax River as Guide Ahead of Military Base Expansions

"At the end of the day," Morgan said, "we could have done a bit better at bringing the farmers and watermen into the conversation.

"And at first, there weren't enough employment opportunities for spouses, so there was too much commuting [for jobs elsewhere]," Morgan said.

Jackman's advice: "Communicate profusely."

"We could have tried to stay a little further ahead of the curve on infrastructure," he said.

Bonnie Bick of the Sierra Club's Maryland chapter said that the planners tackled the sprawl issue but that "the question is, has it been addressed in the long run?"

Jackman said he thinks that has been addressed by new restrictions on development intended to preserve farmland. Where once one dwelling was allowed per acre in rural areas, now seven acres are required to build a new home.

Scarafia said he believes Southern Maryland has "done the best job of any community" with BRAC.

"This was a farming community, so it went through enormous changes," he said. "But the community was able to maintain its character, its philosophy and its way of life."