Posted on April 27, 2004:

Town staff is working with Ron Russo, RAR Associates, to finalize the concept plan for the Leonardtown Wharf revitalization. Many meetings with State officials from a variety of agencies will help to ensure a quality project for everyone, as well as a significant improvement environmentally to this property.

The Town is working with a consultant, Crozier & Associates, to design the public waterfront park, which will include public restroom facilities. The Town recently applied for a second Community Legacy grant to fund the moving of the sewer lift station, currently located on the property, to be housed in a building that will also serve as public restrooms.

Mr. Russo has received concept approval and is anticipating beginning Phase I, 26 Townhome units by the spring 2004. Recently, a meeting with the Army Corps of Engineers brought attention to the need for a resolution to the run off problem from Town Run. The Town will continue to work with the Army Corps to find a resolution to this problem.

In the Fall of 2001, the Commissioners of Leonardtown pursued and received a $104,000 Community Legacy grant to demolish the deteriorated buildings located on the Leonardtown Wharf property. Aubrey Mattingly Excavating was awarded the contract and began the work in November of 2002. The project went smoothly and the view as you drive down Wharf Hill is even more breathtaking than before!

The intention of the Town in pursuing this grant was to encourage development of the Wharf property. This waterfront parcel of land, in close proximity to the downtown business district, has enormous potential for a mixed use development. Since the grant was secured, a local developer has entered into a sales contract with the current owners of the property and is proposing a development to include a restaurant, retail space, office space, and 30 duplex units. The Town plans to also develop a public, waterfront park as part of the development.