Maryland Town Pursues Model Green City Designation

Chosen for its population density and proximity to Washington, D.C., St. Charles offers good transportation alternatives, extensive hiking trails, and progressive environmental policies. Community surveys show significant support for the town’s green rehab.

Included in the project are plans to convert 4,000 undeveloped acres (1,600 ha) into 11,000 residential units and 5 million ft2 (465,000 m2) of commercial space, doubling St. Charles’ current population and available housing. Despite the jump in size, the town’s carbon footprint and water usage are projected to decrease. According to Steve Griessel, CEO of ACPT, the expansion “will enable 40% of Charles County’s population to live on approximately 2% of its land mass.” Additionally, roughly 13,000 existing homes and 4 million ft2 (370,000 m2) of existing commercial space are slated for retrofits.