History of St. Leonard Vision Group.

In January 2002 a small group of St. Leonard area citizens began to consider the formation of an area wide group to discuss how St. Leonard could become a town that provides additional public and private services to the residents now living in the many new surrounding communities that have been built in the last twenty or so years.  There was a perceived need to have a central place at which close-to-home shopping and services would be available and where informal gatherings could occur.  Such places provide for a greater sense of community and for small business growth.

The SLVG received assistance from the Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development group (SMRC&D), a non-profit that has provided SLVG a tax deductibility umbrella, and initial meeting facilitators and mailing support services.

An initial meeting was held at the St. Leonard Fire House in April 2002, with about 80 residents and business owners attending.  During this meeting, small groups of attendees discussed what they saw as both the positive aspects and concerns, along with how to proceed to address these issues.  From this meeting the work of SLVG has proceeded. 

Areas for work were identified, as follows:

• Community Spirit:  to plan and carry out special events and gatherings during the year

• Heritage Research and Sharing:    

                        The writing of the St. Leonard Heritage Story

                        The inside of the historic Polling House

• Communications:

                        Newsletter

                        Website

                        Brochures

•  St. Leonard Beautification:

                        Weekly gardening at the Garden of Remembrance during the season

                        Downtown St. Leonard flags for new streetlight poles.

                        Clean-up along Rt. 765 and other roads

•  Advocacy:  

                         For a second road out from the beaches communities

                         For the county to purchase the Sunoco gas station to provide central village green type

                         of public space and additional parking

                         To upgrade the lower level of the Dowell House for youth activities

                                    (each of these are presently on hold)

•  Business Support:

                        A St. Leonard area business community directory

                        Events that bring others to the town

                        Upgrading of the Polling House and Garden of Remembrance Park and

                        Cultural and historic events on site

Espouse additional parking in part of the old Sunoco station area.

Espousing the creation of village green space to provide a pleasant

centrally located Commons area

• Natural Resources: 

                        Investigate how present day St. Leonard can be more connected to its

                        Historic St. Leonard Creek area. 

                        Trails and bikeways for the safety and outdoor recreation possibilities of

                         Area residents.