LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission convened on July 13, 2026, for a detailed deliberation session on three significant land use change applications, highlighting ongoing tensions between growth pressures and infrastructure readiness in Southern Maryland.
The meeting, which followed public hearings the previous week, focused on proposals from Stanley Martin Homes, Bumpy Oak Court Retirement Plan Trust, and Medina Partnership. Planning Commissioners engaged in extensive discussions about traffic impacts, school capacity, emergency services, and preserving the county’s rural character.
The Stanley Martin Homes proposal for the Wildwood property in the Lexington Park area drew the most debate. The applicant sought to change the land use from Rural Preservation to Residential Medium Density and incorporate the roughly 177-acre parcel into the Lexington Park Development District. Representatives emphasized existing infrastructure capacity from the adjacent Wildwood PUD and potential contributions to roadways and recreational facilities.
Planning Commissioners raised concerns about cumulative traffic on Lawrence Hayden Road, school capacity at Evergreen Elementary, and emergency response times. Some members questioned whether the proposal aligned with the county’s comprehensive plan goals for thoughtful growth. After lengthy discussion, the Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval of the land use change.
The Bumpy Oak Court Retirement Plan Trust property near Hollywood received unanimous support. The applicant requested a shift from Rural Preservation to Rural Commerce and inclusion in the Hollywood Town Center. The parcel is situated between commercial developments, and Planning Commissioners noted the consistency with surrounding zoning patterns.
In contrast, the Medina Partnership proposal in Charlotte Hall was denied by a 5-2 vote. The applicant sought to adjust the front portion of the property from Mixed-Use Low Intensity to Mixed-Use Moderate Intensity. Discussion centered on potential traffic impacts along Charlotte Hall Road and compatibility with nearby uses.
Deputy County Attorney John Sterling Houser provided legal guidance throughout the meeting, clarifying limitations on contract zoning and the higher standards for future piecemeal rezoning requests. Planning staff, including Director Jessica Andritz and Deputy Director Brandi Glenn, facilitated discussions and noted that recommendations would be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners.
The Planning Commission scheduled its next meeting for August 3, 2026, to continue work on the comprehensive plan update. These decisions reflect the commission’s careful approach to guiding development while addressing resident concerns about infrastructure and quality of life in Southern Maryland.
