Jacob’s Run Project Advances: 431 Homes Planned For Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — After months of public opposition and multiple hearings, the proposed Jacob’s Run residential development is moving forward in St. Mary’s County following additional review by the Planning Commission.

The 431-home project, proposed on approximately 168 acres near Goldfinch Drive, Buck Hewitt Road and FDR Boulevard, would bring 206 townhomes and 225 single-family detached homes to the Lexington Park Development District. The Planning Commission approved the concept site plan during its June 8 meeting with numerous conditions aimed at addressing traffic, roadway access, environmental concerns and neighborhood impacts.

Months Of Public Opposition

Jacob’s Run has generated significant public interest since it was first introduced earlier this year. Residents from Victoria’s Grant, Clements Landing and nearby neighborhoods have repeatedly raised concerns about traffic congestion, school impacts and compatibility with surrounding communities.

The proposed development falls within the Lexington Park Development District, where county officials have encouraged residential growth and infrastructure investment. County planning staff previously determined the project complies with zoning requirements, with a proposed density of approximately 2.57 dwelling units per acre.

Traffic studies prepared for the development estimate the project could generate approximately 3,356 vehicle trips each day, including more than 600 trips during morning and evening peak travel periods.

While traffic engineers determined nearby intersections could continue operating at acceptable levels, many residents remain unconvinced.

Planning Commission Adds Extensive Conditions

Although the Planning Commission unanimously approved the concept site plan during its June 8 meeting, commissioners attached 10 conditions intended to address many of the concerns raised during public hearings.

One of the most significant conditions limits occupancy within the development. Beyond the initial 37 units, no additional use and occupancy permits may be issued until Goldfinch Drive is extended to FDR Boulevard.

The developer must also obtain authorization from neighboring property owners for the roadway extension and secure a variance from the Board of Appeals to disturb portions of a protected 50-foot wetland buffer.

Commissioners required the applicant to construct proposed roadway improvements, including a right-out/left-in entrance at Goldfinch Drive and FDR Boulevard unless those improvements are replaced by a future county roundabout project.

Under the approval, if the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County approve and acquire property for a roundabout within 18 months, the developer would contribute 50% of the construction costs.

Additional conditions include relocating mailboxes if necessary, installing a crosswalk between Goldfinch and Oriole drives and directing construction traffic away from Buck Hewitt Road and Oriole Drive once the FDR Boulevard connection is complete.

Construction vehicles ultimately would be required to access the site exclusively from FDR Boulevard.

During the meeting, the developer presented several revisions to the project in response to concerns raised during earlier hearings, including updated phasing, modifications to the proposed Goldfinch Drive and FDR Boulevard intersection, and revisions to the Goldfinch Drive waiver request. The changes were presented to the Planning Commission in accordance with the conditions established during the continued review process.

Residents Continue Raising Concerns

Many residents who spoke during the public hearing acknowledged the county’s need for housing but questioned whether the scale of the project is appropriate for the area.

Several residents urged commissioners to require additional wooded buffer areas between existing neighborhoods and the proposed development and emphasized that the extension of Goldfinch Drive to FDR Boulevard should remain a firm requirement before significant occupancy occurs.

One resident said the road connection “shouldn’t be something that is being done at the goodwill of the builder because goodwill can change.”

Traffic Dominates Public Testimony

Traffic remained the primary concern among those who spoke during the hearing.

Residents questioned the project’s density and warned that construction traffic traveling through existing neighborhoods could significantly impact daily life. Others expressed concerns about congestion on Buck Hewitt Road, pedestrian safety, school bus stops and the prospect of a larger development accessing its roads through smaller, established communities.

Several residents urged commissioners to consider the long-term effects on nearby neighborhoods, with one speaker asking officials to “please consider a smaller community being overrun by a larger community.”

Supporters Cite Housing Needs

Not all testimony opposed the project.

One speaker pointed to recent county housing discussions that emphasized the importance of infill and backfill development in areas with existing infrastructure and utilities.

“From that standpoint, this project checks all the boxes,” the resident said, adding that the county should continue investing in traffic improvements, including additional roundabouts to improve safety and traffic flow.

Environmental Reviews Still Tequired

Several environmental approvals remain outstanding.

The project requires a variance to disturb portions of a protected wetland buffer, and previous county reviews identified portions of the drainage area as habitat associated with the state-listed Ironcolor Shiner.

Additional environmental and transportation reviews may still be required before final approvals can be issued.

Looking Ahead

Although the Planning Commission has advanced the project, multiple conditions must still be satisfied before the development can move toward full buildout.

Road improvements, environmental approvals, wetland variances and transportation requirements remain outstanding.

As Jacob’s Run continues through the county review process, the project remains one of the most closely watched developments in St. Mary’s County. Supporters view the proposal as an opportunity to address housing needs within the Lexington Park Development District, while opponents continue to raise concerns about traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood impacts.

With additional approvals still required, public discussion surrounding Jacob’s Run is expected to continue in the months ahead.

Related Article: Public Hearing Draws Opposition To Proposed 431-Home Jacob’s Run Development In Lexington Park

You can watch the full meeting below:

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