LEONARDTOWN, Md. — During the public hearing session of the recent Nov. 12 Commissioners of Leonardtown Town Council meeting, a longtime resident of the area raised concerns about recent growth projects seriously interfering with traffic along major roadways and threatening the small-town feel of Leonardtown.
“I am increasingly concerned about the growth in Leonardtown,” he said. “First, we had Leonard’s Grant, then we had Clark’s Rest, now we have Meadow’s Run I, and we have Meadow’s Run II.” These projects, he continued, were the cause of significant traffic issues, citing specific examples, including the consistent blockage of the left-turn lane off of Route 5 going toward Breton Bay (near the Exxon station) and significant backups around the intersection of Route 245 and Route 5, both of which were a result of growth projects in close proximity. He also warned of the potential for future traffic issues on Route 5 near Clark’s Rest due to the significant Tudor Hall project.
While acknowledging the growth was beneficial, the citizen called for restraint and caution in proceeding with these projects, which pose a risk to public safety by interfering with traffic and potentially threaten the small-town feel that is a central part of the identity of Leonardtown.
In response, Mayor Dan Burris noted that the private developers would be required to install a traffic light on Route 5 near Clark’s Rest at their own expense, which should help with traffic issues. He added that such growth projects were part of maintaining the small-town feel of St. Mary’s County, with Leonardtown being one of two designated growth areas in the county. By limiting such projects to these two areas, the rest of the county can maintain its traditional rural environment and identity while still allowing for growth.
The Town Council also stated that, in regard to many projects taking place around Route 5 and Route 245, because they were state highways, those projects were under the jurisdiction of the State of Maryland. As such, there was not much the council itself could do with respect to those projects. However, the council is currently in the process of revising the town’s Comprehensive Plan, which will address a wide variety of issues, including traffic and town projects. It is the first time since 2010 that the council has undertaken such a significant revision of the Comprehensive Plan.
Still, a degree of uncertainty remains about how the growth of the town will affect its traditional small-town identity in the coming years.
Leonardtown has seen significant growth in the past decade and is projected to continue doing so: The population has grown by 70% since 2010 (World Population Review), and in 2021, it led the entire state of Maryland in growth percentage — referring to the growth in the land area occupied by the town — growing in size by 28.9% since 2011, according to the Maryland Department of Planning. As of January 2024, there were at least 19 town projects underway across Leonardtown and the surrounding area, ranging in focus from townhouses to utilities to murals.
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There’s too much growth and traffic: “Install traffic lights”
Just what we need. More traffic lights. That’ll be 18 between my house and Gate 1 at PAX River NAS.
Thanks for nothing
At least Leonardtown has restaurants and shops. In the north end, we don’t have public water or sewer for smart growth, instead, we get lower speed limits, more traffic lights and more gas stations than an interstate off ramp.
Expand the hospital before anything. We go to Calvert because you are seen almost immediately. Saint Mary’s hospital is the worst. I know the staff do their best, but they anre operating out of a hospital designed for half of the population we have now.
I am concerned about this too from a different angle + maybe I don’t have to write a letter to the editor from scratch. My concern is about abortion + population. Although they have a right to, I don’t see states setting limits on abortion. I don’t see them saying 1 abortion per year\ 10\ 100\ 1000, abortion affects population. Is a state going to decide they’re maxed- out on abortions + how many?
I agree with that person’s concern. As well as traffic issues, sewer, plumbing upgrades have not been made, to my knowledge, preparing for such an influx of people and housing.
Talk about a mess if anything happens!