LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A concept plan for a 22-unit apartment complex at Courthouse Drive and Fenwick Street narrowly cleared Leonardtown’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, April 21, 2025, following tense debate over the loss of mature trees and the visual impact on one of the town’s primary gateways.
The three-story project, which includes garage-level parking and upper-story apartments, aims to provide luxury housing while enhancing the Courthouse Drive corridor. But the design drew concern over environmental disruption, with several large oak trees slated for removal to accommodate the building footprint.
“To me the most critical issue is the trees,” Doug Isleib said. “I counted about 24 trees that were anywhere between 24 in diameter to 40 inch in diameter. And from what I’m seeing here… I think probably all but about four of those you guys are proposing to clear cut.”
The applicant’s team emphasized the necessity of grading the site and stabilizing steep slopes. “That slope back there needs to be stabilized. We’re going to continue to have issues with it later on,” said Planning Coordinator Michael Bailey, noting parts of the slope reach 60 degrees.
Developers said they are taking steps to mitigate the impact, including adding rain gardens, terracing the structure to reduce bulk, and planting new trees. “We’re a team of tree huggers too. We aren’t out there to pull out the chainsaw,” the project architect told commissioners.
Isleib remained unconvinced. “I don’t think that’s good for Leonardtown,” he said. “I think the local Leonardtown isn’t a big cleared-off lot and then a big square building… I’m not in favor with this plan.”
Despite the concerns, the commission approved the concept plan in a 2-1 vote, adding a condition that Ordinance 132 — which currently restricts new sewer allocations — must be repealed before building permits can be issued.
The project will advance to final design and engineering review in the coming months.
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Do you know what stabalizes steep slopes best? Well developed tree roots!
Super disappointed in those who voted yes.
The old trees and forested areas of Leonardtown give it so much character as a small town for visitors.
Removing them is another step to turning one of the top towns in Maryland to just another California or mechanicsville.
The trees stabilize the slope already, and set the tone for people driving into the town, while reducing the effect of the heat island and giving tons of wildlife places to live.
Those who voted yes, shouldn’t be allowed to hold the positions they do, before they strip out everything else that makes the town special.