Leonardtown Council Rejects Proposed Apartment Complex After Unified Community Opposition

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A proposed apartment-style development near MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital was denied Monday night after a packed public hearing revealed overwhelming opposition from residents who argued the project would disrupt the character, safety and infrastructure of their neighborhood.

The Town of Leonardtown Council voted against the concept site plan for a two-story, four-unit “quad duplex” proposed for a 0.44-acre lot on Miss Bessie Drive in the Singletree subdivision. The Town Council voted 3-2 to deny the concept plan, with the two dissenting members supporting a motion to table the decision.

The project, identified as Case No. 43-25, sought approval to construct a 3,600-square-foot multifamily building intended, in part, to provide housing for professionals working at the nearby hospital.

Project Details And Staff Recommendation

According to the staff report presented to the council, the property falls within the Planned Unit Development Mixed Use district and has historically allowed for a range of residential uses, including multifamily housing.

Town planning staff and the Planning Commission had previously found the proposal met applicable code requirements and recommended approval of the concept plan.

Despite those findings, the final decision rested with the Town Council following public input.

Residents Voice Unified Opposition

Dozens of residents spoke during the hearing, raising concerns about traffic, safety, neighborhood compatibility and legal inconsistencies.

Katie Trueblood, one local resident, described the roadway as already heavily traveled.

“There is already a tremendous amount of congestion and traffic… Every child from that entire Singletree neighborhood gets on and off the bus at Miss Bessie Drive,” Trueblood said.

She warned that adding even a small apartment complex could increase congestion and pose risks to children and pedestrians.

Other residents echoed concerns about density, parking limitations and the potential for increased noise and activity in what they described as a quiet, single-family neighborhood.

Roger Mattingly, who lives nearby, urged council members to consider the scale of the project.

“A two-story building is fundamentally out of character for this area… It compromises the privacy of every backyard it overlooks,” Mattingly said.

Fire safety was also cited as a major issue, with concerns about limited access for emergency vehicles and insufficient space for firefighting equipment.

Legal And Planning Concerns Raised

Several residents referenced subdivision plats, covenants and town code provisions, arguing the project conflicted with long-standing restrictions.

A letter submitted in opposition stated the community was “clearly created for single-family homes,” and warned the development could set a precedent for similar projects.

Others pointed to density limits and recorded plats designating the lot for single-family use, arguing that approving the project would override established planning documents and neighborhood expectations.

Marvin Kaminetz, in a written submission, argued the proposal did not align with Leonardtown’s comprehensive plan.

“I submit the proposal does not align with that plan… [nor] preserve the town’s stated vision and its small-town character and charm,” he wrote.

Character Of The Neighborhood At The Center

Throughout the hearing, residents repeatedly emphasized the importance of preserving the Singletree neighborhood’s identity.

One resident described the development as “a tower in your face,” while another said it would “change the ecosystem of the neighborhood.”

Council Decision

After hearing from staff, the applicant and numerous residents, the Town Council voted 3-2 to deny the concept plan.

The decision effectively halts the proposed apartment complex at this stage, reinforcing the council’s discretion to weigh community impact alongside technical compliance with zoning and planning regulations.

What’s Next

While the denial prevents the project from moving forward as proposed, the property remains within a zoning district that allows a variety of residential uses, leaving open the possibility of future proposals that better align with community expectations and town planning goals.

You can watch the full meeting below at 1:28:07.

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