Stanley Martin Proposal To Develop 271 Acres Draws Strong Public Opposition During St. Mary's Planning Hearing

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A proposal by Stanley Martin Homes to redesignate more than 271 acres of rural land near Wildewood for future residential development sparked hours of testimony from residents, former planning officials and community members during a July 7 public hearing before the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission.

At the center of the debate is a request to change the property’s future land-use designation from Rural Preservation to Residential Medium Density while also incorporating the property into the Lexington Park Development District as part of the county’s ongoing St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. The proposal involves approximately 271 acres located along Lawrence Hayden Road between the Wildewood Planned Unit Development and Forrest Farm subdivision.

The hearing drew widespread public participation, with residents voicing concerns over environmental impacts, school overcrowding, traffic, stormwater management and what many described as a departure from the county’s long-term commitment to preserving rural land.

Developer: Proposal Addresses Housing Needs

Representing Stanley Martin Homes, attorney Christopher Longmore said the property is uniquely positioned for residential growth because it borders the existing Lexington Park Development District and the Wildewood Planned Unit Development.

The company is requesting that the property be added to the development district and redesignated as Residential Medium Density, arguing the site is well-suited for a mix of single-family homes, townhomes and recreational amenities. According to the application, the concept also envisions a community sports complex or recreational facility that could host tournaments and support local businesses.

During the presentation, Stanley Martin pointed to projected county housing needs identified in the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which estimates the county could add nearly 38,750 new residents by 2045, requiring roughly 14,700 additional housing units. The developer also noted the site’s proximity to the AeroPark Innovation District and argued it lies outside the Navy’s recently proposed Military Airfield Compatibility Review Area, making it an appropriate location for future housing.

A preliminary concept plan presented to the Planning Commission illustrated areas for single-family homes, townhomes, recreational space and preserved open areas while also identifying potential future roadway connections.

School System Raises Concerns

Among the reviewing agencies, St. Mary’s County Public Schools submitted one of the strongest objections.

School officials stated the proposed land-use change could significantly affect school capacity and potentially require construction of another elementary school. The school system recommended that if the project ultimately moves forward, land adjacent to Evergreen Elementary School should be deeded to the Board of Education for a future school site because the existing school could not accommodate the projected enrollment.

Most other county agencies either reported no objection or indicated limited concerns, although Emergency Services noted that additional development would place greater demands on transportation routes and public safety services. Recreation & Parks also expressed interest in the applicant’s proposed sports complex concept.

Residents Say Proposal Conflicts With Rural Preservation Goals

Much of the public testimony centered on whether land designated for Rural Preservation should be redesignated for higher-density housing.

Multiple residents argued the property is far more than vacant land, describing it as a large, forested tract containing wetlands, streams and wildlife habitat that serves as an important natural corridor between surrounding undeveloped areas. Speakers said developing the property could increase stormwater runoff, contribute to flooding downstream and permanently fragment wildlife habitat.

“I understand the need for housing,” one resident told commissioners. “But housing should be built in the right place, and it should be the right type of housing.”

Others argued the request conflicts with the county’s long-range planning goals, saying Rural Preservation designations should not be changed simply because development opportunities arise.

“This is not about whether homes can be built,” another speaker said. “It’s about whether rural preservation truly means preservation.”

One resident described the proposal as “a gift to a corporation over what the community needs,” while several others questioned whether approving the request would set a precedent for future development outside existing growth boundaries.

Residents Cite Infrastructure And Environmental Concerns

Beyond preserving rural character, residents repeatedly raised concerns about traffic congestion, school overcrowding, emergency services and stormwater management.

Several speakers urged the Planning Commission to consider the potential number of future homes, projected student enrollment, traffic increases and demands on county infrastructure before recommending any land-use change. Others questioned whether sufficient environmental studies had been completed, citing concerns about wetlands, stream buffers, flooding, erosion and wildlife habitat.

Dozens of written comments submitted ahead of the hearing echoed those concerns, urging the county to preserve the property’s mature forests and questioning whether expanding the Lexington Park Development District aligns with the goals outlined in the draft St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

Navy Clarifies Its Position

One point raised during the hearing involved the Navy’s position on the proposal.

Speaking on behalf of Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Hannah Paeski clarified that while the Navy supports compatible land development, it has not endorsed the Stanley Martin proposal.

“The Navy supports compatible land development and housing development that is built to community standards,” Paeski said. “We have not provided any comment or support for this development.”

Whats Next

The Planning Commission’s role in the process is advisory. While commissioners review proposed amendments to the St. Mary’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations, they do not have the authority to approve the requested land-use change or expansion of the Lexington Park Development District.

The proposal will next be forwarded to the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, who will conduct their own review, consider additional public input and ultimately decide whether to amend the Comprehensive Plan, revise the Future Land Use Map and expand the development district.

If approved by the County Commissioners, the action would allow the property owner to pursue future rezoning and development applications. However, no residential development has been approved. While Stanley Martin’s conceptual plan illustrates approximately 415 dwelling units, any future project would still require additional reviews and approvals under the county’s zoning and subdivision regulations before construction could move forward.