Saint Mary's County Planning Commission reviews Lexington Park Development District Master Plan

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over St. Mary's County, the Planning Commission convened on October 16, 2017, to address pivotal issues shaping the future of the community. The meeting, held in the local government building, was marked by a sense of urgency and collaboration as members gathered to discuss two significant agenda items: the five-year mid-cycle report on the county's comprehensive plan and the review of the Lexington Park Development District Master Plan.

Kathleen Easley, the acting deputy director of land use and growth management, presented the comprehensive plan report, a requirement under Maryland law. This report, covering the years 2011 to 2016, highlighted development trends and the status of implementation tools essential for guiding growth in the county. Easley emphasized the importance of understanding past building permit trends to inform future planning, noting that the data would be crucial for the upcoming ten-year comprehensive plan review scheduled for 2021.

A key point of discussion arose regarding state regulations impacting rural development. Commission members expressed concerns about a 2014 septic law limiting the number of lots on rural parcels, which they argued stifled growth potential in areas designated for development. The dialogue revealed a shared frustration over the challenges of balancing growth with environmental preservation, a theme that resonated throughout the meeting.

Following the comprehensive plan discussion, the focus shifted to the Lexington Park Development District Master Plan. Chief Information Officer Dave Weiskopf led the review of the final sections of the plan, specifically Areas 6 and 8. He outlined adjustments made based on previous discussions and public input, aiming to refine land use designations to better reflect community needs and aspirations.

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere was one of collaboration and determination. Commission members actively engaged in discussions, weighing the implications of proposed changes and seeking to ensure that the planning process remained transparent and inclusive. The evening concluded with a commitment to incorporate feedback into the ongoing planning efforts, underscoring the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of St. Mary's County.

With the groundwork laid for future developments, the Planning Commission left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and foster a thriving environment for all residents.