Bowie Planning Board reviews subdivision plan for Freeway Airport site redevelopment

Bowie City Council members discussed a significant preliminary plan for the Freeway Airport subdivision during their regular meeting on April 7, 2025. The proposal, presented by Freeway Realty, seeks to transform the existing airport site into a residential community featuring 297 single-family detached homes on 131.5 acres, located just south of Route 50.

Richard Hall, the city’s director of planning sustainability, provided an overview of the project, emphasizing its alignment with the county's growth policies and the Bowie, Mitchellville, and Vicinity Master Plan. The plan marks a reduction from a previously approved 509 units, reflecting a compromise reached with local residents who opposed higher-density developments.

The project is expected to generate approximately $9 million in impact fees, with allocations for schools and public safety. However, concerns were raised regarding the distribution of these funds and their transparency, particularly how much will benefit the Bowie area versus the broader county.

Robert Antonetti, representing the applicant, highlighted the extensive community engagement that led to the current proposal, which prohibits townhouses and limits development to single-family homes. The plan includes significant open space, with 41% of the area designated for conservation and recreational amenities, such as playgrounds and walking paths.

Traffic management was a key topic of discussion, with council members expressing concerns about existing congestion on Church Road. The proposal includes a traffic signal at the main entrance and improvements to the road to enhance safety and accessibility. Council members emphasized the importance of addressing speeding issues in the area and ensuring pedestrian safety.

Overall, the council's discussions reflect a commitment to balancing development needs with community concerns, as they consider the implications of this project for housing availability and local infrastructure. The council is expected to continue deliberating on the proposal, with a focus on ensuring it meets the needs of both current residents and future homeowners.