Examiner Reviews Special Exception Request for Nursing Home Expansion in Prince George's County

During a recent zoning hearing in Prince George's County, Maryland, the Zoning Hearing Examiner reviewed a special exception request for a nursing home expansion that could significantly impact local healthcare services. The proposal seeks to add 36 new nursing beds and an additional parking area to an existing facility, which has evolved from a single-family dwelling into a multi-bed care home over the years.

Mister Ferguson, a key witness, confirmed his familiarity with the application and the technical staff report dated July 10, 2025. He emphasized that the proposed expansion aligns with the county's zoning regulations and the broader goals outlined in the Plan Prince George's 2035 general plan, which advocates for context-sensitive development in established communities.

The current zoning of the property is Residential Rural (RR), and Ferguson noted that the application adheres to the low-density residential land use recommendations of the 2010 Subregion 1 Master Plan. He highlighted that the design of the new addition is sensitive to the surrounding environment, preserving existing wooded areas along Powder Mill Road, which contributes to the character of the neighborhood.

Ferguson expressed confidence that the application meets all criteria for approval under the zoning ordinance, citing minimal traffic impact and the facility's long-standing presence in the community as factors supporting the request. He also agreed with the planning board's recommended findings and conditions for approval, reinforcing the notion that the expansion would not impair the neighborhood's character.

As the hearing concluded, the implications of this decision could enhance local healthcare access, providing much-needed services to the community while maintaining the area's residential integrity. The next steps will involve further review of the application and the planning board's recommendations, with the potential for a final decision in the coming weeks.