Leonardtown planning commission approves 2024 report to Maryland Department of Planning, summarizes recent annexations and development activity

The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission approved its 2024 annual report to the Maryland Department of Planning and authorized staff to finalize and send the cover letter and paperwork to the state.

The commission’s annual report, prepared in accordance with the Land Use Article, Section 1-207(b), summarizes land-use actions over the year and notes recent ordinance changes, annexations and development activity that the commission reported to the Maryland Department of Planning.

During the meeting Chair (unnamed) called up the annual report and asked staff to summarize key items. Michelle, a staff member, said she had "put together a letter to the planner, mister Dahlstrom" and that the letter states the planning and zoning commission "hereby submitted their 2024 annual report" as required under "section 1-207b of the land use article." Michelle listed several items the report covered: 15 new residential units applied for; the adoption of ordinance 2-24, which rezoned three parcels owned by Cedar Lane senior living community to a multifamily residential classification; two annexations authorized by resolution 2-24 and resolution 3-24; and the town’s adoption of ordinance 2-27, the 2025 Leonardtown comprehensive land use plan, effective May 5, 2025.

Michelle also described a table included with the report that itemized permits and activity for the year: new single-family homes, townhouses, residential renovations and additions, new use-and-occupancy permits, home occupations, two radio antenna permits, one grading plan and two annexations. She said the report noted no outstanding issues with the Maryland Department of Planning.

Commission discussion that followed summarized several local projects and implementation details flagged in the report. Michelle said she had issued a use-and-occupancy certificate last week for the Splashing Car Wash project, indicating that construction there is complete. Commissioners asked about the Leonardtown Cottages, a phased four-home development at Lawrence and Church Streets; Michelle said the developer proposed building four units first to reduce disruption and that the lots meet the town’s minimum separation requirements (10 feet). The commission also discussed an earlier-approved concept for a senior-living building near White House Road; Michelle said the applicant had not submitted required materials to the St. Mary’s County Soil Conservation District, public works or the Critical Area Commission and that parking and on-site stormwater management remain outstanding issues.

Other brief updates included façade grant committee activity (information sent to the state for review), the renovation of Legg Hall to a childcare use, and a change in ownership of the Yale Café (buyer described as the owner of Korg’s Cabinetry in Charlotte Hall; the buyer’s name was not specified).

Chair (unnamed) moved to approve the 2024 Maryland Department of Planning annual report and to allow Mr. Bailey to finalize the paperwork; Commissioner (unnamed) seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote; ayes were recorded and no opposing or abstaining votes were stated in the transcript.

The approved report and cover letter will be forwarded to the Maryland Department of Planning as the commission’s formal annual submission. Michelle said she would finalize the paperwork and send it to the state.

Votes at a glance

• Motion to approve the 2024 Maryland Department of Planning annual report and authorize Mr. Bailey to finalize and send the paperwork — moved by Chair (unnamed); seconded by Commissioner (unnamed); outcome: approved (voice vote).