Planning Commission recommends denial of Saint Mary's Crossing PUD, citing traffic and environmental concerns

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the Saint Mary's Crossing planned unit development (PUD) after a prolonged public hearing and technical review that highlighted traffic safety, road‑frontage and environmental concerns.

The recommendation, made March 24, 2008, concerns PUD application ZPUD-06-14500004 from Saint Mary's Crossing LLC for a large mixed‑use residential project on property described in staff materials (the application materials identify multiple plan versions; staff recitation referenced up to 868 dwelling units). Planning Commission member Mary Guazzo moved to deny; the motion, seconded by Commissioner McNeil, passed with five in favor and one abstention (Commissioner Evans). The commission authorized the chair to sign a resolution transmitting the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

The commission’s action followed a multi‑session review by county staff and technical agencies and a lengthy public record. Department of Land Use and Growth Management planner Bob Boles read a staff report that compiled 22 conditions intended to address transportation, utilities, phasing, school site donation and environmental controls. The conditions…