St. Mary’s Planning Commission approves concept plan for ‘Southern Maryland Bounty’ after debate over buffers and stormwater

The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission approved a concept site plan for “Southern Maryland Bounty,” a proposed farmers market and horticultural facility near Route 235, by a 4–2 vote after an extended debate about required buffers and whether the site’s innovative stormwater systems meet state Environmental Site Design (ESD) requirements.

Commission Chair Martin Evans and staff recommended concept approval, while Commissioners Pamela Guazzo and Hayden opposed the motion, saying the plan does not preserve a long‑term buffer to protect adjacent residential parcels. The motion passed on a roll call: four in favor, two opposed.

The plan is presented as two buildings: one for a farmers market/retail operation and one for a horticultural facility (trees, shrubs) with some wholesale activity. Developer representatives told the commission the site is intended to operate year‑round and would include a range of ESD measures, including a permeable/reinforced “clover” parking surface and a larger rainwater‑harvesting and cistern system to capture runoff for irrigation.

Billy Mahaffey, of Mahaffey & Associates, representing the developer, and Dr. Robert Massey, who led the site’s agronomic and planting design…