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Planning commission certifies Lehi Villas subdivision despite strong resident opposition
Summary
The Calvert County Planning Commission certified final subdivision approval for Lehi Villas (SDFP 143173) after a 4–3 roll call vote, drawing sustained public comment about traffic, schools and a contested 2005 memorandum regarding a $1 deed transfer of 2 acres.
The Calvert County Planning Commission voted to certify final subdivision approval for SDFP 143173 (Lehi Villas, lot 1, section 2) after a roll call that carried 4–3.
Commissioner Williams moved to “approve as satisfied” the certification; Commissioner Holler seconded. The chair then called the question and recorded individual votes. The roll-call recorded Commissioner Freeland and Commissioner Gadway as opposed, Commissioner Holler and Commissioner Kernan as yes, Commissioner McQueen as no, Commissioner Williams as yes and the chair answering yes. The motion carried, and staff moved on to other agenda items.
The vote followed extensive discussion and public comment raising concerns about traffic, school capacity, and process. Tamara Blake Wallace, the planning commission administrator, told the commission that conditions of the preliminary approval from May 15, 2024, had been met and presented options including approval as certified or deferral pending further information. County Attorney John Norris noted the deed transferring two acres had been recorded the prior week and that the deed recites nominal consideration of $1.
Opponents had urged the commission to delay action until outstanding issues were resolved. David Burke, speaking as an expert on the traffic study, said the original traffic data was too old and that a new study remains under review. Tracy Malloy and other residents said schools in Lusby are overcrowded and asked the commission to require additional studies before final approvals.
The certification advances the subdivision toward construction review steps tied to site-plan approvals and other implementation requirements; several technical items, including a traffic study tied to the site plan, remain under review by Public Works.
Planning staff noted that approval of the subdivision does not itself finalize site-development decisions tied to adequate public facilities determinations, which are connected to later site-plan review.
