Development Follow Up
Originally Published: August 1, 2024
Honda Dealership Approved
The Planning Commission continued on July 22nd with the postponed hearing for a Honda/Kia dealership proposed by Carter-Myers Automotive (CMA). Chris Longmore, representing attorney, along with Greg Lyons of CMA, engineer Pat Mudd, and traffic consultant Mike Lenhart were on hand to answer questions.
Residents of the Woodland Acres community voiced concerns over stormwater management, traffic on 235, and drivers cutting through the neighborhood. Colleen Lane said her neighbor’s basement floods since the construction of California Blvd, an event that never happened in the 30 years before. Jay Armsworthy, another resident, described the misuse of the right-in only entrance off Route 4. Drivers exit from the entrance when cutting through the neighborhood, and general traffic has already increased, Armsworthy said.
Lewie Aldridge, who previously owned the property, testified in favor of the project. Aldridge told the Commission that the dilapidated properties were tough to sell for decades, but CMA saw the opportunity. Construction will reduce entrances off 235, devaluing the property Aldridge said, but the dealership will provide “a new service to the community.”
Rory Feicht, owner of Feicht Construction at the corner of 235/4 is in talks with CMA to provide access to his property. Together, Feicht’s properties are five acres. “There needs to be a service road to make this project work,” Feicht said, because using his current entrance off 235 is dangerous enough now.
Planning Commissioners questioned the current level of service (LOS) at the 235/4 intersection. CMA’s traffic mitigation is a contribution of $18.5K to the $500K cost of a new traffic signal at the intersection of FDR/235 near Wildewood. Where would the remainder of the cost come from, asked Commissioner Kim Summers. For the light to be constructed, additional funds from other developers, the county, or the state would be needed. Completing the light would finish the end of FDR by providing a point to turn north on 235, relieving some traffic from the 235/4 intersection.
“We can buy all kinds of stuff, and it kind of befuddles me that we can’t forward fund a traffic light,” said Commissioner Joe St. Clair. Commissioner Lynn Delahay said St. Mary’s often “has to settle” when it comes to traffic issues, while Commissioner John Brown urged concerned residents to press the issue with the County Commissioners. Ultimately, as attorney Chris Longmore pointed out, it was the County Commissioners who, six years ago, expanded allowable uses in the area with the approval of the Lexington Park Development District master plan.
Approval of the concept site plan included several conditions, among them the guaranteed payment of $18.5K towards the traffic light; delivery of new cars is made onsite and not on 235; and no test driving through the neighborhood.
Construction will likely be completed within the next 3 years, or sooner depending on the permitting process.
