Leonardtown Dairy Queen
Originally Published: January 20, 2023
Leonardtown recently approved two projects, a Dairy Queen to be built behind Birdie’s (old Burchmart) where the car wash is now; and SOMD Orthopaedics on Hollywood Rd, near the entrance to the Leonard’s Grant neighborhood.
Concerns about traffic in the busy Route 5/Hollywood Road intersection, combined with traffic from Dunkin Donuts & Father Andrew White School were raised in relation to the Dairy Queen project.
Plans for the Dairy Queen were modified to allow for up to 18 cars in the drive-thru, and less on site parking. Total parking spaces fell from 42 to 39 during this change. Most of the business will likely come through the drive-thru. This project was originally pitched as a more “family friendly” type of use for the space versus the carwash currently there.
The Town’s Planning and Zoning board approved a concept site plan for a 69,000+ square foot orthopedic facility to be built on Hollywood Road at the entrance to the Leonard’s Grant neighborhood. The development will also include office space and a daycare center for employees.
Finally, the Town is planning to borrow from the state $9M of the total $19M price tag to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities, something that has been needed for a while and will allow the town to continue to expand. This state loan will be repaid by impact fees ($18,000 per built unit). As development grows, impact fee income will grow as well.
As Leonardtown continues to grow (a new housing development is currently being built, Meadows at Town Run 2–which will include apartments), traffic will continue to increase. It was noted during discussion for the Dairy Queen that Washington St. has no room for expansion to allow for more traffic. This is a major concern. According to State Highway, if there are 30 or more cars per hour into a site it will require an excel/deceleration lane to be added to the feeder road. The traffic study completed shows the Dairy Queen will have only 29 cars per hour. Convenient, given Washington St. cannot expand to add the extra lane required if just 1 more car per hour visits Dairy Queen.
What are your thoughts on these new developments in Leonardtown?
