Leonardtown Approves Concept Plan For 16-Unit G&H Residences On Washington Street

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A proposed 16-unit apartment building along Washington Street cleared its first major hurdle Feb. 17, as the Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission approved a concept site plan for what would become the G&H Residences.

The three-story project is planned for a 0.71-acre parcel at 22809 Washington St., near Church Street, at a prominent northern approach into downtown. The property is zoned Commercial Business, where multifamily housing is permitted if parking and site standards are met.

Town Planner Mike Bailey told commissioners the application complies with zoning requirements and aligns with the town’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which identifies downtown as a designated growth area. The project provides the required 32 parking spaces — two per unit — including accessible spaces.

Under the proposal, most parking would be located behind the building near Pope Street, with additional spaces near the main entrance, which faces north toward Church Street. Access points are shown on both Washington Street and Pope Street.

Because of utility easements and site constraints, the building would sit roughly 26 feet back from the Washington Street sidewalk. That setback area would include landscaped stormwater management features designed to buffer the structure from the roadway.

The property owner has also agreed to dedicate a 10-foot strip along Pope Street to the town for potential future roadway improvements. Bailey noted the zoning ordinance permits building heights up to 45 feet in the district.

Developer Wayne Davis said the project would include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units intended to support residents working in or near downtown. He estimated rents could fall between $1,800 and $2,000 per month, depending on final design and construction costs.

While commissioners acknowledged the project meets code requirements, much of the discussion centered on scale and architectural design.

Several members questioned whether a three-story structure would appear out of proportion between nearby two-story homes along Washington Street. Suggestions included incorporating roof variations, facade articulation and additional architectural detailing to reduce the building’s visual mass.

Residents who addressed the commission raised broader concerns about parking spillover, lighting impacts, trash collection access and the possibility of Pope Street becoming a pass-through corridor.

Traffic flow was also discussed. Commission member Sean Lawson pointed to recurring congestion at the Routes 5 and 245 intersection, noting that vehicles exiting the property onto Washington Street would be limited to a right turn because of the existing grass median and would need to make a U-turn to access the traffic signal.

A traffic study is not required because the parcel already has established development rights under town ordinance.

Other speakers voiced support for continued investment in Leonardtown, emphasizing the need for additional housing within walking distance of restaurants and businesses. Commissioners framed the debate as a balancing act between managing growth and preserving the town’s small-scale character.

The Feb. 17 vote grants concept site plan approval only. Architectural design and final site details must return to the commission for approval before construction can proceed. The developer indicated a willingness to seek interim feedback from the commission before submitting final plans.

The project now moves into detailed design review.

Watch the full planning zoning commission meeting below: