St. Mary’s County Commissioner Todd Morgan remains concerned about the development trends in Wildewood. Morgan (R: 4th) made his comments Tuesday during an update on Wildewood from staff members of the Department of Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM).
The LUGM report concluded that the planned unit development (PUD) had more open space and more developed open space than required by the PUD development document (called the Green Book). The report says the community has 680 acres of open space even though only 445 is required and has 105 acres of developed open space with 85 acres required. Only 2,159 of the allowed 3,792 units have been built.
Morgan had requested the LUGM update because residents had complained to him about the trends of development in recent years away from the original developer’s passion for saving trees and creating open space. Morgan contends open space includes everything except a building or anything paved over, which includes peoples’ front and back yards, which aren’t of public benefit.
LUGM Acting Director Phil Shire said the definition of open space is different today than it was in the 70’s when the PUD was approved. “We have learned more since the PUD,” Shire said. Morgan responded: “I think we have more to learn.”
Shire insisted he wasn’t making any excuses for the developer. The LUGM report, however, does note that Wildewood is in the county’s Development District and more dense development is desirable there instead of in the rural areas that the county’s Master Plan hopes to preserve.
Morgan said, “I understand. Do I have to agree? No!”
Wildewood representative Sean Day told the commissioners that they are building a new pool, tennis court and recreation field. He said the developer is presenting plans to the Wildewood Community Association and the board has approved them.
In response to a question from Commissioner Daniel Morris (R: 2nd), Day said the next section of Wildewood, Magnolia Park, will be a mix of townhouses and single-family homes. He said market conditions will determine in what order it is developed. Day also said the new connector road to Lawrence Hayden Road would be built before any new homes.
For the August 29 story on the presentation of the Wildewood report to the St. Mary’s County Planning Commission, please see www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_id/23824.
