LA PLATA, Md. — A proposed 49-lot subdivision along Route 488 remains in limbo after the Charles County Planning Commission delayed a final vote on whether to grant a one-year extension or let the project expire. The decision was postponed following a packed public comment session at the July 21 meeting, with the board voting to keep the record open through Aug. 1 to allow additional written comments from Charles County residents.
The development, known as Piney Branch Estates, was originally approved in 2013 — prior to zoning changes that now restrict the 200-acre site to just seven homes under the Tier IV conservation designation.
A packed room of residents voiced unanimous opposition to the extension request submitted by the Peggy B. Dobson Revocable Trust. Testimony and written comments raised concerns about traffic, rural preservation, water access, and the integrity of long-range county planning.
“This subdivision will have an impact on the water availability in La Plata. I vote no. I couldn’t even get one perk this year. What’s the deal building over 50 units?”
— Laura L., submitted for public comment
Without a one-year extension from the Charles County Planning Commission, the approval will expire on Aug. 19. The 200-acre property — zoned Rural Conservation (RC) and situated across from a natural spring frequently used by local residents — would then revert to current zoning, allowing just seven homes to be built.
“The Tier IV classification was implemented for an important reason, and given that the project was not able to meet their deadline, it is crucial to deny an extension to protect this environmentally sensitive area. Not only is the land home to a variety of wildlife, the addition of homes will strain roads, affect drainage, and add a strain to schools. I implore this commission to deny the extension and protect the Tier IV classification.”
— Jonica G., submitted for public comment
The property lies within Tier IV, a land classification under Maryland’s Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Preservation Act, which restricts major subdivisions in environmentally sensitive areas with limited public infrastructure. Although Tier IV rules generally prohibit projects of this scale, Piney Branch Estates remains grandfathered because its preliminary plan was approved before the Oct. 1, 2016, cutoff.
“How is it that on that very same area that was so vital to protect, that we are even discussing the possibility of a potential housing development? It was this county, this state that so urgently wanted its protection. I ask you to please keep what is a natural habitat just what it is and what it was meant to be — left alone. Please do not approve a housing development on that side of 488.”
— Donna P., submitted for public comment
Commissioners Debate Motions
Board Vice President Bill Murray introduced a motion to deny the extension outright, arguing that some of the applicant’s stated hardships were self-imposed. He challenged one of the central claims — compliance with a May 2025 Health Department regulation requiring wet-season percolation testing — stating, “That shouldn’t even be in play.”
Board member Ryan Sekuterski seconded the motion to deny. However, a procedural shift occurred when board member Jeffrey Gossart proposed a six-month extension as a compromise, suggesting it could provide time to evaluate the applicant’s progress without granting a full year. Gossart noted that in prior meetings, the board had decided against approving extensions.
Board member Dawud Abdur-Rahman supported the delay, pointing to the volume of public feedback and the need for a more thorough staff report review. He said, “I feel like we should give the public more time and give the opportunity for the staff to take a full look at it and a full hearing.”
No public hearing is scheduled, and public comments will only be accepted in writing through Aug. 1. Submitted comments will not be read during the next meeting, as the item will be handled under Unfinished Business on the agenda.
Following confusion over multiple motions, Murray withdrew his original motion to deny. The board then voted solely on whether to extend the written comment period until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.
The motion passed 4–2, with Semia Hackett and Ryan Sekuterski voting against the extension.
Applicant Cites Delays, Estate Transition, and Regulation Changes
Representatives for the applicant — including attorney Sue Greer and engineers Mike Przybocki and Ed Carroll of Soltesz — cited several factors in support of the extension request, including delays following the 2023 passing of Peggy B. Dobson and a new May 2025 Health Department regulation requiring wet-season percolation testing for sewage easements. Because the next wet season will not occur until spring 2026, they argued that a one-year extension is necessary to complete the project.
Residents and board members questioned this, noting the project had already experienced long delays before the rule change. School allocations were approved in 2022, but engineering plans were not submitted until June 2024 — more than a decade after the project was originally approved in 2013.
“This deadline and the lack of progress toward it is proof that this developer and development isn’t in the best interest for people who care about the future of this immediate area. Please, for the sake of those who spend a great deal of time a stone’s throw away — end this now so that we are not looking back at an obvious road to failure — and lamenting what could have been.”
— B. Anderson, submitted for public comment
What’s Next
The Planning Commission will revisit the Piney Branch Estates extension request during its next meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. Public comments will not be accepted at that time; written submissions may be sent until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1.
Submit comments here by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, Aug. 4, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Planning & Growth Management Building
200 Baltimore St., La Plata, MD 20646
Additional Resources
- Project History Timeline (2012–2025): Download PDF
- July 21 Meeting Agenda with Plans and Submitted Comments: View here
- New Public Comments Being Uploaded to the Aug. 4 Agenda: View here
- Meeting Broadcast: Live on CCGTV (Comcast Channel 95 / Verizon Fios Channel 10)
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