Jacob’s Run Subdivision

An application was filed in August 2025 with the county’s Department of Land Use and Growth Management for a residential development of more than 400 homes off Buck Hewitt Road in Great Mills.

The project, known as Jacob’s Run, is proposed by K. Hovnanian Mid-Atlantic Division LLC of Gambrills, the same developer behind the recently approved Pembrooke Townhomes off Willows Road in Lexington Park. The development would span two parcels owned by DC Buck Properties LLC.

Plans call for connections to Goldfinch Drive in the Victoria’s Grant subdivision and to FDR Boulevard just north of Victory Woods, behind the Kohl’s shopping center. Of the roughly 168-acre site, about 96 acres are slated for residential development across three phases: 157 homes in the first year, 218 in the second and 56 in the third, for a total of 431 units. The completed community is expected to include 206 townhomes and 225 single-family homes.

from planning documents

According to the stormwater management report, the site is “completely covered by wooded vegetation, with steep slopes located near the stream that runs along the edge of the property.” Stormwater is expected to drain into that stream, Jarboesville Run, and its tributaries. No development is proposed within the property’s special flood hazard area.

“Site layout took into account the minimization of disturbances to existing conditions as well as maintaining and not disturbing the wetland or wetland buffer as much as possible,” the report states. However, several lots would encroach into stream or wetland buffers, requiring variances from the Board of Appeals. The developer said a full wetland study will be submitted later in the review process, following concept site plan approval.

Access to the development would require a right-of-way approved by the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, as well as coordination with a neighboring property owner, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, which owns the parcel that includes Victory Woods.

from planning documents

Project documents also show a proposed 6-foot widening of portions of Goldfinch Drive and Oriole Drive near the development entrance. The work could affect gas lines owned by Washington Gas and several adjacent properties. Staff review notes the potential need to coordinate with the Victoria’s Grant Homeowners Association.

County review documents outline projected impacts. An August 2025 capital facilities analysis estimates the development would generate approximately 93 elementary school students, 46 middle school students and 66 high school students.

from the traffic impact study; numbers indicate how many trips near each intersection.

A traffic impact study prepared in September 2025 projects more than 3,300 daily vehicle trips. All studied intersections are expected to operate at level of service B or better.

from planning documents

Plans include a mix of open space, including 27 acres of usable open space, 9.55 acres of common open space and 3.83 acres designated for recreation. Proposed amenities may include playgrounds, open fields and pickleball courts.

More than 400 parking spaces are planned for townhomes, including garages, along with 177 additional off-site spaces, for a total of 589 spaces.

from planning documents

The development would be served by 20 streets, at least 11 of which — primarily those serving townhomes — would remain privately maintained. Roads serving single-family homes are expected to be dedicated to the county upon completion, consistent with similar projects.

The property is zoned mixed-use moderate intensity, which allows a base density of up to seven units per acre, or a maximum of 1,176 units. The proposed 431-unit plan falls well below that threshold.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposal April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake Building, 41770 Baldridge St., in Leonardtown. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing or submit comments in advance by email to megan.higgs-carter@stmaryscountymd.gov.

—————

Informed St. Mary’s remains paywall free for everyone with your support. Donate here to support this important work.