Leonardtown’s Future
Council Approves 2025 Comprehensive Plan
Significant changes have come to Leonardtown over the last two decades. A revitalized downtown with fresh businesses, vast neighborhoods including Clarks Rest, Leonards Grant, and Meadows Run have been built, and commercial construction has enabled new offerings. Colorful art installations, seaplane rides, sunset cruises, and more unique activities have added to the town’s appeal. That’s no coincidence–it’s the result of years of community planning, the next phase of which has come together in the recently adopted 2025 Leonardtown Comprehensive Plan (CP).
Data from the Comprehensive Plan
Even if you don’t live in Leonardtown, this matters. As the county seat of St. Mary’s County and a growing regional hub, what happens in Leonardtown affects traffic, housing, schools, and the local economy for residents across the area. Leonardtown is growing fast. The population has more than doubled since 2010 when the last CP was completed and is expected to reach over 6,200 by 2035. Just 13 miles from Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX), the town has become increasingly attractive to commuters and young families. The CP outlines various goals to responsibly address opportunities from continued growth.
Transportation is key to ensuring the town remains accessible so businesses can thrive. By 2035 traffic is expected to reach 32,000 daily vehicles, up from 26,000 currently. Leonardtown’s CP recognizes the need to improve pedestrian and multi-modal transportation, citing a lack of crosswalks along Routes 5 and 245 as significant obstacles to pedestrian use. Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) completed a portion of the Route 5 widening project to improve traffic flow a few years ago, which included sidewalks. MDOT also installed a signal at the entrance of Leonard’s Grant on Hollywood Road. The town has improved sidewalk access, installed wayfinding signage, and engaged a trolley service to provide alternative accessibility.
Data from the Comprehensive Plan
Other suggested enhancements include pedestrian over or underpasses near Cedar Lane, on Hollywood Road, and at the Clark’s Rest/Route 5 intersection. That intersection will eventually be signalized and connected with the planned Tudor Hall Farms development. Other streets, like Greenbrier Road and Abell Street, could also see upgrades to link neighborhoods with cross-town connectors.
Data from the Comprehensive Plan
Some of the additional traffic will come from more residences in town. Seventy-two percent of the 1,600 housing units in Leonardtown were built after the year 2000, and more will be needed as the population climbs. A mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, including senior and low-income housing is warranted to keep Leonardtown inclusive and affordable for all. Tudor Hall Farms, a long-planned development to the west, will expand the downtown area with additional commercial and residential space. Some will be mixed use to extend the current downtown feel, while the large portions will be residential like Clarks Rest and Leonards Grant neighborhoods.
Red area indicates growth boundaries
Assuming the population projections for 2035 are correct, Leonardtown will need housing for 1200 new residents. According to census data, the average household size is 2.35 people, so 510 new dwelling units to meet the demand. If built to maximum allowed zoning total dwelling unit capacity in Leonardtown is 6,600. That’s 2,100 inside the current town boundary and more than 4,500 in the MGA, or municipal growth area. The MGA is an area outside current limits where the Town Government could annex additional land to expand. Downtown, the possibility for “creative zoning and design policies to allow up to four stories in appropriate locations” will increase density.
Map of Planned Growth
Leonardtown’s waterfront, including the Wharf, is a key aspect of the CP’s vision. The Downtown Strategic Plan, CP, and Waterfront Development Plan all focus on what’s to come. Projects described in the CP’s Parks and Recreation section are “the Icehouse food hall, expanded parking, splash pad, historic carousel, and a raised boardwalk.”
Images from the Strategic Plan
Breton Bay Greenway, “a network of multi-use trails connecting the waterfront” with the Wharf, Fenwick Lawn, the Overlook Amphitheater, Tudor Hall Farms neighborhoods, and Port of Leonardtown Winery.
Image from the Strategic Plan
Fenwick Lawn, described as a “central community park connecting downtown with existing and new neighborhoods” will feature “a multi-purpose lawn, pickleball courts, a dog park, a playground, and shaded seating areas.” Located along Fenwick Street’s extension behind Shepherd’s Old Field Market, the green space is one component of the West Fenwick District expansion, which will also feature:
High density housing like townhomes, and residential upper floors over commercial uses;
Lodge at Tudor Hall Farm Hotel and Conference Center, achieved through strategic outreach and partnership between the Town and developers;
The Overlook Amphitheater, an outdoor event space accommodating an audience of up to 1500;
Extending Fenwick, Longmore, and Barthelme Streets as Tudor Hall Farms develops;
To prepare for additional development, the town has upgraded and expanded the wastewater treatment plant to handle 1 million gallons per day. Additionally, a new water town in the Meadows Run neighborhood will ensure emergency water supply capacity is adequate.
Image from the Comprehensive Plan
Environmental concerns are important because Leonardtown is within the Breton Bay Watershed, covering more than 38,000 acres. The largest tributary in the watershed is the McIntosh Run Sub-Watershed of 22,000 acres, which is about 80% forested. “Despite the predominance of forest and undeveloped land,” says the CP, “less than 1% of the watershed is permanently protected from future development.” Environmental protection strategies include:
Restricting development in sensitive areas and encouraging clusters of development on large parcels to maximize open space;
Protecting vegetation in steep slopes, floodplains, and stream buffers;
Encouraging residents to be proactive, especially those with waterfront property, in taking preventative measures to stop erosion
Leonardtown’s future is centered on smart growth, preserving the small-town charm, and increasing accessibility for residents and those visiting. The process to update the CP began in 2023, and across public meetings, surveys, and interactive workshops feedback was gathered. The final version includes significant developments and suggestions that, with the right stewardship, will sustain the growing town. It will be important to consider these plans as the county’s Comprehensive Plan is revised this year.
