O’Reilly Charlotte Hall

Hearing August 25th

Three is the magic number when it comes to corporate chain stores, as O’Reilly Auto Parts may soon have a third location in St. Mary’s County. In December 2024, I wrote this article about the retail store’s plans to build in Lexington Park, Hollywood, and Charlotte Hall. The first two locations are currently under construction, with the third scheduled for a hearing before the Planning Commission on August 25th. The trend mirrors other corporations quickly expanding with three or more locations, including Royal Farms, Chipotle, Aldi, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Sheetz. 

Located at 29770 Charlotte Hall Commons Way, O’Reilly’s concept site plan shows a 7500 square foot building with 30 parking spaces. Sheetz is under construction in the shopping center known as Charlotte Hall Commons where of a total 10 lots, five are still available for sale or lease. Prices range from $700K to $1.5M. Available lots could host retail, restaurant, medical, or hotel uses. A 13,000 SF office/warehouse for East Coast Construction is planned on Lot 4 which, along with Lot 5, are zoned industrial.

Each parcel in the shopping center must be served by a septic system because the nearest public sewer hookup is a mile north. Survey records from September 2023 document easements permitting MetCom to install public water/sewer when it “determines that a connection is feasible.” The agreement made between MetCom and the developer to waive the required sewer connection, for now, dictates connection once infrastructure is installed. O’Reilly applied for a sewer waiver as well, writing it “would be prohibitively expensive for a 7,000 square foot retail development to construct” due to the distance.

Signalization of the John Knight Drive / MD 5 intersection is underway. The “T” style light will only stop northbound traffic, allowing southbound left turns into and left or right turns out of the development. O’Reilly is expected to generate 321 additional daily trips according to the adequate public facilities report. The new signalized intersection will operate at an “A” level of service. 

From concept site plan

The Planning Commission will review the O’Reilly concept site plan on August 25th at 6:30PM at 41770 Baldridge St. Leonardtown, which will include a public hearing. For those who can’t attend, comments can be sent to megan.higgs-carter@stmaryscountymd.gov

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