The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County approved the purchase of a parcel on Great Mills Road, known as the Turner Property/Rose’s Place, at a meeting held Nov.10. They also approved funds for the demolition of the existing structure as soon as practicable after settlement. This acquisition was approved to allow for the construction of FDR Boulevard between Great Mills Road and S. Shangri-La Drive, to improve access to important public facilities, and to eliminate a blighted structure.

The purchase price of $450,000 is less than the appraisal done by Gatewood Company in late 2008. The Gatewood appraisal assessed the value of the land at $502,472. Funds for this acquisition are contained in the approved FY2010 Capital Budget.

“This road section is a key component of the County’s adopted Transportation Plan and will alleviate traffic congestion along MD 235 and at the intersection of South Shangri-La Drive/Willows Road and Great Mills Road,” explained Jack Russell, President, Board of County Commissioners.  “This road section will enhance access to the important public facilities in the area, including the Lexington Park Library, Lexington Park Elementary School, the Bay District Fire Department and the future home of the Lexington Park Rescue Squad.”  The new road section will also improve fire and rescue response times due to better access to MD 246 (aka Great Mills Road.). The Lexington Park Library, built in 2002, lists its address at 21677 FDR Blvd as its entrance was purposely oriented to face the future FDR Boulevard. 

Commissioner Russell stated that this acquisition is important now, even though the economy is in a severe downturn. “Acquiring this property has been a priority stated in the 1985 Lexington Park Transportation Plan, the approved 2004 Lexington Park Development Plan, the 2006 St. Mary’s County Transportation Plan and the current Comprehensive Plan,” he added.

To review the St. Mary’s County Transportation Plan, visit the county’s website at www.stmarysmd.com. Click on Department of Public Works and Transportation under Citizen Services, then scroll to Information and Forms/Available Forms and Documents.

The acquisition will improve the safety and appearance of this block on Great Mills Road.  The acquisition of this property, and subsequent demolition of the structure, will benefit nearby businesses.  The Great Mills Road Streetscape project, funded by the State Highway Administration, is underway and will enhance the roadway from Rte. 235 to St. Mary’s Square. These projects are key to the revitalization efforts of Lexington Park.

Notice of today’s consideration was published in the Enterprise on Oct. 21 and contained in the published County Administrator’s agenda on Nov. 6 and posted to the county’s website on Nov. 6. The meeting was televised live on Channel 95 and will be rebroadcast. Check the schedule at www.stmarysmd.com or call the Public Information Office at (301) 475-4200 ext. 1340.