Community rallies to support Linda's as historic small business in Lexington Park

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission meeting on February 2, 2025, featured a passionate defense of a local business, Linda's, which is facing potential closure due to zoning regulations. Community members voiced strong support for Linda's, emphasizing its role as a vital community space and a symbol of historic Lexington Park.

During the meeting, a speaker highlighted the importance of Linda's as a gathering place for residents, where conversations about politics and community events take place. The speaker argued that Linda's should remain open, citing its long-standing presence in the area and its status as a grandfathered business under current zoning laws. They pointed out that the recommendations from the Area Comprehensive Plan (ACU) are not binding and ultimately fall under the jurisdiction of the county commissioners.

Supporters of Linda's expressed concerns about the impact of removing such a small business, noting that it contributes significantly to the local economy by providing jobs and keeping money within the community. The speaker criticized the idea of replacing Linda's with another gas station, arguing that the area already has an abundance of gas stations and that the future is shifting towards electric vehicles.

Traffic issues were also a major point of discussion. The speaker described the current traffic situation on Route 235 as problematic, particularly for those commuting to and from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. They raised concerns about the potential traffic congestion that could arise from adding more gas stations, likening it to existing traffic challenges at nearby intersections.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the community's commitment to supporting local businesses like Linda's, as well as the need for careful consideration of traffic impacts and zoning regulations in future planning decisions. The outcome of this discussion will likely influence the future of Linda's and similar small businesses in St. Mary's County.