Community rallies to preserve Linda's Cafe amid traffic concerns in Lexington Park

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission convened on February 2, 2025, to discuss various community concerns, particularly focusing on local businesses and traffic issues. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members regarding the future of Linda's Cafe, a long-standing establishment in Lexington Park.

The first speaker, Mr. Russell, expressed his concerns about traffic congestion in the area, particularly around gas stations. He highlighted the challenges of entering and exiting the vicinity, describing it as a "traffic nightmare." He criticized a recent traffic study for relying on outdated data from 2017 and called for a more thorough examination of the area's traffic patterns. Mr. Russell concluded by stating his opposition to any developments that could exacerbate the existing traffic issues.

Following Mr. Russell, Linda, the owner of Linda's Cafe, passionately defended her business, which has served the community for over 34 years. She emphasized the cafe's role as a social hub for both active and retired military personnel, as well as local residents. Linda shared that a petition to keep her cafe open garnered over a thousand signatures from patrons, demonstrating strong community support. She urged the county to consider the importance of maintaining local businesses like hers, which contribute to the community's identity and cohesion.

Another speaker, Ms. Palchinski, echoed Linda's sentiments, highlighting the cafe's significance in fostering community connections. She noted that the cafe has become a gathering place for people from various backgrounds, reinforcing its value beyond just a dining establishment. Ms. Palchinski urged the county to explore options for preserving the block where the cafe is located, suggesting that it could be a vital piece in maintaining the community's fabric.

The discussions also touched on the potential leasing of the block to Royal Farms, which raised concerns among community members about the loss of local character and the impact on existing businesses. Linda pointed out that the block has been for sale for over 20 years, yet no collective effort has been made by the community to purchase it.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between the county and local businesses to address these pressing issues. The community's strong desire to preserve local establishments like Linda's Cafe was evident, as was the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic management in the area. The Planning Commission is expected to consider these testimonies as they move forward with their planning efforts.