Protect the Character of Our Waldorf Neighborhood — Oppose the Proposed Boarding House
The Issue
Charles County Board of Appeals Meeting Notes 7/14/26
The BayNet Article - Waldorf BoardingHouse
Our family chose the Waldorf neighborhood because it represents what many people hope for when they purchase a home: a community of established single-family residences where neighbors know one another, children can play safely, and homeowners have invested their time, resources, and care into creating a peaceful place to live.
Like many residents, we recognize the importance of providing housing opportunities and supporting the needs of our growing community. However, the proposed boarding house at 11890 Acton Park Place (near AMC Bowling) raises serious concerns about whether this type of use is compatible with the existing character, stability, and long-term vision of our neighborhood.
The introduction of a boarding house would represent a significant change from the current single-family residential environment. This is not simply a matter of adding occupants to one property; it has the potential to alter the overall character of the community through increased density, additional vehicle traffic, more frequent resident turnover, and changes in the daily activity patterns that neighbors have come to value.
Our neighborhood was designed and developed as a community of single-family homes. Many residents have lived here for years, raised families here, and worked hard to maintain a safe, stable, and welcoming environment. Preserving that character is important not only for current residents but also for future homeowners who choose this community because of its existing identity.
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts of the proposed boarding house, including:
• Increased traffic and parking demands due to multiple unrelated occupants, visitors, deliveries, and additional vehicles.
• Increased noise and activity levels that may not be consistent with a traditional single-family residence.
• Frequent resident turnover, which may affect neighborhood stability and the sense of community residents have built over time.
• Potential impacts on privacy and the peaceful enjoyment of surrounding properties.
• Additional strain on neighborhood infrastructure and resources that were established for the current residential density.
The location of the proposed boarding house presents additional concerns because the property is located near the Western Parkway trail, which is frequently used by families, children, and residents for walking, recreation, and outdoor activities. A higher turnover of residents, along with increased visitors, deliveries, and vehicle activity associated with a boarding house, could significantly change the current environment surrounding this shared community space.
Residents value the ability to enjoy the trail and surrounding areas as safe, peaceful, and family-friendly amenities. The potential for a constantly changing group of occupants and visitors creates concerns about maintaining the sense of familiarity, security, and community trust that currently exists among neighbors who regularly use and care for this area.
There are also concerns about the long-term implications of approving this Special Exception. Allowing a boarding house in an established single-family neighborhood could potentially encourage similar applications in other residential communities, gradually changing the character of neighborhoods that were never intended for this type of use.
While boarding houses may be permitted through a Special Exception process in certain zoning areas, approval is not automatic. The Board has the responsibility to carefully evaluate whether the proposed use is appropriate for this specific location and whether it is compatible with the surrounding community.
Our concerns are not directed toward any individual seeking housing. Every person deserves access to safe and appropriate housing. Our opposition is based on the belief that this particular proposed use is not compatible with the established character, expectations, and residential nature of the Acton Park Place community.
We are asking residents, homeowners, and community members to stand together and voice their concerns. Please sign this petition to oppose the proposed boarding house at 11890 Acton Park Place and support the preservation of Waldorf’s established neighborhoods as safe, stable, and family-oriented communities.
Together, we can protect the character, integrity, and future of our neighborhood.
93
The Issue
Charles County Board of Appeals Meeting Notes 7/14/26
The BayNet Article - Waldorf BoardingHouse
Our family chose the Waldorf neighborhood because it represents what many people hope for when they purchase a home: a community of established single-family residences where neighbors know one another, children can play safely, and homeowners have invested their time, resources, and care into creating a peaceful place to live.
Like many residents, we recognize the importance of providing housing opportunities and supporting the needs of our growing community. However, the proposed boarding house at 11890 Acton Park Place (near AMC Bowling) raises serious concerns about whether this type of use is compatible with the existing character, stability, and long-term vision of our neighborhood.
The introduction of a boarding house would represent a significant change from the current single-family residential environment. This is not simply a matter of adding occupants to one property; it has the potential to alter the overall character of the community through increased density, additional vehicle traffic, more frequent resident turnover, and changes in the daily activity patterns that neighbors have come to value.
Our neighborhood was designed and developed as a community of single-family homes. Many residents have lived here for years, raised families here, and worked hard to maintain a safe, stable, and welcoming environment. Preserving that character is important not only for current residents but also for future homeowners who choose this community because of its existing identity.
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the potential impacts of the proposed boarding house, including:
• Increased traffic and parking demands due to multiple unrelated occupants, visitors, deliveries, and additional vehicles.
• Increased noise and activity levels that may not be consistent with a traditional single-family residence.
• Frequent resident turnover, which may affect neighborhood stability and the sense of community residents have built over time.
• Potential impacts on privacy and the peaceful enjoyment of surrounding properties.
• Additional strain on neighborhood infrastructure and resources that were established for the current residential density.
The location of the proposed boarding house presents additional concerns because the property is located near the Western Parkway trail, which is frequently used by families, children, and residents for walking, recreation, and outdoor activities. A higher turnover of residents, along with increased visitors, deliveries, and vehicle activity associated with a boarding house, could significantly change the current environment surrounding this shared community space.
Residents value the ability to enjoy the trail and surrounding areas as safe, peaceful, and family-friendly amenities. The potential for a constantly changing group of occupants and visitors creates concerns about maintaining the sense of familiarity, security, and community trust that currently exists among neighbors who regularly use and care for this area.
There are also concerns about the long-term implications of approving this Special Exception. Allowing a boarding house in an established single-family neighborhood could potentially encourage similar applications in other residential communities, gradually changing the character of neighborhoods that were never intended for this type of use.
While boarding houses may be permitted through a Special Exception process in certain zoning areas, approval is not automatic. The Board has the responsibility to carefully evaluate whether the proposed use is appropriate for this specific location and whether it is compatible with the surrounding community.
Our concerns are not directed toward any individual seeking housing. Every person deserves access to safe and appropriate housing. Our opposition is based on the belief that this particular proposed use is not compatible with the established character, expectations, and residential nature of the Acton Park Place community.
We are asking residents, homeowners, and community members to stand together and voice their concerns. Please sign this petition to oppose the proposed boarding house at 11890 Acton Park Place and support the preservation of Waldorf’s established neighborhoods as safe, stable, and family-oriented communities.
Together, we can protect the character, integrity, and future of our neighborhood.
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on July 17, 2026