Photographs from the controlled burns of two old buildings on Great Mills Road on May 22. (Photos: Courtesy of Lexington Park Ford and Lincoln)
LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (May 31, 2011)—Great Mills Road now has two less eye sores. On Sunday, May 22, Lexington Park Ford and Lincoln partnered with the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department to do a controlled burn on two unused, dilapidated buildings that were located on the automobile dealer's property. In addition to clearing the way for future expansion of the dealership, the fires were used as a training exercise for the fire department. The modernization of the dealership also fits into Lexington Park's master plan for a more aesthetically pleasing and people-friendly community.
The first building burned was the old used car sales office, located next to the dealer's main building. The dealership plans to repave the area and utilize it for expansion of the current lot, according to Rick Jenkins, general manager of the dealership. On the other side of Great Mills Road, the area where the second building once sat will be used for additional parking; it is also slated for a future pre-owned car center.
"The fire took awhile to start," said Jenkins. "After several attempts and chemicals added, it ignited in a huge blaze. The firefighters were able to keep the blaze under control. The event was a success."
The dealership provided the funds to the fire department to conduct the training exercise. "We decided to invest own money to help the ongoing project of beautifying Lexington Park for the greater good of the community," said Jenkins.
St. Mary's County government has developed a master plan for what is known as the Lexington Park Development District. One of the primary stated goals of the plan is to create a town of interconnected neighborhoods with a distinct and recognizable town center that is a special place: a destination and a focus for all Lexington Park.
With the expansion of the dealership facilitated by the removal of the old buildings, Lexington Park Ford and Lincoln is now the biggest Ford dealer in the Southern Maryland region, according to Jenkins. "We now have more vehicles than we have ever had on our lot, and we are ready for a new beginning into selling more and more cars."