FIVE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINTH MEETING

CITY OF LAUREL PLANNING COMMISSION

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2022 – 6:00 P.M.

The meeting convened on a virtual platform through Zoom at 6:00 P.M., with Chairwoman Mitzi Betman presiding.  The roll was called with John R. Kish, Vice Chair, The Honorable G. Rick Wilson, Mr. Bill Wellford and Councilmember Sydnor, Ex-Officio Member. Also present were Mr. Robert Love, Director, Ms. Brooke Quillen, Secretary to the Commission and Mr. Lawrence Taub, City Solicitor. Mr. Darnell Butler from the Communications Department was also present. There were approximately six (6) members of the public in attendance.

The minutes from the January 11, 2022 meeting were approved as written, on motion by Mr. Wellford seconded by Mr. Wilson, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present.

The next item on the agenda was a Neo Traditional Overlay Concept Plan Application No. 924 and Resolution No. 22-03-PC for 7222 and 7302 Contee Road, filed by Ribera Development, LLC., 8684 Veterans Highway Suite 203 Millersville, Maryland 21108.  Mr. Love stated the applicant is seeking approval to develop a 63-unit townhouse community.  There is currently one single family home on 7222 Contee Road property as well as one single family home on the 7302 Contee Road property.  The property in July 2021 rezoned from R-5 to R-T.  The subject properties were annexed into the city in 2014.

Attorney for the applicant, Mr. Eric DeVito, 481 Old Orchard Circle Millersville, Maryland 21108, stated he had a short presentation and he agrees with all the conditions listed in the staff report. He introduced each member of the development team and explained the history of the property, mentioning there would be more approvals ahead for this project. He added this request is for 63 units which is 13 units less than the maximum amount allowed. Mr. DeVito went on to detail the purpose and intent of the project including the conformance listed in Section 20-6.12, ULDC: Neo Traditional Overlay which covers amenities, building height, density, lot size and coverage, landscaping and preservation, screening, fencing, berms or other attenuation, traffic circulation and generation and adequacy of public facilities, architectural design and building materials, undergrounding of utilities and transit-oriented details.

After the applicant’s presentation there was discussion between the applicant and Commissioners regarding guest parking and traffic study concerns. It was clarified by the applicant that there will be 26 parking spaces available for visitors, along with homeowners driveways.

Chairwoman Betman opened the public hearing at 6:37 p.m.

Mr. Mark Keeley, Traffic Analyst, Traffic Concepts, 7525 Connelley Drive Hanover, Maryland 21076, explained the process of conducting a traffic study, noting an elaborate investigation and a detailed analysis of the transportation system within a specific area, which is supported by an expansive collection of data, adding there are generally three (3) components to conduct a traffic study to include existing, background and future traffic. Councilmember Sydnor requested him to attend the next Mayor and City Council meeting to share the same information.

It was noted by Mr. Robert Love, Director, that even though a traffic study was conducted for this project, it was not required for this application and concerns regarding the traffic study should be discussed further at a later phase, however, staff is currently reviewing the traffic study.

Mr. Benjamin Gray, Contee Crossing Homeowners Association President, 13901 Chadsworth Terrace Laurel, Maryland 20707, stated they have concerns with water runoff problems, the cost of the actual new housing units and connectivity with the front footage/WSSC infrastructure, how will all this affect Contee Crossing. Mr. Gray also asked if it was possible to get a new light at Contee Crossing.

Chairwoman Betman stated she understands the concerns regarding a new traffic light however that doesn’t relate to this property or application. She suggested he work with the City and Council members on the processes for that type of request.

Mr. Robert Love, Director, added the developer was previously looking to add a thru road, however that would be for another process as well as the water runoff issue. He suggested the applicant address the unit pricing, if available.

Attorney for the applicant, Mr. Eric DeVito, 481 Old Orchard Circle Millersville, Maryland 21108, stated as this is still in the preliminary process, therefore, no final pricing has not been determined although they will be high end townhouses and will be in line with Avery Place.

Chairwoman Betman closed the public hearing at 6:45 p.m.

Attorney for the applicant, Mr. Eric DeVito, 481 Old Orchard Circle Millersville, Maryland 21108, provided a closing statement adding they have had communications with the Contee Crossing Homeowners Association and are currently working on the information requested. He also noted that even though a traffic study was not required at this step they wanted to be proactive and provide it early because of all the questions it raises. Lastly, he thanked everyone for their time and asked for approval on this application to move forward with the Mayor and City Council.

Chairman Betman noted the actual addresses for this application is for 7222 and 7302 Contee Road.

The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Wellford, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to recommend approval of the Neo Traditional Overlay Concept Plan Application No. 924 and Resolution No. 22-03-PC to the Mayor and City Council.

Approved:    Brooke Quillen                                         Date:  4/12/2022