FIVE HUNDRED NINETY THIRD MEETING

CITY OF LAUREL PLANNING COMMISSION

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 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 Ward 2 Councilmember Mr. Keith R.  Sydnor, the Honorable Mr. Rick Wilson, Ms. Krystiana Bonheur and Alternate Mr. Dennis Grant. Also present were Mr. Robert Love, Director, Department of Economic & Community Development, Mr. Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, Department of Economic & Community Planning, and Ms. Brooke Quillen, Secretary to the Commission. There were approximately three (3) members of the public in attendance.

The minutes from the July 12, 2022, meeting were approved with one (1) correction to remove a duplicate paragraph on the first page, on motion by Ms. Bonheur seconded by Mr. Wilson and carried on a roll call vote of all members present.

The next agenda item was for an Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application for 9000 Marshall Avenue Laurel, Maryland 20707, filed by Vilcon Family, LLC., 7440 Assateague Drive Jessup, Maryland 20794. Mr. Burrough stated the applicant is seeking Amended Site and Landscape Plan approval to convert existing building to a grocery store (Megamart). The building is currently vacant.  The buildings previous use was a bowling alley.  The Applicant is also proposing to revise existing landscape, parking and vehicle circulation to accommodate large delivery vehicles.  The parcel of land consists of 120,109 square feet and is zoned C-G (Commercial General).  The property is in the 100-year flood zone.

There was discussion among the Commission, the applicant and staff regarding the access from Route 1 and Marshall Avenue. They also discussed the mitigation analysis on the floodplain review and approval with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Staff stated they can add that specific information to the staff report and resolution.

Representing the applicant, Mr. Brian Donnelly, Civil Engineer, Macris, Hendricks and Glascock, P.A., 9220 Wightman Road #120 Gaithersburg Maryland 20886, stated the large trucks will utilize the eastside of the property and the public will still have access from Marshall Avenue and Route 1. Mr. Donnelly explained this is an independent grocery store however they do have approximately five (5) other stores open. He added this grocery store already exists across the street and they are just moving to this location for a larger space.

Chairwoman Betman opened the public hearing at 6:15 p.m.    

There was nobody signed up to speak.

Chairwoman Betman opened the public hearing at 6:16 p.m.    

The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Ms. Bonheur, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to approve the Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application and Resolution No. 22-13-PC for 9000 Marshall Avenue Laurel, Maryland 20707, with the amendment staff add floodplain mitigation information to the Staff Report and Resolution for the official record.

The next item on the agenda was for Text Amendment No. 262 (Ordinance No. 1999)    Unified Land Development Code Update Part VI, filed by the City of Laurel Mayor and Council. Mr. Love stated the proposed text amendment No. 262 (Ordinance No. 1999) would modify various sections of the Unified Land Development Code. The Code provides the City’s zoning requirements, subdivision regulations, forest conservation codes, and all other development related regulations. The goal of the comprehensive review and update is to streamline the document to make it more user friendly for citizens, business owners and developers. Part I of the Unified Land Development Code update was approved October 26, 2020, Part II was approved on January 25, 2021, and Part III was approved June 28, 2021, Part IV was approved October 25, 2021, and Part V was approved January 10, 2022.

The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Ms. Bonheur, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to recommend approval of the Text Amendment No. 262 and Ordinance No. 1999 to the Mayor and City Council.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Approved:      Brooke Quillen                                              Date:  10/18/2022