THREE HUNDRED SEVENTY FOURTH MEETING

CITY OF LAUREL BOARD OF APPEALS

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2023 – REGULAR

***This meeting was conducted in person in the Council Chambers ***

Convened: 6:03 P.M.

Board Members Present (During Roll):

Frederick Smalls
Dennis Whitley
Michelle Keating
David Johnston

Staff Present:

Monta Burrough, Deputy Director, ECD

Emily Cline-Gibson, Planner I, ECD

Brooke Quillen, Senior Administrative Assistant, ECD

Darnell Butler, Production Assistant, Communications

Citizens Present: Approximately: Approximately three (3)

            Mr. Monta Burrough announced this is Ms. Emily Cline-Gibson’s first Board of Appeals in person meeting and asked everyone to welcome her to the team.

The minutes of the June 29, 2023 meeting were approved as written on motion by Mr. Whitley and seconded by Ms. Keating, carried on a roll call vote of all other members present.

The next agenda item was for Special Exception No. 941 located at 320 Second Street, Laurel, Maryland  20707, filed by Ted Reitterer, Fuentes Fire Protection, 13535 State Route 144 West Friendship, Maryland 21794.  Ms. Emily Cline-Gibson completed the reading of the record for the administrative approval process and presented the technical staff report dated June 15, 2023. The applicant is seeking approval to establish and operate an assisted living residence in an existing three (3) story building.  The subject property is zoned C-G (Commercial General).  The 3,949 square foot building, which was built in 1893, is located on a 28,289 square foot, or 0.6 acres, lot. There is one (1) garage and one (1) commercial building located in the back of the lot that are owned by the applicant, but not associated with the proposed assisted living residence.

The Board asked the applicant how many staff members they will have. The applicant, Mr. Ted Reitterer, 13535 State Route 144 West Friendship, Maryland 21794, stated right now only two (2) however they are still going through the State of Maryland for other approvals. He added the house manager will be required to take an 80-hour course to qualify for the position, which has not yet been filled.

Chairman Smalls opened the public hearing at 6:07 p.m.

            There was nobody signed up to speak.

Chairman Smalls closed the public hearing at 6:08 p.m.

On motion by Mr. Whitley seconded by Ms. Keating and carried on a unanimous vote by all members present, Special Exception Application No. 941 and Resolution No. 23-03-BOA were approved as presented in the Technical Staff Report.

The next agenda item was for Special Exception No. 943 located at 15101 Baltimore Avenue Suite 111, Laurel, Maryland 20707, filed by Luis Ponce, 12624 Quaking Branch Court Bowie, Maryland 20720. Ms. Emily Cline-Gibson completed the reading of the record for the administrative approval process and presented the technical staff report dated June 15, 2023. The staff report stated the applicant is seeking approval to add live entertainment and dancing to an existing restaurant, El Chaparral. The restaurant is located at 15101 Baltimore Avenue, Unit 111, in the Crossroads of Laurel Shopping Center. The applicant proposes to provide live entertainment and dancing from Thursday through Sunday nights, from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., as recommended by the Planning Commission on July 11, 2023.

The Board asked the applicant, Mr. Luis Ponce, 12624 Quaking Branch Court Bowie, Maryland 20720, how often will live music be offered and in what form. The applicant stated they plan to have live music on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with a D.J. and or karaoke. He added they will not be allowing dancing as the location is too small for that activity.

Chairman Smalls opened the public hearing at 6:22 p.m.

            There was nobody signed up to speak.

Chairman Smalls closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m.

On motion by Mr. Johnston seconded by Ms. Keating and carried on a unanimous vote by all members present, Special Exception Application No. 943 and Resolution No. 23-05-BOA were approved as presented in the Technical Staff Report.

Adjourn: 6:24 P.M.

APPROVED:    Brooke Quillen               DATE: 9/28/2023