Here are a few highlights from the meeting:
- Balloon Test – 12/2 (this will be the 2ndtest, once I have info on the time I’ll share it with you and also send it out via the listserv).
- If the project is approved, they expect it will take 6 – 10 years to reach buildout. The sales center will be constructed first, then the road improvements will be made, a couple of initial buildings constructed, the rest of the buildings will be built on demand.
- They made a few modifications to the concept plan based on input received to date:
- Reduced surface parking for employees;
- Added a community/public playground (off of the Linden Linthicum Lane ext);
- Added a dog park (off of the Linden Linthicum Lane ext);
- Relocated private garden areas to be in the same vicinity as above.
- Multi-use shared pathway was extended across Sheppard Lane and onto SHA land at the corner.
- The incorporation of the properties into the Planned Service Area (PSA) must occur before the Zoning Board approved the zoning change to CEF-M. This is a legislative change amending the County’s General Plan. The two processes will run in parallel. Anticipated schedule (subject to change):
- Design Advisory Panel (DAP) Review – December 2017 (rumor mill has it as 12/6 but I have not received a formal announcement). Public can provide written comments only. Public may attend meeting; but, observe only.
- Planning Board Review (January/February 2018) – for CEF and General Plan amendment – Public comments accepted written/in person.
- County Council legislative session for General Plan amendment (Spring 2018) – If they approve the expansion of the PSA and the zoning change is not approved, then the zoning on the properties will revert back to the current zoning.
- Zoning Board Hearing on CEF-M zoning Change (Spring 2018)
- Deb Jung, who is running for County Council, questioned whether Erickson would pay property taxes. Evidently some of their facilities are non-profit, and Erickson just manages them e.g., Charlestown. It isn’t clear right now how they plan to operate Limestone Valley.
- A question was asked about whether any of the units will be “affordable” housing. CEF zoning requires that 10% be moderate income units; however, they could pay a fee in lieu so they could be built elsewhere. So, this is still TBD.
- Concerns were raised regarding traffic and adequacy and noise impact of emergency services. The discussed the employee schedules being off-peak and the limited number of resident drivers despite the number of units (.16 trips/day per unit). They stated their facilities average 3 trips/day for emergency services. The traffic improvement have been approved in concept by SHA and DPW. Their analysis shows that the Sheppard Lane intersection will change from service level F in a.m. and F in p.m. to B in a.m. and C in p.m. Their traffic study assumed traffic resulting from the redevelopment of the River Hill Garden Center property as well as the Enclave at River Hill development on Guilford Road/MD 108. They estimate the proposed traffic improvements will be a $4-5M investment by Erickson.
- Richard Smith, LLUMC & Clearview HOA Pres, raised the issue that their proposal opens up opportunity for redevelopment of River Hill Garden Center.
- Matt Brenner, River Hill resident, originally opposed the project. I spoke with him afterward and he seems to have “come around” and is no longer in opposition given the addition of the playground and dog park.
This is a summary from our River Hill manager. She summarized it from several village board members who attended the meeting.