Residents voice concerns over proposed gas station on Old Frederick Road

The government meeting held on April 9, 2025, in Howard County, Maryland, focused on the proposed conditional use for a new gas station by Woodbine Bank WI, LLC, and Woodbine Bank WP, LLC. The meeting included public testimonies, discussions on environmental and safety concerns, and closing arguments regarding the petition.

During the public testimony segment, a resident expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of the gas station on the local community. The resident, who purchased their property in September 2024, highlighted worries about increased traffic, noise, and safety, particularly for children waiting for school buses on Old Frederick Road. They noted that the noise levels from existing traffic were already at the upper limit of what they found acceptable, and the introduction of a gas station could exacerbate these issues.

Following the public comments, the representatives for the petition presented their case. They argued that the proposed gas station would align with the Howard County General Plan and that the Department of Planning and Zoning had determined that the conditional use criteria were met. They emphasized that any potential adverse effects, such as noise and traffic, would not exceed those already present in the zoning district.

The representatives also addressed concerns regarding traffic management and environmental impacts, stating that these issues would be evaluated during the site development planning stage. They asserted that any necessary adjustments or mitigation measures would be implemented based on traffic studies conducted at that time.

The meeting concluded without any rebuttal witnesses from either side, and the representatives requested that the petition be granted based on the evidence and analyses presented. The discussions underscored the community's apprehensions about the proposed development and the procedural steps required to address these concerns moving forward.