Planning commission continuation: Mall Phase 3 gains concessions on walkways and pedestrian safety; traffic study pending

Commissioners reported on a special Planning Commission session held July 17 concerning the mall Phase 3 proposal, which would add roughly 83,000 square feet of retail space to the existing mall property. Board members said the commission won concessions from the applicant on walkability and pedestrian safety measures, though some traffic-related items remain unresolved and await state agency comments.

Commissioner comments summarized key negotiated items: stamped concrete/brick-style walkways to improve pedestrian connections; pedestrian crossing signage and lighted stop/yield signs at certain intersections to slow traffic and protect pedestrians; and coordination with the police department on security and surveillance. Commissioners said proposals for raised sidewalks were discussed but not adopted after split views among commissioners and objections from the prospective grocer tenant.

Town staff said additional traffic analysis is outstanding and that the Maryland State Highway/transportation review comments are pending. "The only issue that's still outstanding is a few items regarding traffic, but we're still waiting for comments from the state," a staff member said. Commissioners urged continued interdepartmental coordination on security and pedestrian safety as the project moves forward through the approval process.