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Commission approves amendment to schematic plan for 302-unit building on Quince Orchard Road
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve an amendment to a previously approved schematic development plan that removes a plan condition and allows construction of a 302-unit apartment building with underground parking at 913 and 917 Quince Orchard Road, subject to one site-plan cleanup condition.
The Gaithersburg Planning Commission voted Wednesday to approve an amendment to a schematic development plan that would allow construction of a 302-unit apartment building with an underground parking garage at 913 and 917 Quince Orchard Road.
Staff presentation and findings: Jasmine, planning staff, said the application requests removal of condition No. 2 from the previously approved schematic development plan (SDP-7362-2026) to permit a one-phase construction of 302 units. Jasmine told commissioners the revised plan reduces unit count and building height from the prior approval and retains the overall site footprint and vision of the earlier plan.
Why it matters: The properties sit adjacent to major state highways and existing neighborhood streets. Commissioners and staff focused much of their discussion on traffic circulation, pedestrian connectivity and State Highway Administration (SHA) access standards because the proposed development changes point-of-access and could alter traffic patterns on Arch Place, Granite Place and Quince Orchard Road near the Great Seneca Highway intersection.
Traffic and access details: The applicant’s response states the proposed development would generate fewer vehicle trips than the previously approved SDP and that Arch Place and Granite Place can accommodate projected volumes. The plan includes a new right-in-only access from Quince Orchard Road; staff and the applicant continue to coordinate with SHA about whether a right-out also would be permissible. Jasmine said SHA denied an additional right-in/right-out location because of its proximity to the signalized intersection at Quince Orchard Road and Great Seneca Highway and that any off-site traffic improvements would require coordination between the city and SHA.
The application also includes sidewalks within the site and a commitment to work with the city and SHA on pedestrian-safety improvements at the Quince Orchard Road/Great Seneca Highway intersection. The traffic-impact study used ITE Trip Generation (11th edition) pre-pandemic data and staff said it reasonably demonstrates sufficient transportation capacity for the proposed development under the study’s build-out year assumptions.
Public record and next steps: A public hearing on March 19, 2025, produced comments about traffic; the record closed April 10. Staff recommended approval of the amendment and adoption of the resolution with one condition that revised plans address outstanding site-plan cleanup comments prior to signature. A commissioner moved approval and a second supported the motion; the commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and forward the action as required. Final site-plan review and any additional traffic mitigation measures will be addressed in subsequent site-plan stages with opportunity for public participation.
Local reaction: Commissioners praised staff for follow-up work on transportation concerns and said the revised design appeared to improve livability for future residents while prompting continued coordination with SHA and the Department of Public Works on traffic-calming options.
