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Region 9 rezoning hearing draws opposition over proposed marinas on Warehouse Creek
Summary
A joint hearing on Region 9 planning and rezoning drew local residents who objected to proposed commercial marina designations on Warehouse Creek and urged the council to protect quiet residential shorelines.
The council opened a joint public hearing on Bill 3-25 (the Region 9 general development plan) and Bill 4-25 (the Region 9 comprehensive zoning map). Testimony focused on waterfront uses and the presence of proposed commercial marina designations in Warehouse Creek, which residents said is a small, primarily residential waterway.
Peter Quirk of Edgewater said the plan recommends two commercial marinas on Warehouse Creek and that nearby creeks did not historically host commercial marinas. "Our community feels that the small, quiet residential Warehouse Creek is being recommended for a grossly unfair amount of commercial marina," Quirk said. He told the council staff could not find evidence of one parcel operating as an active marina.
Other speakers raised environmental and public-access concerns. Elizabeth Del Castillo, representing local birding and river-park groups, urged the council to preserve tree cover and limit commercial intensification in areas with resource conservation designations. David Harris, speaking on behalf of a family-owned marine-construction business, asked the council to retain a W-2 (Light Commercial Marina) designation on a parcel needed to continue longstanding business operations and said split zoning would harm an existing marine employer.
Two owner-requested amendments to Bill 4-25 were considered. Amendment 1 changed a 0.4-acre sliver of Parcel 13 at 4900 Goose Creek Road from OS (Open Space) to R1 (Residential), a change the sponsor said was requested so elderly property owners could add a small first-floor addition to age in place; the amendment passed unanimously. Amendment 2 changed a portion of Parcel 213 at 1052 Turkey Point Road from MA2 (Light Commercial Marina) to MC (Heavy Commercial Marina) at the new owner's request; planning staff reported no objection and that the parcel lies in the Limited Development Area and is subject to Critical Area rules; the amendment passed.
The council voted to hold the final vote on Bill 3-25 until March 3, 2025 to allow further review. The record shows two written submissions for Bill 3-25 and three for Bill 4-25 were posted to the council website.
