Planning Commission continues Saint Mary's Crossing PUD hearing after developer revises plan to add workforce housing and donate school site

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Oct. 22, 2007 continued public hearings on Planned Unit Development 06‑1450004 (Saint Mary's Crossing, 249.48 acres) and the associated developer rights and responsibilities agreement to Nov. 26, 2007 to allow staff and the applicant additional time to review revised submittals.

What was before the commission: Bob Boles (Department of Land Use and Growth Management) summarized the case history: the public hearing was opened Aug. 2007 and left open; the applicant later submitted a revised plan and additional documentation addressing workforce housing, traffic, a second access, and other matters. Boles asked the commission to accept a presentation and to continue the formal hearing until Nov. 26 so staff could complete its review.

Developer changes and civic benefits

John Norris (attorney for the applicant, Norris and Dutta Rupp, P.C.) told the commission the developer, Saint Mary's Crossing LLC, revised its plan to respond to concerns raised at the August hearing and by staff. Key changes the applicant submitted include: - Increased total dwelling units from 717 to 868 (density rising from roughly 2.9 to 3.5 units per acre). - A 26‑acre school site to be donated to the Board of Education; stormwater management and forest conservation for the school site are to be provided outside…