Planning commission grants final approval to Pembroke Subdivision phases 3 and 4 (107 lots)

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Nov. 13 granted final approval to Pembroke Subdivision Phases 3 and 4, a major subdivision totaling 107 single-family lots, finding the plan in compliance with applicable subdivision regulations and TEC agency approvals.

Bob Boles, Department of Land Use and Growth Management, told the commission staff found the phases ready for final approval and noted one outstanding condition: a mitigation fee tied to signal improvements at the intersection of Maryland Route 5 and Willows Road that will be due at recordation. Boles said the fee is determined by Department of Public Works estimates and is approximately $140–$150 per lot.

Applicant representative John Parlett clarified that the developer had not requested final approval on Phase 2 and that phases are being advanced out of sequence because of the need to redesign and add a sewer pump station that must be located in the Phase 3 area. Commissioners asked about the trigger for construction of the Route 5 signal improvements; staff identified it as a traffic-generation threshold determined by trip counts rather than a fixed number of lots.

Commissioner Chase moved for approval of the final subdivision plan, noting staff findings of adequate facilities, including stormwater management, and that TEC requirements had been met. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hayden and passed unanimously.

Staff noted the subdivision had extensive prior approvals and vesting extensions under earlier ordinances and that later phases (5 and 6) will fall under the new zoning ordinance and require separate review and approvals.