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Commission grants preliminary approval for Grandview Haven Phase 2, 19-lot age‑restricted subdivision
Summary
The Planning Commission approved the preliminary plan for Grandview Haven Phase 2, a 19‑lot subdivision restricted to occupants aged 55 and older, but several commissioners expressed concern about pending litigation over a water/sewer amendment; the vote passed 4–3.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted 4–3 on May 29 to grant preliminary subdivision approval for Grandview Haven Phase 2 (05-12000003), a 19‑lot, age‑restricted (55+) major-subdivision proposal by Arrowhead LLC.
Staff presented the plan and said the project met zoning and subdivision standards, that public roads would serve the parcel, and that the proposed lots complied with design standards and cluster-layout requirements. Staff also noted prior reviews by technical agencies, an earlier water-and-sewer amendment for Phase 1, and outstanding litigation related to a subsequent water amendment for Phase 2; the judge had taken summary judgment and a written opinion had not been issued.
Applicant Dean Beck told the commission the litigation outcome will determine whether the county commissioners must vote on the water-category change. Commissioners asked for clarification about how the 55-and-over occupancy restriction interacts with surrounding non‑restricted sections and whether the lots would have individual wells and septic systems. Staff and counsel explained the occupancy restriction would be recorded as a covenant on the record plat and in deeds so that the lots are restricted to occupants aged 55 or older, and that the 19 lots would use individual wells and septic systems absent the water amendment.
During discussion several commissioners said they preferred a clear decision from the county commissioners and regretted that the water‑category request had moved to litigation; others said they did not want to delay the applicant further. One commissioner said approving the plan would not preclude the applicant from seeking a different approach later. The motion to approve carried 4–3; three commissioners recorded nay votes.
Votes at a glance: preliminary subdivision approval for Grandview Haven Phase 2 (19 lots) — approved 4–3; motion recorded with three nays.
