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Planning Commission approves concept site plan for 100‑unit Virginia Knowles condominium complex with 55+ intent
Summary
The commission approved concept site plan CCSP 05‑13200009 for a 100‑unit condominium development (proposed to serve 55+ buyers on one side of the site) after the applicant revised earlier townhouse plans to condominiums and addressed public‑works comments.
The Planning Commission on June 9 approved concept site plan CCSP 05‑13200009 by motion, a concept for a 100‑unit condominium community on a 20‑acre site known as Virginia Knowles.
Staff planner Bob Boles summarized the project history: a concept plan for 100 townhouse units had previously been approved, the applicant secured a water‑and‑sewer plan amendment and Maryland Department of the Environment approval, and the developer returned with a condominium layout that keeps the approved 100‑unit density while increasing on‑site open space.
Agent Terry Knuckleby told the commission the change from townhouses to condominiums allows elevator access in multi‑unit buildings and increases green space without buying transfer‑of‑development‑rights. He also described responses to Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) comments: continuous pedestrian sidewalks through the site, relocation of a proposed roundabout to a private‑street intersection, and a dedication of right‑of‑way and construction easements for a future extension of Virginia Knowles Drive rather than constructing a currently unnecessary off‑site extension.
Knuckleby said the applicant intends to market the first side of the development to buyers aged 55 and older, with those buildings separated from the second side of the site. He told the commission the covenant documents will reflect the dedication of an initial phase to the 55+ market if that is how the units are sold.
Commissioners discussed phasing, parking and buffering from existing nearby commercial uses; the applicant said parking meets the site’s needs and that landscape buffers and enhanced plantings will be provided. Staff noted final adequate public‑facility findings will be made administratively prior to final site‑plan approval and that traffic mitigation remains under review with DPW&T and SHA.
The Planning Commission recorded a motion to approve the concept plan that included a statement that “one side of the project may be dedicated to citizens 55 and older.” The motion carried with one commissioner opposed (Mister Thompson).
