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Commission removes 55+ restriction, approves 100-unit Virginia Knowles concept site plan
Summary
The Planning Commission approved the concept site plan for Virginia Knowles (Sonic Properties LLC), removing a previously imposed 55-and-over deed restriction and approving 100 residential units, finding the project meets annual growth policy requirements.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission approved the concept site plan for the Virginia Knowles development and voted to remove a prior deed restriction limiting units to residents age 55 and older.
The applicant (Sonic Properties LLC) asked the commission to lift the age restriction on 100 multifamily units. Staff told the commission the property is within a designated growth area for water and sewer, meets Priority Funding Area requirements and the county’s annual growth policy as presented in staff materials. The Maryland Department of Planning had previously indicated the subject parcels are within the designated growth area and the proposed density (100 units on about 20 acres; roughly 5 units per acre) met PFA requirements.
Attorney/representative Chris Longmore and principal Ben Potter addressed the commission, explaining they had marketed the property for four years under the deed restriction but have been unable to secure financing or a development partner willing to build under the 55+ restriction. Potter said market conditions and lending realities made the 55+ restriction infeasible; he described active marketing and recent interest that still would not support a deed-restricted project.
Engineer Jerry Nuckleby told the commission the project team has continued engineering work, including submittals to the State Highway Administration and related sewer/pump-station work; materials and plans had been prepared over several years. Commissioners asked about traffic and State Highway Administration approvals; Nuckleby said the state had accepted the plan of a light at Airport View Drive and the applicant had been coordinating required improvements and contributions.
Commissioner Martin Siebert (recorded as making the motion) moved to approve the overall concept site plan and remove the age restriction; Commissioner Monroe Evans seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and the motion passed.
Staff will proceed with subsequent approvals and record any required follow-up items identified in the concept approval.
