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Planning commission grants concept approval for Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad site plan with State Highway condition
Summary
The commission granted concept approval Oct. 26 for a 20,172-square-foot Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad building in Hollywood Town Center, subject to staff receiving State Highway Administration comments about a proposed median break and access details.
The St. Mary's County Planning Commission on Oct. 26 granted concept approval for a proposed Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad facility in Hollywood Town Center, with the condition that staff receive and accept the Maryland State Highway Administration's (SHA) comments on the proposed median cut and access.
Planning staff summarized the concept plan and recommended approval. The proposal calls for a 20,172-square-foot public safety facility on an 8.04-acre parcel on the west side of Three Notch Road (Route 235). Staff said the site is zoned residential low-density but the proposed public-safety use is a limited use in the zone and "staff believes the site's well suited for the proposed use," and recommended approval.
During the hearing, commissioners and staff discussed access and safety on Route 235, including a proposed median break to allow emergency vehicles to cross the divided highway. Agent Bill Mahaffey and the applicant's engineer said SHA had not provided detailed technical conditions in its prior TEC (Technical Evaluation Committee) review letter, but that SHA had asked the applicant to contact the Maryland Historic Trust and Maryland Department of Planning. SMECO Managing Director Tom Russell told the commission SMECO had concerns about a transmission line crossing at the proposed access location and recommended early coordination: "There are issues with grading, there are issues with separation, ... a joint use agreement will be required for the process," Russell said.
Commissioners emphasized that final plan approval and construction would require SHA's access permit and any detailed access or median work will need SHA approval before a final county permit can be issued. County attorney and staff confirmed the land-use director cannot sign off on final plan approval without SHA approvals for access on the state highway.
The commission's motion approved the concept site plan and included language requiring staff to receive and accept SHA's report regarding the median cut, ingress and egress. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
