Gaithersburg planning commission approves forest conservation plan for Lake Forest Mall demolition permit

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The Gaithersburg Planning Commission voted Jan. 8 to approve a forest conservation plan tied to the redevelopment of Lake Forest Mall, enabling the applicant to pursue demolition and site-work permits for the project.

Gary Unterberg, with Rogers Consulting representing Lake Forest and WRI PLT, told the commission the forest conservation plan (ENB 9921 2024) covers the entire mall site and is needed to obtain the demolition permit. "We have a requirement just under 15 acres, 14.72, to be saved and/or planted," Unterberg said, adding that the project currently accounts for about 16 acres of tree/forest credit.

The plan was submitted under the schematic development plan SDP 9736 2024, which the transcript records as having been approved Sept. 26, 2024 by Resolution R5524. Staff noted the plan complies with Chapter 22 of the City Code, subject to one condition, and recommended approval.

Why it matters: Commission staff and the applicant said an approved forest conservation plan must be on file before the city will issue the demolition permit. The plan establishes how the redevelopment will meet the…