Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Building Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews Gilpin Property Phase 3 storage facility DSP; planning board had approved the third self‑storage building
Summary
A proposed third consolidated storage building (115,364 sq. ft., 1,103 units) on a 14.44‑acre site along Southern Avenue (Gilpin Property Phase 3) was presented; Planning Board approved the DSP with conditions and councilmembers discussed community benefits and site design; councilmember took the case under advisement.
The District Council heard a staff and applicant presentation April 1 on Detailed Site Plan DSP‑13008‑02 for Gilpin Property Phase 3, a proposal to construct a four‑story, 115,364‑square‑foot consolidated storage building (1,103 units) on a 14.44‑acre parcel along Southern Avenue near Wheeler Road (Council District 7).
Dexter Cofield of the Planning Department’s Urban Design Section summarized the DSP, noting the project is reviewed under the prior zoning ordinance (I‑1) and that the Planning Board approved the DSP and Type 2 Tree Conservation Plan (TCP‑2018‑13‑02) subject to conditions. The application proposes building placement closer to Southern Avenue, preserves primary management area and floodplain on the southern and eastern portions of the site, and exceeds the I‑1 green‑area coverage requirement.
Matthew Tedesco, representing the applicant (Arkland Property Company LLC), said the third building is the southern portion of Lot 4 and that existing access points on Southern Avenue will be used. He said all woodland conservation will occur on‑site and that stormwater will be handled by four micro‑bioretention facilities with an approved concept plan from DPIE. Tedesco also presented economic figures provided by the applicant indicating the consolidated site contributes materially to county tax revenue.
Councilmembers asked whether the applicant would consider community benefits associated with self‑storage uses. Councilmember Watson asked whether the applicant could provide space or programs for local nonprofits; the applicant’s attorney replied previous offers to provide reduced‑rate units for community organizations were not used but said the applicant was willing to explore options going forward.
There was no public opposition noted at the Planning Board hearing, and no opposition appeared during the council session. Councilmembers discussed on‑site pedestrian circulation, queuing for any potential on‑site service areas, and whether more examination of stormwater downstream capacity would be necessary if the case were remanded. Councilmember Watson said she would take the matter under advisement.
Why it matters: The proposal would add substantial commercial floor area of a use concentrated in industrial zones; while the Planning Board approved the DSP, council attention focused on community benefit opportunities and site circulation.
