Somerset council delays decision on major 4905 Cumberland amendment to Feb. 24

Somerset, Feb. 3, 2025 — The Somerset Town Council voted to continue consideration of an amended site plan for 4905 Cumberland Avenue to its Feb. 24 work session after neighbor counsel requested more time to review material changes to the project.

Neighbor counsel Michelle Rosenfeld told the council the revised plans introduced substantial changes — a re‑added garage, a lengthy retaining wall and a revised stormwater management plan — and that her client needed time to consult an engineer. “We don’t know what we don’t know,” Rosenfeld said, urging the council to postpone to avoid prejudicing any future appeal.

Applicants’ counsel Matt Gordon responded that the revised materials had been submitted and followed required processes and that the applicants were prepared to proceed. Town staff told the council that the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services had issued permits and that the town’s building review found the proposal met code, but staff acknowledged the town’s stormwater consultant had provided only a short summary and that a fuller explanation would help the council.

Engineers for the project said the primary retaining wall segment closest to the right‑of‑way is about 71 feet long and that other sections taper to lower heights; the applicant’s architect described a 48‑inch wall for a different project earlier in the meeting. Councilors weighed the equities and information needs, and several members said the staff and neighbor expert should have time to review the stormwater materials; the council then voted to continue the matter to Feb. 24.

Next steps: The item will be on the Feb. 24 work‑session agenda so staff, the county reviewer and the neighbor’s engineer can provide additional technical review ahead of council action.