Locust Point mixed‑use plan continued for 30 days after tree, access and waiver discussion

The Planning Commission continued consideration of MJDP 26‑9 (Locust Point Way / Mount Tabor Road) to its April 9 meeting after a lengthy staff presentation and questions about waivers, tree removals and secondary access.

Staff explained the project’s split zoning (B‑1 and R‑4), the need for a waiver (WAV‑262) of the land subdivision regulation that governs the termination of public streets, and questions about stormwater, clubhouse use and easement locations. Staff recommended reapproval of the preliminary plan but recommended denial of the waiver because, staff said, adequate space exists on the subject property to construct an approved turnaround (hammerhead or cul‑de‑sac) without removing units or required open space.

Commissioners and the urban forester noted a large number of significant trees on the site (many small elms affected by Dutch elm disease and several large sycamores near the trail); the urban forester said he would press to preserve boundary trees where possible but acknowledged mitigation would likely be needed. Applicant Jihad Halani of Vision Engineering said his client had been using the existing manicured farm‑road right of way since 1986, that designing a compliant turnaround would require extensive regrading and could remove the tree‑lined feature, and that the applicant is pursuing right‑of‑way abandonment with Public Works and the Department of Environmental Quality. Halani requested a 30‑day continuance to revise plans and work with staff and the urban forester; the commission approved the continuance to April 9 and allowed public comment at the hearing to remain part of the record.

Next steps: Applicant will coordinate with staff and the urban forester, provide updated plans and documentation related to right‑of‑way and gate/turnaround design, and return to the commission on April 9.