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La Plata Board of Appeals postpones hearing on 603 Washington Ave variance to June 24
Summary
The Board of Appeals postponed consideration of variance VAR-0002-2025 for 603 Washington Avenue to June 24 at 6 p.m. after the panel lacked a quorum; the board also entered disclosures for two April 1 closed sessions that discussed VAR-0001-2025 and VAR-0002-2025 and said no formal action occurred in those sessions.
The La Plata Board of Appeals on May 27, 2026, postponed consideration of variance application VAR-0002-2025 for 603 Washington Avenue to June 24 at 6 p.m. after the panel determined it did not have a quorum to act.
"I was not present at that hearing. I do apologize to the applicant," said Chair Hugh Williams, explaining that state rules require the same members who attended the original hearing on April 1 be present to constitute a valid quorum for this matter; because Williams missed that hearing he stated he was prohibited from voting.
The chair and staff said they attempted to contact the absent member to avoid a month-long delay but ultimately set the new hearing date after the applicant indicated it was acceptable. The board also approved the minutes from its April 1 meeting by motion and unnamed second; the chair called for the ayes and the motion carried, though no roll-call tally was recorded in the public remarks.
In addition, the board read into the record disclosures required under the Maryland Open Meetings Act. Two closed sessions held April 1, 2026, were disclosed: one (7:00–7:09 p.m.) to consult with counsel on variance VAR-0001-2025 (8 Kent Avenue) and a second (8:14–8:31 p.m.) to consult with counsel on VAR-0002-2025 (603 Washington Avenue). The board named those present in the closed sessions, including acting Chair Jonathan Burris, member Mark Thorne, Town Attorney Todd Pounds, Town Clerk Shelby Pritchett and Director of Legislative Services Kelly Phipps, and stated that no formal action was taken in either closed session.
A board member asked whether public comment would be accepted that night. The chair and clerk said it would not be appropriate to take case-specific public comment without the full panel able to decide on the matter; no general public comment on unrelated items was offered.
The board adjourned at about 6:44 p.m. The VAR-0002-2025 hearing on 603 Washington Avenue is scheduled for June 24 at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
