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Planning Commission backs Westminster Canterbury’s Shore Drive parking garage, with tree protections and beach‑access commitments
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a four‑level parking garage at Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay, contingent on tree preservation/replacement and a commitment from the applicant to restore an ADA beach access the applicant had previously promised.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional modification to allow Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay to add a four‑level parking structure replacing a surface lot, subject to conditions on landscaping, tree replacement and a commitment to restore ADA beach access that neighbors said had not been maintained.
Staff described the roughly 10‑acre campus request as consistent with past approvals and compatible with the Shore Drive corridor overlay; the 340‑space garage would replace an existing 110‑space surface lot and provide articulated facades and landscaping meant to mitigate street visibility. The Bayfront Advisory Commission recommended retaining impacted live oaks where practicable and replacing any trees removed with a minimum trunk caliper. The applicant agreed to preserve or replace live oaks and to maintain replacements for two years; the applicant also committed to follow up on previously promised work to restore ADA beach access and maintenance.
Commission discussion centered on why the garage would encroach nearer Shore Drive than current setbacks and whether a taller, pulled‑back garage would be a better alternative. The applicant said the stepped design preserves existing trees and that a taller rectangular garage would be more visually obtrusive. Vice‑chair and other commissioners pressed the applicant for a firm timeline and actions to address the beach access; the applicant said they were actively working with staff and that the site was paused while Army Corps sand replenishment activities affected access.
The commission recommended approval as modified (recorded recommendation: 10–0 with one abstention), and asked staff to forward the BAC conditions and the applicant’s commitments to City Council along with the hearing record.
Provenance: Presentation and discussion (SEG 510–SEG 3986), discussion of conditions and recorded vote (SEG 3756–SEG 3986).
