Planning commission approves preliminary plan for Atlantic Avenue bank and office

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a preliminary land development plan for three properties on Atlantic Avenue that would consolidate the lots and allow construction of a bank with a drive‑through and an office building.

The commission's approval, made at the meeting's close, was conditioned on compliance with terms in the town engineer's letter to Kim Simo dated Jan. 10, 2025. A commission member moved to approve the application (P‑355) "subject to the terms and conditions in the letter of the Town engineer to Kim Simo dated January 10th 2025," and the motion was seconded and carried 4–0.

Why it matters: The preliminary plan would consolidate three parcels (listed in the application as 39, 35 and 33 Atlantic Avenue) and authorize site changes that increase impervious surface. Town staff and the applicant told the commission that the Board of Adjustment granted a variance allowing impervious cover of 56.4 percent, a threshold that the plan relies on to avoid a redesign.

Town staff summary: Mr Lo, presenting the town's review, said staff had reviewed the preliminary plan and follow-up comments from an earlier concept submission and that "the proposed height of the buildings have been added to the plan" and landscaping shown is acceptable "if through DelDOT's review process they require revisions to the landscape plan the issue will have to be revisited." He reported that as of the staff review DelDOT had not yet provided a written opinion on drainage and that any required layout changes would necessitate a revised plan.

Applicant remarks: Mark Davidson of Penon Associates told the commission the submittal largely matched the previously reviewed concept and noted the Board of Adjustment had granted the requested variance that allowed the additional impervious cover and additional parking behind Building B. Davidson said the team is continuing to coordinate with DelDOT regarding an easement that crosses a church property and that they will seek written confirmation of DelDOT's position during the entrance-plan approval process.

Technical clarifications and conditions: Staff said elevation information for sanitary sewer connections was added, loading-bay placement was acceptable with one condition (removal of pavement between the loading berth and the sidewalk to prevent parking across the loading area), and lot coverage calculations had been clarified. Staff and the applicant reiterated that outside agency approvals, including DelDOT and any required agency plan approvals, are required prior to final plan sign-off.

What the commission decided next: After staff and the applicant answered questions and the chair closed the public hearing, the commission approved the preliminary Land Development plan P‑355 subject to the town engineer's conditions. The chair instructed the record to show a 4–0 favorable vote. With no further business, the commission adjourned.

Next steps: The applicant must secure pending outside approvals and address any changes required by DelDOT or other agencies before the town will accept a final development plan.