Planning commission approves minor subdivision, conditions concept plan for Royal Farms‑style redevelopment at 405 & 407 W. Pulaski Hwy

Frederick Ward Associates engineer Tom Miner presented two related proposals on Jan. 12 to the Elkton Planning Commission for property at 405 & 407 W. Pulaski Highway: a minor subdivision to consolidate fragments into three lots and a concept site plan for future redevelopment that would include a convenience store with multiple pump islands and a separate area reserved for a quick‑serve restaurant or flex commercial use.

On the subdivision, Miner said the team intends to consolidate several small parcels into a cleaner configuration: one lot to contain the convenience store, one for a future fast‑food or flex user, and a third to satisfy forest conservation requirements. "We're going to keep or consolidate the amount of lots that we have here, and really just a lot line adjusting," Miner said. Staff indicated one lot will be placed under forest conservation to meet the 20‑acre conservation obligation.

The concept site plan shown at a concept level envisions eight pumps for regular gasoline and three high‑flow diesel pumps intended for tractor‑trailer service; Miner clarified the diesel pumps are high‑flow units to reduce fueling time for large vehicles. He said stormwater will be managed on site, portions of the property intersect FEMA floodplain and wetlands permitting, and a Phase I environmental was completed that documented removal of an underground fuel tank.

Miner said the applicant will seek an access break on Elkton Road from State Highway (MD‑279) to provide direct ingress and egress; the access permit ultimately is a State Highway decision. Water service would be provided by Artesian and sewer by the county via a recently installed low‑pressure force main.

Planning Director Jeanne Minner reminded the applicant that any impacts to floodplain or wetlands require Joint Permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Maryland Department of the Environment, and recommended the applicant discuss pedestrian improvements early. "If we don't show a sidewalk, and they say, 'No, we want a sidewalk,' we're going to put it in," Miner said. Commissioner Keith Thompson urged sidewalks "everywhere."

The commission approved the minor subdivision contingent on addressing outstanding comments and approved the concept site plan subject to submission of the Phase I results, clarification of access to MD‑279, provision of a sidewalk along the front and side of the property, and resolving outstanding review comments.

Next steps: the applicant will complete outstanding environmental and traffic studies, pursue any required state access permits, and return as needed for final site plan and permitting.