Commission recommends denial of PDD at 9650 Dorchester Road amid traffic and schools concerns

The Planning Commission recommended denial (7'0) of a proposed Plan Development District (PDD) for 9650 Dorchester Road after numerous residents raised traffic, school-capacity and water-quality concerns during an extended public comment period.

Staff introduced the proposal for a mixed residential and commercial PDD adjacent to an existing Lowe's and described the master plan components; staff recommended approval based on consistency with the comprehensive plan. Dozens of residents, however, told the commission the Dorchester corridor is at or beyond capacity. "We need small businesses. We do not need more residential development in that area, please," said June Fleming, who identified herself as a longtime area resident and member of the Dorchester County Transportation Commission and cited estimated traffic increases.

Speakers including Beth May, Debbie Fulcher and others raised common concerns: notices hard to read, increased congestion at peak hours, school overcrowding and local flooding. One resident asked whether the applicant had reached out to nearby neighborhoods; commissioners and staff confirmed notice procedures were followed but indicated broader outreach could be improved.

After discussion, a motion to recommend denial passed unanimously. The commission will forward the denial recommendation to the mayor and council; the item will be scheduled for the Public Safety Committee on June 18 for additional public input.