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Developers say floodplain waivers cleared way for 3200 Rhode Island Ave mixed-use project; council offers advocacy
Summary
Developers told Mount Rainier council on June 9 that key floodplain approvals in 2025 cleared the path for a 100-unit mixed-use building at 3200 Rhode Island Avenue, and council members offered state- and county-level advocacy to help accelerate remaining site approvals.
Presenters for a proposed mixed-use development at 3200 Rhode Island Avenue updated the Mount Rainier mayor and council on June 9, saying the project has received a county waiver to build in the floodplain and that final site-development approvals are under review.
The presenter said the site is roughly 34,000 square feet and would include ground-floor retail, about 100 apartments, tenant storage, and multi-level underground parking. He described the property as within a Prince George—s County-designated floodplain because the contributing drainage area exceeds 50 acres; the team said it performed an extensive floodplain analysis designed to return hydrologic volume so there would be no net rise in water-surface elevations.
Owner Fatih Dunner introduced himself during the council—s Q&A and said that without the county approvals the parcel would likely have remained open land or park. He asked whether temporary uses (for example, solar arrays or short-term activation) could be permitted while the final approvals are processed; staff said county permits would govern interim uses and that such uses could involve additional permitting.
Council members asked about the expected timeline and permitting hurdles; the presenter said the most time-consuming approvals are at the state level (MDE and the State Highway Administration) while local reviews are progressing. Council members offered to advocate at the Maryland Municipal League (MML) conference and to contact SHA or state-level reviewers if the project reaches points where a city push would help. Council requested electronic files and case numbers so staff can track outstanding items and support the applicant when appropriate.
What to watch for: final site-development approvals from Prince George—s County (comments received in March 2026 and described as manageable), state-level permits for roadway access or environmental approvals, and any subdivision/site-plan actions required by county planning.
