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BMZA approves Patapsco Point plan with height and setback variances; one member recused
Summary
The BMZA approved an 80‑unit Patapsco Point Phase 1 development, granting a 17‑foot height variance and a 9‑foot front yard setback variance to allow reconstruction oriented around the site's grade; the vocational training conditional use was also approved and one board member recused from votes.
The board approved key zoning relief for Patapsco Point, an 80‑unit mixed‑income housing development with a small vocational training facility proposed for the former Patapsco Elementary School site in Cherry Hill. Planning staff supported the conditional use and the variances, and applicant representatives described the project as part of the Cherry Hill Transformation Plan of 2020.
Chase Hoffberger, representing the applicant, explained the site has a 17‑foot change in grade that makes a strict application of the height measurement (from mean curb to top of building) impractical for delivering the proposed density. "This requires a front yard setback variance and a height variance... there is a 17 foot change in grade," Hoffberger said. Vonnet Harris of Kyros Development and community advocates described workforce training, affordable units, and community benefits; several residents raised traffic, shade, and environmental concerns.
Board action: after testimony and questions about hours, parking, and the scope of the vocational program (applicants said 15–20 students per session with about 90 off‑street parking spaces for residents), the BMZA voted to approve the conditional use and to grant the height and front‑yard setback variances. One board member recused from the votes. The board noted staff will draft a written resolution that will state findings and any conditions the board imposes.
