Planning commission defers West Side On Main subdivision until traffic study is submitted

Principal Planner Christine Fenimore presented the conceptual site plan (CSPR 143260) and preliminary subdivision plan (SD 143478) for the West Side On Main mixed‑use redevelopment in Prince Frederick, describing a proposed subdivision of roughly 3.9 acres that would include 24 residential townhome units, two commercial lots (one with an existing building to remain) and associated open space and internal sidewalks. "Staff recommends approval of conceptual site plan 143260 and subdivision plan 143478 subject to the conditions found in the staff report," Fenimore said.

Commissioners focused on traffic and APFO (Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance) compliance. A commissioner said the lack of a current traffic impact study left open questions about whether the development would worsen already failing intersections on Main Street and whether the project could comply with APFO standards. Planning staff and counsel explained that final certification and certain APFO determinations occur at the final‑plat/final site‑plan stage, but commissioners retained discretion to defer or deny earlier in the process.

After discussion, a commissioner moved that the commission defer action on the preliminary subdivision plan and request that, once completed, the traffic impact study and all agency review comments (including Department of Public Works and the Board of Appeals) be submitted to the planning commission for review. The motion carried by voice vote, 6–1. The commission asked staff to include agency review comments along with the traffic analysis when it returns for review.