Planning commission briefs

June 30, 2005|by GREGORY T. SIMMONS

Planners recommend new zoning for center

The Hagerstown Planning Commission on Wednesday voted to recommend approval of the zoning for a proposed shopping center that would be built off Leitersburg Pike, but recommended that a historic house be preserved.

For now, Bethesda, Md.-based development company Faison is calling the project the Northeast Plaza. The 30-acre piece of farmland would be annexed under a proposal before the Hagerstown City Council.

At Wednesday night's meeting, the Planning Commission said it agreed that the zoning for the land should be C4, or regional shopping center, if the council decides to annex the land.

Earlier Wednesday, Faison officials confirmed that a Lowe's hardware store will be an anchor at the shopping center.

City Development Planner Stephen Bockmiller said the shopping center will be the first to be subjected to new city rules governing so-called big-box stores such as Lowe's. The rules set new parking, traffic and aesthetic standards for such stores.

The commission voted to recommend to the council to preserve a stone house on the land. Officials said the house currently is recognized as historic by county officials.

Commission OKs plats for 25 homes

The Hagerstown Planning Commission on Wednesday conditionally approved 25 final subdivision plats for a housing development that would be between Salem Avenue/Md. 58 and Maugansville Road.

The homes - 22 town houses and three single-family homes - would be the first phase of the Collegiate Acres development, which is planned to have a total of 298 units.

The Planning Commission approved the project with the conditions that they meet the requirements of other city offices, as well as build a road that connects between Maugansville Road and Salem Avenue.

Mount Aetna Road zoning approved

The Hagerstown Planning Commission on Wednesday recommended approval of the zoning for .37 acres proposed to be used as a residence and office space.

The land at 1031 Mount Aetna Road, west of Dual Highway, would be annexed into city limits under a proposal before the Hagerstown City Council.

During Wednesday's meeting, the Planning Commission agreed that if the land is annexed, the zoning for the land should be C2, or commercial general. That zoning designation allows for homes and professional offices.

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