New Dining And Retail Space Approved By North Beach Planning Commission

NORTH BEACH, Md. — The Shoppes at North Beach, a new two-story structure, was approved by the North Beach Planning Commission on Feb. 26.

The Shoppes will consist of a restaurant and retail space, with dedicated commercial office space on the second floor. Ronnie Russo of developer RAR Associates first presented the project in August 2025. The Planning Commission requested changes to the original plan regarding parking and asked for ways to accommodate pedestrian traffic on Bay Avenue, including moving the entrance to the Shoppes’ parking lot. They also requested RAR confer with the Department of Public Works.

RAR presented the updated plan at the Feb. 26 meeting and was quickly approved by the Planning Commission, having met all the requests. The architect of the project was also present and said they’d made design changes that would help safeguard nearby businesses, residences and the new library during construction.

The Department of Public Works also requested to be notified at least 30 days before the beginning of construction.

The project will move on to the Town Council for final approvals before beginning the permitting process. RAR did not provide a timeline for the project at this meeting. The site, at 9060 Chesapeake Ave., is currently a parking lot. Bay Avenue, directly across from the bay and boardwalk, is home to several local shops in North Beach and a popular destination for residents and tourists.

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