LA PLATA, Md. — The Planning Commission has modified conditions for the Bayside Kia of Waldorf relocation after Wanamaker Properties VII, LLC, raised concerns about the timing of required road improvements from the Adequate Public Facilities Findings staff report.
The dealership, currently operating in Waldorf, plans to move to a larger 35,216-square-foot facility as part of Phase 1 of the South Park East development. However, the developer does not agree with the planning staff’s recommendation that certain roadway improvements be completed before the dealership can open.
“We’re not saying that we don’t want to do it or we won’t do it. We’re really concerned about having millions of dollars in the ground and not being able to open the dealership because of a delay or because the State Highway Administration process takes longer than the dealership itself,” said Steve Scott, attorney for the Wanamaker team.
During the review, Planning Commission members raised concerns about traffic flow and potential safety issues.
Denard Earl questioned whether additional traffic would be considered for each future phase of the development, asking, “You said an extra traffic [analysis] would be considered for each future phase? Does that mean a traffic signal was warranted for each one (phase) or for this current phase?”
Planning Supervisor Heather Kelley, AICP, clarified that the Bayside Kia project is just one phase of a larger multi-part development in the area.
Commissioner Jeffrey Bossart raised concerns about traffic movement on Old Washington Road, particularly where it intersects with Billingsley Road just east of the traffic signal. He noted that many vehicles attempt to merge across multiple lanes to make a left-hand turn onto U.S. 301, questioning whether the traffic analysis had addressed this issue.
Jason R. Groth, acting director of Planning and Growth Management, acknowledged Bossart’s concerns, stating, “That did not raise a flag in the analysis, but I certainly understand what you’re referring to. It’s likely that someday, because of the proximity of those two intersections, that crossover might end up being closed due to safety purposes.”
The planning staff’s initial recommendation required that a double-left turn lane be completed on Billingsley Road at U.S. 301 before the dealership could receive a use and occupancy permit. However, representatives for Wanamaker Properties VII, LLC, expressed concerns that delays in the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) approval process could leave them unable to open the new facility despite completing construction.
Groth assured Wanamaker Properties VII, LLC, that the county would assist in facilitating the SHA permit process to prevent unnecessary delays.
Recognizing the developer’s concerns, the Planning Commission exercised its discretion to modify the conditions recommended by staff. The commission voted to alter condition No. 3 of the planning staff’s original recommendation:
“The applicant shall construct an additional left-turn bay to create a double-left turn bay on the eastbound approach of Billingsley Road at U.S. 301. The off-site improvements must have received a development services permit before Bayside Kia of Waldorf property receives a use and occupancy permit. The Planning Department and staff at Charles County will work with Bayside Kia to expedite the State Highway permit as much as possible. If, for some reason, the State Highway permit has not been issued to Bayside Kia prior to the issuance of the use and occupancy permit, Bayside Kia shall be able to return to the Planning Commission to request additional time, as long as they have done due diligence in their planning.”
With this compromise in place, the Planning Commission approved the modified conditions, allowing the major site plan to move forward. For more details, see the full report and recommendations here.
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