(Image source from: Apartments.com)
Commissioner Debra Davis (D) on Tuesday accused Commissioner Ken Robinson (D) of delaying approval of an amendment to the Bryans Village master plan for political reasons in the latest clash between the two commissioners over the issue.
“I do not know why we’re targeting this organization [that] has followed the rules,” Davis said during a work session intended to update the commissioners on progress toward resolving Robinson’s concerns over the project’s potential impact on residents. “I’ve never seen this board go against a plan that was better for the environment, that builds less houses. I’ve never seen it. I suspect that the delay might be political.”
Commissioners’ President Peter F. Murphy (D) interjected, calling Davis’ accusation out of order.“I don’t think we want to go in that direction,” Murphy said.
Elm Street Development is seeking approval to build up to 189 townhouses in addition to single-family detached homes that have already been approved for construction in the subdivision west of Mathews Road. The Charles County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the proposal in December. At the commissioners’ previous work session two weeks ago, Robinson had requested delaying approval of the project until the commissioners have been assured that residents’ concerns over the proposed changes had been addressed.
Several residents had testified during public hearings that the plans would result in changes of address for their homes, which would require them to pay hefty fees in order to change their property titles and Insurance of home owner. The developer has submitted affidavits to county planning staff attesting that residents would not have to pay for either.
During the earlier work session, Davis had opposed the delay but agreed to Murphy’s suggestion that the two commissioners meet in the interim to identify Robinson’s specific concerns. However, the meeting did not take place.
“Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve discovered that there are a lot of layers to this project, and basically I’d like to get to the bottom of them before proceeding,” Robinson said, asking for a meeting with the residents, the developer and county representatives.
By Lokesh
