Planning commission approves preliminary plan for Crossings at Riverside Farm with phasing condition

The St. Mary's County Planning Commission granted preliminary subdivision approval for Crossings at Riverside Farm, a 43‑lot major subdivision, on April 10, 2010, with a condition requiring the applicant to return for approval of each successive phase on adequate public facilities (APF) for schools and compliance with the annual growth policy.

Staff presented the project's history and findings under section 30.5.5 of the subdivision ordinance, noting prior concept approvals and amendments to the comprehensive water and sewer plan dating to 2004–2006. "A preliminary subdivision plan for the subdivision lots was received during the October 2004 TEC cycle," staff said, and they reminded the commission that a Department of Public Works variance had previously allowed a cul‑de‑sac length increase on the site.

At the hearing, commissioners and the applicant discussed lot counts, transfer of development rights (TDRs) and access. The applicant, Mr. Beck, told the commission that the 38 TDRs required for 19 of the 43 lots had been purchased and recorded: "38 have been recorded as of May 2007," he said. Staff described the subdivision as located in the rural preservation district and that 24 lots were proposed for the first phase under the annual growth policy allowance.

Commissioner Sievert moved the motion to approve the preliminary subdivision and phasing plan with a condition that each successive phase return to the commission for APF for schools and compliance with the annual growth policy. Commissioner Miner seconded. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote with one recorded opposing vote: Mrs. Pozzo voted no.

Staff and commissioners discussed interparcel connections and whether counting lots for section 30.5.5.b should consider only the subdivision before the commission or multiple subdivisions sharing a single public road; staff said the ordinance interprets the lot count per individual subdivision and noted examples in other county subdivisions.

The commission's approval included a correction to the lot numbers for Phase 1; staff clarified the phasing to read 24 lots for the first phase. The planning director's report and agency comments remain on file; TEC and resource agency reviews will be required before final plats are recorded.