La Plata, MD – In a reconsideration of Guilford, a 183-acre development encompassing 438 units, including 127 single family homes, 171 townhomes and 140 apartments, the Charles County Planning Commission decided to let a May 18 vote in favor of the proposal go forward Monday, July 13.
“The reason this is coming back is because we had several letters from an individual with numerous signatures asking for reconsideration of approval for Guilford,” Planning Commission Chair Gilbert Bowling said.
The proposed development is close to Mattawoman Creek, a scenario raising concern for environmentalists, who argued that in addition to the creek a rare magnolia bog is nearby.
Charles County Attorney Elizabeth Theobolds told members that according to the rules and procedures of the planning commission, only those individuals who cast votes in the May 18 decision could rule on the issue.
Commission Member Robin Barnes was absent at that meeting and new member Angela Sherard had not been appointed yet, so they could not weigh in on the issue.
“In order for this to be reconsidered, there has to be a motion,” Theobolds said. “Reconsideration would be taken up at another meeting,” she added.
“If this motion does not pass it’s a moot point,” said Bowling.
After asking for a motion, the issue died on the vine.
“There is no pending request to reconsider,” Bowling finally stated.
Commission member Nancy Schertler asked if the commission could get the final plan for Guilford, a motion seconded by member Rosalin Naya.
“There could be many plats for this project,” Planning Director Steven Ball noted.
The measure passed unanimously.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com