Is Leonardtown ready for four-story multi-family units?

Is Leonardtown ready for four-story multi-family housing? The Leonardtown Planning and Zoning Commission says “No!” The commission voted to recommend to the town council that they not approve a part of a zoning text amendment that would allow four stories as a density bonus for developers who provide recreation areas or open spaces, and common buildings. The one-story bonus would have required Board of Appeals approval.

Opposition to four stories was raised by Town Councilman Tom Collier who serves as an alternate on the planning and zoning commission. The opposition came during a public hearing on December 16 for six proposed zoning and sign ordinance text amendments proposed by the town council. Collier noted that some town council members support four stories but he doesn’t.

Collier said, “Four stories is not in compliance with the comprehensive plan.” He cited the plan as stating the town should retain its small town character. Collier said, “Four stories doesn’t represent small town values.”

It was pointed out to Collier that a hearing would still have to be held before the Board of Zoning Appeals before the density bonus was allowed. But Collier remained steadfast in his opposition to four stories and persuaded the commission members to go along with him. There was a unanimous vote to recommend to the town council against that proposal.

The council will hold its own public hearing in January on the six proposed changes.

The proposal at question also would allow a bonus from 10 units to 12 units per acre. That portion was not opposed by the planners.

The only person to speak during the planning and zoning public hearing was Ned Brinsfield of Brinsfield Funeral Home. One of the proposed amendments allows funeral homes in the Commercial Office (CO) District. His facility is in a residential zone and is grandfathered. He asked if that situation was going to be remedied.

Town Administrator Laschelle McKay said the council was working on presenting a revised zoning map and that the issue could perhaps be addressed at that time by a proposed rezoning of his property.