Prince Frederick, MD – A mixed-use project planned for Solomons Island that had been the subject of a lengthy discussion at the July meeting of the Calvert County Board of Appeals (BOA) was slated for a follow-up discussion at the panel’s Aug. 3 meeting. However, BOA Chairman D.O. Baker announced the request for variances Shiver Brothers Properties LLC had been “withdrawn completely.” The property owners had presented plans for a project called The Shoppes and Residences at Bowen’s Inn. The development was comprised of a multi-story apartment building and a separate commercial building on a tract of land where Bowen’s Inn once stood. That popular watering hole was totally destroyed by fire in March 2006. The developer was seeking a height variance for the apartment building with the aim of constructing approximately 11 feet higher than what is currently permitted in the Solomons Zoning Ordinance. The developer was seeking a setback variance for the commercial building fronting the parcel. The zoning ordinance requires a minimum setback of 20 feet. The developer was seeking permission for a nine-foot setback.
During discussion at the July meeting it was clear BOA members and staff had concerns since the project components were contained in separate buildings.
On Friday, Aug. 4, one of the project investors, Geoff Wanamaker, told TheBayNet.com the project is being scaled back so that variances are not required. The apartment building will contain five units overlooking Solomons Harbor. “We just lose the loft and top unit,” said Wanamaker. “It’s just easier.”
The developers and their agent are tentatively scheduled to present the revised plan to the Calvert County Planning Commission in September.
In other action the BOA approved a special exception requested by Robert Reid to operate a daycare facility for a maximum of eight children on a property served by a private road in Huntingtown. “I believe it will help the immediate [local area] families, having a daycare that near,” said Reid, who added that all of the nearby residents signed a petition indicating they had no objections to the proposed.
The BOA also considered and approved another request for a special exception from a property owner wishing to keep farm animals on non-agricultural property less than 3 acres in size. The Owings property of John Kinner and Erica Kahunanui now has permission to be the home of eight hens and two goats, provided the animals stay on the property. While the property is not surrounded by fencing, Kinner told the BOA an electric fence would be installed if any of the animals should wander away.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com