La Plata, MD – A Sonic Drive-in restaurant is one step closer to approval after the Charles County Planning Commission approved an Adequate Public Facilities findings report at their monthly meeting Monday, June 22 in La Plata.

Charles County Resource Manager John Mudd told commission members that the 1.83 acre parcel sits at the intersection of Mattawoman Drive and Route 301 in Waldorf.

He explained that the Charles County Board of Appeals approved a special exception for the site in 2014.

“The site development plan is purely an administrative staff function for staff review and approval,” he explained. “It is necessary for the planning commission to approve the site development plan.”

Where the restaurant is proposed at the juncture of Route 301 and Mattawoman Drive is “signalized today,” he said.

Mudd explained that a second and third access point to the proposed restaurant would be off of Mattawoman Drive. Signage would be posted by the applicant, stating that no left turn out of the restaurant onto Mattawoman Drive would be allowed.

“The applicant has agreed to that provision,” he added.

Plans are to expand Mattawoman Drive in the future, Mudd noted, adding that the water supply for the proposed business is met, and that as far as fire suppression, the staff determined the new restaurant would not adversely affect Adequate Public Facilities for the area.

“Can you explain Mattawoman Drive, the left turn, would that still be in place if they did expand Mattawoman Drive?” Joan Jones asked.

“The proposed expansion is part of a current Maryland State Highway Administration permit application,” Mudd replied. “Current plans are to upgrade it to a five-lane roadway with four lanes and a central turn lane. Under that future condition, although you could physically make a left turn it, would not be an advised movement. Under the best practices it is to our benefit to limit the ability to keep a left turn from occurring at that location.”

Planning Commissioner Member Robin Barnes made a motion to accept the Department of Planning and Growth Management’s Adequate Public Facilities findings, a motion seconded by fellow member Wayne Magoon. The measure passed unanimously.

Councilmember Jones led the meeting in the absence of chair Buddy Bowling.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com