While I’m writing about the Planning Commission, I want to correct an oversight on my part and call attention to the previous meeting, where they spent close to two hours discussing design guidelines for Olde Towne. Anyone who has an interest in the redevelopment or preservation of Olde Towne would do well to take the time to watch the video of the discussion which took place on January 21. This was the initial discussion of this document; there will be future rounds of discussion, including giving the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) a chance to weigh in. I expect that citizen input is welcome throughout this process.

Following is the introduction to the background materials document from that meeting:

STAFF COMMENTS

BACKGROUND:

Staff is bringing forward to the Planning Commission draft Olde Towne Design Guidelines as a discussion item. There currently exists a collection of design guidelines for Olde Towne. (Reference exhibit 2) However, those guidelines were developed in conjunction with the 1995 Downtown Plan for the City of Gaithersburg, revised January 8, 1996. (Reference exhibit 4) Since that 1996 plan, the City identified Olde Towne as a special study area for the 2003 Land Use Master Plan.

The Gaithersburg Olde Towne District Master Plan, MP-1-05, was approved by Mayor and City Council resolution R-64-05 on July 18, 2005. (Reference exhibit 1) The future Olde Towne envisioned in MP-1-05 would require new, expanded design guidelines, rather than the antiquated guidelines currently adopted and not developed for this plan. Included in said resolution was the following:

“Following the adoption of the Gaithersburg Olde Towne District Master Plan the City should begin formulating a collection of design guidelines for the five Planning Sectors. Concept plan proposals should go before the Planning Commission for courtesy review and comment. The Planning Commission will utilize the established design guidelines in their review of these concept plans.”

The draft Olde Towne Design Guidelines has incorporated those elements still applicable from the current adopted set. (Reference exhibit 3) The draft Design Guidelines: includes guidelines not currently addressed such as hardscape elements and lighting; better reflects the current state of development design techniques; and expands upon guidelines such as signage to address and clarify deficiencies found in the current adopted set.

Staff is aware that Olde Towne is a diverse area with distinct traits for each sector. The development of these guidelines is often broad based to address universal conditions found within all the sectors. Project specific details, such as landscaping, will be dealt with at the site plan stage. Staff has included language in the draft guidelines allowing the Planning Commission to waive specific requirements if a proposed site plan element better furthers the intent and vision of the Olde Towne Master Plan. (Reference exhibit 5)

CONCLUSION:

Staff is seeking from the Planning Commission guidance and recommendations on the various design elements addressed to create a user-friendly, comprehensive illustrative document to guide Olde Towne development over the coming years. Eventually, staff will seek a formal recommendation from the Planning Commission to the Mayor & City Council approving adoption of the guidelines by resolution.

Back to this week’s meeting, from the City’s website:

Agenda - Planning Commission Meeting, 2/4/2009

Posted 1/29/2009

City of Gaithersburg
31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
Telephone: 301-258-6330

PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA [subject to change]
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
7:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 21, 2009, Planning Commission Meeting
Background Material (pdf format)

RECORD PLATS

CONSENT

AFP-09-001 — Cedar Court Apartments
CBD Zone
108 Olde Towne Avenue
1st Floor Conversion to Residential Use
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW

Background Material (pdf format 4.5M)

AFP-08-036 – Sam’s Club
C-2 Zone
610 North Frederick Avenue

Parking Lot/Storm Water Management Revisions
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format - 4M)

AFP-09-003 – Girard Business Center

CBD Zone
200/220 Girard Street
Reuse from Office to Religious Facility
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format)

FROM THE COMMISSION

FROM STAFF

Strategic Plan Update
Background Material (pdf format)

ADJOURNMENT