1 00:00:36,025 --> 00:00:38,045 [music] 2 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:43,940 [music] 3 00:01:20,565 --> 00:01:22,585 [music] 4 00:01:39,760 --> 00:01:44,856 » All these smiling faces. >> [music] 5 00:01:48,076 --> 00:01:50,096 [music] 6 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:07,400 » The 624th meeting of the city of Laurel Planning Commission. 7 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:10,920 We have a good size crowd here today and we're 8 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:14,240 ready to get started. We're going to just do them in order. 9 00:02:12,520 --> 00:02:17,400 So, I was going to try to do four first, but uh we have our folks from the county 10 00:02:16,240 --> 00:02:20,160 here. So, uh 11 00:02:18,320 --> 00:02:23,800 please call the roll. >> Council President Smith. 12 00:02:22,600 --> 00:02:26,520 Mr. Welford. >> Here. 13 00:02:24,600 --> 00:02:30,320 » Mr. Grant. >> Here. 14 00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:30,320 » Mr. Kish. 15 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:34,200 Mr. Smith. Chairman Wilson. 16 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:37,840 » Here. >> You have a quorum. 17 00:02:35,200 --> 00:02:40,920 » Thank you very much. Um you guys have had a chance to look at the 18 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:44,440 minutes. I appreciate the minutes every time we 19 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:47,760 get them. I know that's a ton of work. So, uh if you have any changes or 20 00:02:46,680 --> 00:02:53,640 anything or a vote motion, we'll take it now. 21 00:02:51,440 --> 00:02:58,160 » Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to approve the minutes from the June 22 00:02:55,560 --> 00:03:00,440 9th, 2026 meeting as received from staff. 23 00:02:59,640 --> 00:03:02,360 » I'll second it. >> Turn your mic on, you. 24 00:03:01,720 --> 00:03:05,080 » Second it. >> Thank you. 25 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:06,720 Please call the roll. >> Mr. Welford. 26 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:08,239 » Yes. >> Mr. Grant. 27 00:03:07,640 --> 00:03:09,480 » Here. >> Chairman Wilson. 28 00:03:09,120 --> 00:03:11,680 » Here. >> Motion carries. 29 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:15,600 » Thanks again for that. And we're going to move into agenda item number three, 30 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:18,400 the Ford's Conservation Plan and the resolution. 31 00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:24,640 » Good evening, chairman [snorts] and members of the Planning Commission. My 32 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:28,519 name is Ravenel. I am the deputy director of the Department of Economic 33 00:03:26,480 --> 00:03:31,640 and Community Development. Prince George's County Department of the 34 00:03:29,760 --> 00:03:37,320 Environment is currently in the process of restoring Bear Branch Stream, um the 35 00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:42,040 parcel between Van Dusen Road and Contee Road. The parcel is owned by the city of 36 00:03:40,080 --> 00:03:45,640 Laurel and it is an open space parcel functioning as a county flood plain 37 00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:50,200 easement. The wetlands in the upstream project 38 00:03:47,360 --> 00:03:54,480 extent will be protected and restored. This project will ultimately stabilize 39 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:58,680 the bank and eroding channel um improving overall water quality and 40 00:03:56,440 --> 00:04:03,200 promoting a healthier ecosystem complete with supportive conditions for 41 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:06,080 full forest restoration. So in our analysis the applicant 42 00:04:04,480 --> 00:04:11,800 received forest stand delineation approval from staff on July 7th, 2026 43 00:04:09,080 --> 00:04:16,440 and submitted a forest conservation plan which is required for any project on 44 00:04:13,560 --> 00:04:23,720 land 40,000 square feet or greater. The applicant is proposing to clear 3.24 45 00:04:18,840 --> 00:04:27,000 acres on tax ID lot 304881. Note that this is a county funded 46 00:04:25,280 --> 00:04:34,760 restoration project so the total replanting planned is for a 3.82 acres 47 00:04:30,720 --> 00:04:39,240 of reforestation. Per section 20-41.8 of the unified land development code the 48 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:44,320 applicant is required to replant a total of 0.1 acres which will be met and 49 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:48,160 exceeded by the much higher target of 3.82 acres. 50 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:53,640 So minimum required for the forest conservation worksheet again is 0.1 51 00:04:50,200 --> 00:04:56,400 acres. Proposed replanting will be 3.82 acres. 52 00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:59,840 The details of exactly what will be planted and where as well as the 53 00:04:58,200 --> 00:05:04,200 two-year maintenance agreement are all included in the application materials. 54 00:05:02,480 --> 00:05:10,200 Um all conditions and requirements have been met per the unified land 55 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:14,000 development code section 20-41.6 um and we found that all requirements 56 00:05:12,200 --> 00:05:18,800 outlined both by the state and the city of Laurel guidelines have been not only 57 00:05:16,720 --> 00:05:26,480 met but exceeded so staff recommends that the planning commission approves 58 00:05:20,880 --> 00:05:26,480 forest conservation plan FCP 2026-0102. 59 00:05:28,480 --> 00:05:32,160 » Thank you. Are there any questions of staff? 60 00:05:31,240 --> 00:05:35,360 » No questions. >> Do we have the applicant? If 61 00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:40,120 » Yes. >> If you'd like to say something. 62 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:44,080 » Just come on up to the podium and if you press the bar it'll um unmute. 63 00:05:44,640 --> 00:05:49,240 » Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. 64 00:05:47,200 --> 00:05:53,520 Yeah, my name is Jignesh Shah and I'm a project manager from Prince George's 65 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:57,960 County Department of the Environment for this project Bear Branch Phase 3 stream 66 00:05:55,560 --> 00:06:02,160 restoration project. As everyone said, that like I'm in we have made all the 67 00:05:59,360 --> 00:06:08,200 requirement now. And this project is a part of our what water quality pro NPDES 68 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:12,280 SMS 4 water quality program. And with this project we are also going to claim 69 00:06:09,960 --> 00:06:16,240 the credit for the impervious acre that we are mandated by it's mandated by the 70 00:06:15,040 --> 00:06:21,200 state. So, and we have met all the requirements 71 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:25,400 and exceeded actually the requirement for the forest conservation. 72 00:06:22,600 --> 00:06:26,919 » And Bear Bear Branch feeds into what we call Laurel Lakes. 73 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:30,880 » Yeah. >> Right? And we have that silting problem 74 00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:34,280 that we have with Laurel Lakes where it silts up. So, this should help that. 75 00:06:33,160 --> 00:06:38,960 » Yeah, definitely. Yes, it will yeah, because 76 00:06:36,120 --> 00:06:43,800 county did the Laurel Lake uh restoration program for a few years back 77 00:06:41,200 --> 00:06:47,120 retrofitting that. And this is I think it's on the upstream side of this is 78 00:06:45,520 --> 00:06:51,680 Bear Branch that this is phase one county did it. Then 79 00:06:49,840 --> 00:06:55,080 phase two and this is a part of phase three. The entire stream from the Vendee 80 00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:58,360 center to the county road. >> Thank you. Any questions for the 81 00:06:56,640 --> 00:06:59,320 applicant? Thank you [clears throat] very much, 82 00:06:59,000 --> 00:07:04,040 sir. >> Thank you. 83 00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:07,360 » Um I'll open the public hearing at uh 84 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:10,720 6:04 and I do have uh two people signed up to 85 00:07:09,919 --> 00:07:15,560 speak two 86 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:21,240 one person signed up to speak Mr. er It's hard to read the handwriting. I 87 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:21,240 think that's S H E T H. 88 00:07:21,520 --> 00:07:27,840 Oh, that Okay, you that's good. You've already 89 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:32,080 done I didn't know who if it was uh the second one. Uh 90 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:35,880 no other questions of uh staff or the applicant. I'll entertain a motion. 91 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:49,280 » Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to approve the forest conservation plan 92 00:07:45,680 --> 00:07:55,120 and resolution number 26-11-PC for Bear Branch phase three stream 93 00:07:52,800 --> 00:08:03,320 restoration. Um at 304881 Van Dusen Road filed by 94 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:07,040 Century Engineering LLC, a Klein Fielder company, 95 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:10,840 on behalf of Prince George's County Department of the Environment. 96 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:14,320 » Um thank you very much. I forgot to close the public hearing. I'll close it 97 00:08:12,240 --> 00:08:16,640 out at 6:05. You have a second? >> Second the motion. 98 00:08:15,400 --> 00:08:19,320 » Thank you. Please call the roll. 99 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:20,480 » Mr. Welford. >> Yes. 100 00:08:19,760 --> 00:08:21,960 » Mr. Grant. >> Yes. 101 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:23,280 » Chairman Wilson. >> Yes. 102 00:08:22,360 --> 00:08:28,760 » Motion carries. >> Thank you very much, sir. Appreciate it. 103 00:08:27,000 --> 00:08:33,400 Move to um I agenda item number four, a plat of 104 00:08:31,040 --> 00:08:37,159 consolidation and the resolution filed by Urban Atlantic Development. 105 00:08:40,680 --> 00:08:45,600 » Um good evening, chairperson, members of the Planning Commission. Um I am Connor 106 00:08:44,039 --> 00:08:49,640 Johnson, a planner three with the Department of Economic and Community 107 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:53,760 Development. For your review today is agenda item number four, the technical 108 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:59,320 staff report for plat of consolidation application number 983 for 26C Street. 109 00:08:57,880 --> 00:09:03,480 The applicant, Urban Atlantic Development LLC, is seeking record plat 110 00:09:01,280 --> 00:09:09,120 of consolidation approval to combine lots one through four and 20 through 23 111 00:09:06,800 --> 00:09:13,640 uh of block 40 to form one new lot at the property located at 26C Street. 112 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:16,360 There is currently one structure on the properties comprising this plat of 113 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:19,560 consolidation, um which is a commercial building that 114 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:23,640 has been vacant since 2018. The adjacent adjacent zoning 115 00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:28,360 designations are as follows: north, south, and west are commercial village. 116 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:32,080 Uh to the east is R20, which is one family semi-detached, two family 117 00:09:29,839 --> 00:09:35,040 detached, and one family triple detached zone. 118 00:09:33,600 --> 00:09:38,200 Um it is long-standing city policy and 119 00:09:36,960 --> 00:09:42,560 urban planning best practice to consolidate parcels and plats whenever 120 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:47,040 possible. As such, staff recommends that the planning commission approve plat of 121 00:09:44,120 --> 00:09:50,600 consolidation application number 983 with the following conditions: that the 122 00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:53,800 applicant shall ensure that the plat is properly recorded, the applicant shall 123 00:09:52,480 --> 00:09:57,160 ensure that the plat is filed with the land records of Prince George's County, 124 00:09:55,040 --> 00:10:01,240 Maryland, and the applicant shall update titles, tax records, deeds, and mortgage 125 00:09:59,240 --> 00:10:04,000 lenders as necessary. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 126 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:07,400 » Thank you. Um any questions of staff? 127 00:10:06,520 --> 00:10:10,920 » No. >> Yeah, we're good. 128 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:15,000 Okay, thank you. Um I don't have any questions. Let me open up the uh 129 00:10:13,640 --> 00:10:19,240 uh let me I'll open it up to the applicant if they want to say something. 130 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:23,560 The applicant's here? Give us your name and affiliation. 131 00:10:21,600 --> 00:10:27,040 After you push the button. There you go. >> Uh good evening, uh Mr. Chairman and 132 00:10:25,800 --> 00:10:30,760 members of the commission. Tim Longfellow with the engineering firm of 133 00:10:29,120 --> 00:10:36,720 Gutschick Little and Weber with office in Burtonsville at 3909 National Drive, 134 00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:40,760 suite 250. We're here on behalf of Urban Atlantic. 135 00:10:38,560 --> 00:10:45,000 Nothing to to really offer other than, you know, we support and thank staff for 136 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:48,360 all their hard work in getting this uh to this point, and we're here to answer 137 00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:52,480 any questions that you might have. >> Okay, thank you. Any questions, guys? 138 00:10:50,480 --> 00:10:57,160 » Well, not for this application, but I'm certainly further down the road when we 139 00:10:54,960 --> 00:11:01,360 start to getting closer to whatever's going to happen there. 140 00:10:59,120 --> 00:11:02,800 » All we're approving tonight is the plot combination. 141 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:05,080 » Yes, sir. >> So, thank you very much, sir. 142 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:08,200 » Thank you. >> Um 143 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:13,400 if there's no other questions, let me open up the public hearing at 6:08, 144 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:20,200 and I have quite a number of people that signed up to speak. 145 00:11:15,080 --> 00:11:24,800 Uh let me start with uh Mr. Long fellow, I believe. It's hard to read the 146 00:11:22,360 --> 00:11:28,480 Oh, that's you. Okay. Um Mr. 147 00:11:28,720 --> 00:11:36,720 Granger? You're good. with him? Okay. Mr. 148 00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:41,080 Delgado? Or Ms. Delgado? Danielle, I'm sorry. 149 00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:44,880 » You're fine. >> If you can hit that button and give us 150 00:11:42,440 --> 00:11:49,680 your name and address for the record. >> Good evening. My name is Danielle 151 00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:53,440 Delgado. I live on 7553 Woodbine Drive here in the city of Laurel. 152 00:11:51,680 --> 00:11:57,920 I believe that if future development is to continue in this area, it is vital 153 00:11:56,000 --> 00:12:02,280 that you as a planning board continue to ask thoughtful questions and obtain 154 00:11:59,560 --> 00:12:06,280 satisfactory answers regarding for current residents and businesses, future 155 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:10,600 tenants, and for all visitors of Main Street. I'm not inherently opposed to 156 00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:13,920 whatever future development may happen on this property. 157 00:12:12,160 --> 00:12:18,800 But in fact, if adequate parking is designed to be available on the property 158 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:23,080 alongside mixed-use development, this project could support the long-term 159 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:27,480 health and vitality of Main Street. However, as it stands today, parking is 160 00:12:25,240 --> 00:12:32,880 already a significant challenge. I know you are aware of the concerns previously 161 00:12:29,560 --> 00:12:36,720 raised by businesses on C Street regarding parking availability. I'm a 162 00:12:34,800 --> 00:12:40,600 regular customer of Three Year Games, and I know how difficult it can be to 163 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:44,839 find nearby parking. I can only imagine the struggle it is for customers with uh 164 00:12:42,480 --> 00:12:48,920 mobility issues and access needs. So, if these concerns are not adequately 165 00:12:46,400 --> 00:12:52,400 addressed as the process continues, the consequences could negatively impact 166 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:55,440 many of our local businesses and neighbors. 167 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:59,600 While Laurel is ideally situated between DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, our 168 00:12:57,520 --> 00:13:03,400 community still relies heavily on personal vehicles. And I wish we had 169 00:13:01,920 --> 00:13:07,080 more robust public transportation options, but the reality is we do not. 170 00:13:05,920 --> 00:13:10,440 And as a result, parking and accessibility must be carefully 171 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:14,160 considered as decisions are made on behalf of residents, business owners, 172 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:17,520 and visitors alike. So, I encourage you, the board, to 173 00:13:15,360 --> 00:13:21,680 ensure that any development proposal that comes your way includes realistic 174 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:26,640 and sustainable plans for meeting the parking needs of both the current and 175 00:13:23,839 --> 00:13:30,240 future users of this area. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. 176 00:13:31,720 --> 00:13:35,400 Mr. Myers, John Myers. 177 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:43,720 Welcome. Just give us your name and address. 178 00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:49,520 » Of course. Good afternoon. My name is John Myers. I 179 00:13:46,280 --> 00:13:54,720 have been a resident of 7634 Arbury Court in Laurel for 32 years, and 180 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:59,440 I'm speaking today to voice my opinion against the proposed plat of 181 00:13:56,240 --> 00:14:03,280 consolidation for 26 C Street. On lots one and two of 26 C Street, 182 00:14:01,760 --> 00:14:09,640 there is a public parking lot that supports no less than four entertainment 183 00:14:06,320 --> 00:14:14,320 venues on Main Street and C Street. These venues include, but are not 184 00:14:11,440 --> 00:14:20,960 limited to, the Sky Vibe Restaurant and Lounge, the Mist Lounge, Three Gear 185 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:24,360 Games and Studios, and Chez Yams uh Catering and Functions. 186 00:14:23,360 --> 00:14:28,040 Should this current plat of consolidation be approved, these venues 187 00:14:26,400 --> 00:14:32,240 would lose access to valuable parking spaces for their customers to utilize. 188 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:36,640 Street parking alone is not sufficient for these businesses, and any buildings 189 00:14:34,839 --> 00:14:41,880 built upon lots one and two would only provide parking for those specific 190 00:14:38,480 --> 00:14:45,400 tenants. All others would be towed. Additionally, removal of this public 191 00:14:43,800 --> 00:14:49,560 parking would hurt logistics for any large-scale events on Main Street. The 192 00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:53,640 parking lot provides a storage area for large event vehicles or temporary 193 00:14:51,640 --> 00:14:58,520 construction. The lot is also a strategic staging for 194 00:14:55,920 --> 00:15:03,360 public personnel in case of an emergency during a public event. 195 00:15:01,560 --> 00:15:07,080 Rather than outright prevent potential growth through this consolidation, I 196 00:15:04,960 --> 00:15:11,520 would like to propose the following. Any construction on lots one and two 197 00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:17,120 must provide a number of public parking spaces equal to or greater than the ones 198 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:20,440 provided by the current parking lot. Alternatively, it would be deemed 199 00:15:18,440 --> 00:15:24,600 acceptable if the current public parking lot were left in place, but a property 200 00:15:22,560 --> 00:15:29,200 or business owner for the lot would provide maintenance to the lot while 201 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:32,560 maintaining its public status. Either of these propositions would 202 00:15:30,600 --> 00:15:35,680 ensure the growth of commerce and community on Main Street without 203 00:15:34,240 --> 00:15:38,640 subjecting the area to crowding or discourse. 204 00:15:37,120 --> 00:15:42,480 And I'd like to thank you for your time and for the opportunity for the public 205 00:15:40,320 --> 00:15:45,000 to voice their concerns. >> Thank you, sir. 206 00:15:46,680 --> 00:15:53,200 We have Mr. Stewart 207 00:15:50,560 --> 00:15:56,240 S I G E X 208 00:15:54,960 --> 00:15:58,720 I'm sorry. It's hard to read the handwriting. 209 00:15:57,720 --> 00:16:02,720 If you give us your name and address. You have to hit that button again to to 210 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:02,720 make it red. 211 00:16:02,760 --> 00:16:05,720 » Stewart Sinex. Um 212 00:16:04,720 --> 00:16:08,040 » S I N >> E X 213 00:16:06,480 --> 00:16:10,480 » Okay. Got you. >> I'm aware my spelling is 214 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:12,680 » It's not the spelling. >> creative 215 00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:18,240 » My handwriting is worse than yours, so. And your address, sir? 216 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:24,480 » Um I live in 8846 Heron's Flight in Lauren, but I am the uh 217 00:16:20,800 --> 00:16:29,040 owner of Three Gear Games on 25 C Street. 218 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:34,040 Um on that delightful list of businesses that do use the parking 219 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:40,520 on lots one and two of the proposed consolidation, I would like to also add 220 00:16:38,160 --> 00:16:45,320 um the art gallery on 20 I think it's 20 221 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:53,720 uh 21 C Street. Um and Cleopatra's 222 00:16:50,839 --> 00:16:56,280 um over around uh C Street Flats. 223 00:16:55,640 --> 00:17:00,440 Um the I think the two people ahead of me 224 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:03,440 said a lot of our concerns very elegantly. 225 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:09,280 Um and particularly the concerns there are 226 00:17:05,600 --> 00:17:14,880 concerns for people with mobility issues since there is a lack of any kind of 227 00:17:12,120 --> 00:17:18,520 handicaps parking for the public anywhere near there. 228 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:22,880 Uh there are two public lots on Main Street. Both of those are insufficient 229 00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:28,079 and when the twice a month when the current venues 230 00:17:26,439 --> 00:17:34,280 do come in bring in people on mass, 231 00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:37,240 uh the current parking lot it overflows so people start parking parking on 232 00:17:36,080 --> 00:17:43,280 grass. Um as well as there is there are now 233 00:17:42,400 --> 00:17:48,160 uh hostilities among the neighbors 234 00:17:45,840 --> 00:17:51,840 over renting of 30 235 00:17:49,120 --> 00:17:58,920 parking um parking spots on uh 13th C Street and [snorts] the 236 00:17:55,960 --> 00:18:02,680 elimination of these of this parking lot would 237 00:18:00,960 --> 00:18:07,120 increase that those difficulties. 238 00:18:04,320 --> 00:18:10,440 Um there can be many concepts but we that can happen to address the missing 239 00:18:08,720 --> 00:18:15,600 parking spaces. Um and we do need further development on 240 00:18:12,640 --> 00:18:19,102 Laurel like this in order to be able to continue seeing Laurel to grow but we 241 00:18:17,520 --> 00:18:23,520 also need to make sure that there's [snorts] that there is parking for the 242 00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:28,000 public and not just for private private parking for businesses. 243 00:18:25,280 --> 00:18:32,840 Um after all, we need Main Street to be more than hairdressers and uh 244 00:18:31,320 --> 00:18:36,520 and clinics and we would like to see a thriving 245 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:39,800 retail environment. Thank you. 246 00:18:37,280 --> 00:18:39,800 » Thank you, sir. 247 00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:45,160 Robin Kenny? 248 00:18:48,520 --> 00:18:56,000 Just press that button so it turns right. There you go. 249 00:18:52,440 --> 00:19:00,040 » Hello, I'm Robin Kenny at um 8846 Heron's Flight. I also teach at 250 00:18:58,360 --> 00:19:06,960 Deerfield Run Elementary School in Laurel as well as um a regular at uh 251 00:19:04,320 --> 00:19:10,160 Three Gear Games and Studios. Um 252 00:19:08,480 --> 00:19:16,040 I know that we all are looking to support the thriving atmosphere of 253 00:19:13,360 --> 00:19:20,040 Laurel Main Street. But, as you've heard from the other speakers, 254 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:26,000 you can understand that there is a insufficiency of parking in the area. 255 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:30,120 Um I have been on the verge of turning around and going home instead of 256 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:35,960 attending some events in Laurel Main Street because of an inability to find 257 00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:39,360 parking. And lucky for me, somebody pulled out just as I was about to turn 258 00:19:37,800 --> 00:19:44,080 around and go home. So, when I saw the sign saying that 259 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:47,920 you're going to develop 26 C Street, I became concerned for my ability to 260 00:19:45,720 --> 00:19:51,720 continue finding parking and thus providing business for the businesses on 261 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:56,320 C Street. Um 262 00:19:53,000 --> 00:20:02,280 I know that there is parking at a lot on uh I believe it's A Street. 263 00:19:58,400 --> 00:20:08,000 But, as a woman who stays over at Three Gear uh Studios until after sunset, I am 264 00:20:05,800 --> 00:20:14,280 uncomfortable with regularly and predictably walking between C Street and 265 00:20:11,840 --> 00:20:19,120 A Street all by myself. There is simply 266 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:23,000 not enough light, not enough people. I don't feel safe. 267 00:20:20,800 --> 00:20:27,640 Similarly, my husband has a heart condition and you know that we've been 268 00:20:24,760 --> 00:20:32,560 having a lot of um heat warn- heat warnings. 269 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:36,840 I would not feel comfortable letting him come to Three Gear if I did not know 270 00:20:34,600 --> 00:20:41,160 that there was a nearby parking lot. I do not think that people with heart 271 00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:47,640 conditions would be able to walk that distance in the heat and not suffer 272 00:20:44,600 --> 00:20:52,080 potential health consequences. Whatever you do with the property, 273 00:20:49,880 --> 00:20:56,760 I beg of you, please consider that that parking lot is heavily used to 274 00:20:54,120 --> 00:21:01,520 overflowing on a regular basis. And if you would like to look at data of 275 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:07,080 what happens when that parking lot is removed during last winter snowstorm 276 00:21:04,640 --> 00:21:14,520 when we had the {quote} snow creep situation. That lot was cut off for many 277 00:21:10,800 --> 00:21:20,600 days and regulars at 3 Gear Studios were talking about setting up car pools. You 278 00:21:17,320 --> 00:21:25,440 can't do that for drive-by visitors. You have to have it be a planned event for 279 00:21:22,280 --> 00:21:30,280 car pool to work. As it was, I was driving Stewart and his wife to their 280 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:34,520 business in order to drop them off so they would not have to tie up one of the 281 00:21:32,560 --> 00:21:39,720 few parking spaces that were available during the snow crete situation. 282 00:21:37,040 --> 00:21:44,920 So, whether you develop the property or not, I beg of you, please consider the 283 00:21:42,440 --> 00:21:51,320 parking. If people cannot park their cars, they cannot shop and they cannot 284 00:21:48,240 --> 00:21:54,640 help Main Street or C Street thrive. Thank you. 285 00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:54,640 » Thank you. 286 00:21:55,560 --> 00:21:59,640 Uh Mr. Kohler, Matthew Kohler? 287 00:22:06,000 --> 00:22:14,200 » Hi, I'm Matthew Kohler. I live at 201 10th Street in Laurel. 288 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:19,320 And I am a frequent patron of both Cleopatra's and 3 Gear Games. Those were 289 00:22:16,600 --> 00:22:23,420 the places that I came and became regulars at when I first moved to 290 00:22:20,760 --> 00:22:25,320 Laurel. That was where I went to >> [snorts] 291 00:22:23,680 --> 00:22:30,560 » make new friends and find a sense of community. And now, 292 00:22:28,120 --> 00:22:35,000 years later, like so many of my friends from not just Laurel, but all around, I 293 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:39,120 have met and have found their way into our friend group and a lot of the Laurel 294 00:22:37,560 --> 00:22:45,080 community and all of the involvement just through these businesses here. So, 295 00:22:43,040 --> 00:22:48,840 it's not just about the people here who live in Laurel and that, but it's really 296 00:22:47,600 --> 00:22:55,840 about these are places that build the 297 00:22:50,760 --> 00:22:59,360 community and bring people to Laurel and I know that, like, 298 00:22:57,320 --> 00:23:02,960 not having the parking there would definitely dissuade a lot of the people 299 00:23:01,160 --> 00:23:08,720 who I know who come from going. 300 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:12,160 So, yeah. I support the development um and I would just encourage consideration 301 00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:16,120 that also whatever is developed there is also going to end up using 302 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:19,000 additional parking. So, it might not even be 303 00:23:17,280 --> 00:23:22,920 adequate for an in-kind parking situation. And so, it's just important 304 00:23:21,120 --> 00:23:27,040 to consider the parking impact. Thank you. 305 00:23:24,560 --> 00:23:27,040 » Thank you. 306 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:30,920 I also have a 307 00:23:33,960 --> 00:23:40,600 I have uh We did Did we get Kimberly Gilliam 308 00:23:38,080 --> 00:23:40,600 Gilliam? 309 00:23:46,880 --> 00:23:51,600 The light's on. Just give us your name and address. 310 00:23:49,400 --> 00:23:55,680 » Hi, my name is Kimberly Gilliam. I live at 8901 Briardale Lane, Laurel, 311 00:23:54,520 --> 00:23:59,960 Maryland. Um 312 00:23:56,800 --> 00:24:04,760 as most of the people here, I'm a common customer at Three Gear. 313 00:24:01,760 --> 00:24:09,360 Um I think the usefulness of the parking lot was very heavily demonstrated during 314 00:24:06,400 --> 00:24:14,200 the snow creek situation where I knew the city of Laurel, but the other people 315 00:24:12,080 --> 00:24:18,480 my game are not from the city of Laurel. They're from Montgomery County. So, I 316 00:24:16,400 --> 00:24:21,920 remember I drove in one Saturday night when all the clubs were going on. So, it 317 00:24:20,560 --> 00:24:26,600 was already very full and there were people walking. 318 00:24:23,840 --> 00:24:32,456 And um this girl like told us over Discord, I parked by the Laurel library. 319 00:24:30,280 --> 00:24:36,240 And we were like, "Honey, why?" >> [laughter] 320 00:24:33,520 --> 00:24:42,320 » But she was just so unaware of where to park once that asset was gone. 321 00:24:40,240 --> 00:24:46,040 And likewise, I have other friends who come in from Montgomery County into 322 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:49,760 Prince George's to this store specifically and the area to come play 323 00:24:48,520 --> 00:24:53,160 at this you know, 324 00:24:50,800 --> 00:24:57,800 provide community, buy things at nearby stores and whatnot. And we had to be 325 00:24:54,800 --> 00:25:01,680 dinner at Noodles & Company or whatever. Um so 326 00:24:59,600 --> 00:25:06,680 I think I'm fine if something gets developed there, but like the parking 327 00:25:04,360 --> 00:25:09,920 alone, that will just you know, you won't have anybody 328 00:25:08,200 --> 00:25:14,400 visiting as much because we won't know where to put our cars without getting 329 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:18,520 towed and you know, getting towed is not great. I've had it happen once. 330 00:25:17,480 --> 00:25:22,720 Um I think that's really all I have to add 331 00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:27,240 here. Um just please consider the parking situation. It's hard enough as a 332 00:25:24,920 --> 00:25:31,000 local finding for like the Main Street festivals and everything. Thank you. 333 00:25:29,360 --> 00:25:35,840 » Thank you. Uh we have two written testimonies. 334 00:25:33,840 --> 00:25:40,760 Uh I'll just give the names. I won't read the testimony, but if they go into 335 00:25:37,480 --> 00:25:40,760 the record, um 336 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:48,280 both are speaking to the same issue of the 337 00:25:45,080 --> 00:25:53,240 parking issue. Uh the first is Elaine Cathell 338 00:25:50,480 --> 00:25:57,800 um from Trevino Terrace and the other one is a 339 00:25:55,040 --> 00:26:01,520 Charlotte DeTour Twaite. And the same thing is a concerned about 340 00:26:00,160 --> 00:26:05,120 the parking. So, I'll get those two in the record. Uh 341 00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:08,040 there was uh there may be other folks here that haven't had a chance to sign 342 00:26:06,720 --> 00:26:11,920 up to speak. You're welcome. Is there anybody that would like to speak that 343 00:26:09,800 --> 00:26:14,480 didn't sign up in advance? Come on up. 344 00:26:19,000 --> 00:26:21,600 Right up here. 345 00:26:24,920 --> 00:26:29,200 And just hit that bar so that that light turns on and give us your name and 346 00:26:28,480 --> 00:26:34,120 address. >> Yes, my name is Cassandra Schartzer. I 347 00:26:30,920 --> 00:26:38,480 live at 9680 Barrel House Road in Laurel, Maryland. Um I did sign up on 348 00:26:36,600 --> 00:26:41,000 the sheet back there to sign up or to speak. 349 00:26:39,680 --> 00:26:43,520 » Oh, did I miss [snorts] you? What was your name? I'm sorry. 350 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:47,960 » It's Cassandra Schartzer. It's the sheet's over there, but I don't 351 00:26:45,080 --> 00:26:50,160 » Oh, okay. Well, we'll go ahead. >> So, [snorts] 352 00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:54,200 as someone who was born and raised in Laurel, I originally lived on Montrose 353 00:26:51,840 --> 00:26:58,920 Avenue. I have attended numerous Main Street festivals. So, most 354 00:26:56,840 --> 00:27:03,200 of that street gets shut down during any type of major event that's 355 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:08,360 going on. And so, again, like everyone else, I'm okay with 356 00:27:04,920 --> 00:27:12,400 the development of the sub lot into one singular plot, but just keeping in 357 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:15,240 mind, of course, like everyone has said, 358 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:19,480 parking. Because, again, as someone who's going up here for 359 00:27:16,880 --> 00:27:23,200 the last 30 years of my life, uh parking has always been an issue ever since 2000 360 00:27:21,400 --> 00:27:26,480 until now, especially on C Street with the development. There are several 361 00:27:24,440 --> 00:27:31,040 buildings that I'm happy to see have that have been renovated and reused, 362 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:35,000 like the Mystic Lounge and the Sky Vibe Bar. But, again, like everyone 363 00:27:33,120 --> 00:27:40,080 says, it's constantly overflowing with people. Like, I have to go and park on A 364 00:27:36,800 --> 00:27:43,560 Street or B Street in order to find parking. And then, of course, there's 365 00:27:42,040 --> 00:27:46,440 the farmers market that happens once a week 366 00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:50,160 and to several other events where everything gets shut down. And just as, 367 00:27:48,600 --> 00:27:52,480 again, someone who's been in Laurel, and as [clears throat] everyone else has 368 00:27:50,880 --> 00:27:56,560 said, it's hard to find parking if you don't know Laurel very well. 369 00:27:54,560 --> 00:28:00,560 So, that was my main point, but I I attend a lot of these businesses, such 370 00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:03,640 as Three Gear Games, uh the Crystal Fox, other items like 371 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:08,000 that, on Main Street. And it's a vital and 372 00:28:05,760 --> 00:28:11,520 important part of my life, which cuz a lot of those businesses I do go to, like 373 00:28:09,600 --> 00:28:14,840 the Chamber Room. I know the nice lady that runs that store. So, 374 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:18,720 just keeping in mind, if we're going to develop for the community, we just want 375 00:28:16,960 --> 00:28:23,080 to have that parking lot or something where people can go to C Street and to 376 00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:26,640 Main Street and utilize everything because there's a lot of great things. 377 00:28:24,560 --> 00:28:30,120 There's a lot of historical importance of Main Street, and I just want to make 378 00:28:28,080 --> 00:28:32,560 sure that all of that remains and people still have access to it. 379 00:28:31,640 --> 00:28:36,280 » Thank you very much. >> You're welcome. 380 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:40,120 » Anybody else that hadn't signed up or had signed up back there and we didn't 381 00:28:37,400 --> 00:28:40,120 get the sheet? 382 00:28:42,920 --> 00:28:49,240 As as it as you all know, this is a process. Uh we're we're we're just 383 00:28:47,040 --> 00:28:54,240 combining some plots now. It's a basically county paperwork to to make it 384 00:28:51,800 --> 00:28:58,080 one single plot. As far as what goes on there, that's a another set of 385 00:28:55,680 --> 00:29:01,680 decisions. I welcome you all back to evaluate those at the 386 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:06,200 as as the property develops, there'll be things on the website. I encourage you 387 00:29:03,640 --> 00:29:11,680 all to stay engaged. This is what influences developers and and and people 388 00:29:09,320 --> 00:29:18,920 on boards like us. So, if there's nobody else left that wants to speak, I'll 389 00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:24,480 close the public hearing at 6:27 and gentlemen, I'll entertain a motion. 390 00:29:23,200 --> 00:29:28,000 » Um, can I make a comment? >> Yeah, go ahead. Yeah. 391 00:29:25,600 --> 00:29:32,200 » Mr. Chairman, I I would like to make a comment that 392 00:29:29,400 --> 00:29:37,080 possibly clarify cuz as far as I know, that parking lot that everybody is 393 00:29:34,760 --> 00:29:44,400 mentioning there, I do not believe that is a public parking lot. So, the owner 394 00:29:41,560 --> 00:29:47,400 of that is just kind of graciously letting people park there for now, but 395 00:29:46,800 --> 00:29:53,040 um, that's not something that has, you know, 396 00:29:49,800 --> 00:29:56,320 open to the public for parking there. Just want to clarify that. 397 00:29:58,480 --> 00:30:03,960 » Thank you. >> Yeah, come on up. 398 00:30:01,880 --> 00:30:06,760 We We'll just allow one more question and then we're going to go to 399 00:30:06,840 --> 00:30:15,640 » To clarify, even though that is not technically a public parking spot, by de 400 00:30:12,800 --> 00:30:20,360 facto, it's being used as a public parking spot to great community 401 00:30:18,440 --> 00:30:23,600 » We We understand Yeah, we understand that. We just want to make sure that 402 00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:26,960 people that are watching don't don't realize that we're we're going to it's a 403 00:30:25,040 --> 00:30:31,840 public parking lot currently. But, I appreciate that. Any other comments? 404 00:30:29,120 --> 00:30:35,120 » Um, well, while we're commenting, um, 405 00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:41,920 also the parking lot that that is public, the city-owned parking lot at 3 406 00:30:38,280 --> 00:30:47,440 14 Main Street, um, I go by there every night. And, um, 407 00:30:44,360 --> 00:30:52,440 it's rarely halfway full. Um, there's no charge to park there. And 408 00:30:50,640 --> 00:31:00,320 to walk from there, uh, one one and a half blocks to C 409 00:30:57,280 --> 00:31:06,120 Street. And then down C Street another half a block. That's a very easy walk. 410 00:31:03,560 --> 00:31:09,000 And it's well lit. It's Main Street's well lit. 411 00:31:07,440 --> 00:31:12,800 Um, that's what I would do. I'd park there 412 00:31:10,720 --> 00:31:17,880 in that public lot and take that short walk over there. Now, the other city lot 413 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:25,160 that's up the street a little further, um, that is full just about every night. 414 00:31:21,320 --> 00:31:27,760 But, that one down there at 3 314 Main, that'd be the place to park. 415 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:32,520 » Fox. >> Uh, right across from Crystal Fox, yeah. 416 00:31:30,760 --> 00:31:37,160 There's a lot of parking in there. It even has, uh, 417 00:31:34,040 --> 00:31:40,880 meters for electric cars to plug into. And that's probably a charge on that, 418 00:31:39,040 --> 00:31:44,200 but there's no charge to anything to park in the lot. 419 00:31:42,480 --> 00:31:47,600 Another question, Rick. >> Uh, we 420 00:31:45,560 --> 00:31:51,320 we're we'll we'll just leave it at that, if that's okay. I don't want to keep 421 00:31:48,760 --> 00:31:57,400 going back and forth. Uh, Mr. Grant, >> Just have one question for the director. 422 00:31:54,320 --> 00:32:02,447 Is the city council aware of the parking situation? And are they planning 423 00:31:59,320 --> 00:32:04,080 anything as far as you know? >> [snorts] 424 00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:08,160 » Good evening. Jamie City Director of the Department of Economic and Community 425 00:32:05,240 --> 00:32:12,560 Development. Uh, I know particularly the Ward One council members, uh, Council 426 00:32:10,560 --> 00:32:19,200 Member Cole and Council Member Simmons, um, are aware of, um, 427 00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:25,000 the parking, uh, stress that many residents and shoppers feel downtown. 428 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:29,600 Uh, I know the mayor also is aware. Um, you may recall a couple months ago 429 00:32:27,560 --> 00:32:33,680 there was, uh, special exception application, 430 00:32:31,080 --> 00:32:40,480 uh, for a rental hall use on C Street. Um, and that was, uh, we we certainly 431 00:32:38,120 --> 00:32:45,760 passed up um, the thoughts and the recommendations the sort of requests for 432 00:32:43,200 --> 00:32:51,080 additional parking. A parking garage costs between 20 and 433 00:32:48,000 --> 00:32:57,000 30,000 dollars for parking spot. It's a mighty heavy financial lift. And 434 00:32:55,520 --> 00:32:59,600 otherwise, you know, all of the parcels downtown 435 00:32:58,680 --> 00:33:03,040 are are owned and occupied for the most 436 00:33:01,840 --> 00:33:09,840 part. So, I can't say to you that there is 437 00:33:06,920 --> 00:33:14,600 an increase in parking imminent, but I do know that at all levels 438 00:33:12,200 --> 00:33:18,120 both staff and elected officials, people certainly are aware of the the parking 439 00:33:17,040 --> 00:33:19,320 stress. >> Thanks. 440 00:33:18,800 --> 00:33:25,240 » Mhm. >> I think this body has waived parking 441 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:31,000 requirements for businesses on Main Street for the last 25 years that I know 442 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:35,880 of and to to do that to encourage businesses to come of course at some 443 00:33:32,480 --> 00:33:39,520 point it it's you know, you can only do so much on 444 00:33:37,800 --> 00:33:42,480 Main Street. With that, I do appreciate everybody's 445 00:33:41,200 --> 00:33:46,280 input. I'm open for a motion for item number 446 00:33:45,160 --> 00:33:50,320 four. >> Mr. Chairman, 447 00:33:48,160 --> 00:33:56,000 I'll make a motion to approve the plat of consolidation and resolution number 448 00:33:53,160 --> 00:34:02,120 26-08-PC 26 C Street filed by Urban Atlantic 449 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:04,560 Development LLC. >> Thank you all. Look for a second. 450 00:34:03,920 --> 00:34:06,960 » Second. >> Thank you, Mr. Grant. Please call the 451 00:34:06,000 --> 00:34:08,360 roll. >> Mr. Wolford. 452 00:34:07,840 --> 00:34:09,560 » Yes. >> Mr. Grant. 453 00:34:09,120 --> 00:34:12,280 » Yes. >> Chairman Wilson. 454 00:34:10,480 --> 00:34:16,480 » Yes, and I thank you all for coming. If if you're just here for the number four, 455 00:34:14,280 --> 00:34:20,440 you're welcome to go cuz I assume people have better things to do than listen to 456 00:34:18,120 --> 00:34:23,760 us pontificate, but uh but if you want to take a moment and 457 00:34:21,960 --> 00:34:28,040 before we get started again, if not, we'll go ahead and continue. 458 00:34:26,080 --> 00:34:32,360 All right. Thank you. Go ahead do agenda item number five, the 459 00:34:29,840 --> 00:34:37,520 forest conservation plan plan and application for and resolution number 460 00:34:34,520 --> 00:34:40,320 2605 PC for the Islamic Community Center of Laurel. 461 00:34:38,960 --> 00:34:44,360 Welcome again. >> Thank you. Good evening again, chairman 462 00:34:42,919 --> 00:34:48,000 and members of the planning commission. Again, my name is Raven E. I'm the 463 00:34:46,120 --> 00:34:52,280 deputy director of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Um, 464 00:34:50,639 --> 00:34:56,639 the applicant is requesting forest conservation plan approval in support of 465 00:34:54,240 --> 00:35:01,600 their plan to expand their existing house of worship and parking lot. This 466 00:34:59,040 --> 00:35:06,520 requires removal of some existing trees and the applicant plans to plant new 467 00:35:03,600 --> 00:35:10,880 trees elsewhere on the property. The In our analysis, the applicant 468 00:35:08,120 --> 00:35:16,120 received a natural resources inventory um, equivalency letter which uh, 469 00:35:13,520 --> 00:35:22,080 replaces a forest delineation from the then department director Monte Burrough 470 00:35:18,320 --> 00:35:26,280 in February 10th, 2025 and that letter of exemption continues in force. 471 00:35:24,640 --> 00:35:30,960 They subsequently submitted a forest conservation plan which is required for 472 00:35:28,160 --> 00:35:33,600 any project on land 40,000 square feet or greater. 473 00:35:32,200 --> 00:35:41,720 The applicant has proposed and declare 0.11 acres on tax ID lot 5514776 474 00:35:39,600 --> 00:35:45,800 and to plant compensatory trees on the portion of the lot as indicated in the 475 00:35:43,920 --> 00:35:50,640 landscaping drawings included in the application and they should also um, 476 00:35:48,480 --> 00:35:53,160 face through on the presentation. Um, 477 00:35:53,640 --> 00:35:55,920 So, >> [sighs and gasps] 478 00:35:54,800 --> 00:35:59,920 » although the forest conservation worksheet does not require any 479 00:35:57,640 --> 00:36:03,720 reforestation or afforestation, the applicant intends to 480 00:36:01,920 --> 00:36:08,880 plant new trees as part of the landscaping which will total 481 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:13,440 approximately 0.23 acres. These trees will perform will form a perimeter along 482 00:36:11,160 --> 00:36:16,960 the fence line with a couple of trees added as part of the landscaping within 483 00:36:15,320 --> 00:36:21,720 the parking lot. So, the required per the um, state 484 00:36:19,920 --> 00:36:26,760 requirements is zero acres, but they are proposing to plant to 0.23 acres. 485 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:30,040 The details of what will be planted and where as well as their two-year 486 00:36:28,440 --> 00:36:34,280 maintenance agreement, are all also included in the application materials. 487 00:36:32,680 --> 00:36:37,640 All conditions and requirements have been met per the 488 00:36:35,960 --> 00:36:41,360 unified land development code section 20-41.6. 489 00:36:40,080 --> 00:36:45,240 Staff found all conditions and requirements outlined by both state and 490 00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:48,840 city of Laurel guidelines to have been not only met but exceeded. So, staff 491 00:36:47,400 --> 00:36:55,080 recommends that the planning commission approve forest conservation plan FCP 492 00:36:52,200 --> 00:36:59,240 2026-0094. And I'm happy to answer any questions 493 00:36:57,600 --> 00:37:00,840 the commission may have. >> Any questions, gentlemen? 494 00:37:00,520 --> 00:37:04,680 » No. >> No questions. 495 00:37:02,480 --> 00:37:07,440 » Um thank you. Is there anybody from the applicant that would like to speak? 496 00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:10,080 If you give us your name and affiliation. 497 00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:14,440 » Sure. Abdullah Hijazi here of the law firm of Hijazi and Carol out of Bowie, 498 00:37:11,880 --> 00:37:18,200 Maryland. I want to thank staff for their wonderful help with this 499 00:37:15,720 --> 00:37:23,080 application, especially the last two or three months on this. Um this is, as you 500 00:37:21,080 --> 00:37:27,800 heard, I Well, first I represent the North American Islamic Trust, uh which 501 00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:31,560 is a trust that holds title to a portion of the property and the 502 00:37:29,760 --> 00:37:35,520 ICCL, the Islamic Community Center of Laurel. Islamic Community Center of 503 00:37:33,480 --> 00:37:38,960 Laurel, as many of you may know, has been around for several decades and has 504 00:37:37,480 --> 00:37:42,160 been a long-standing partner of the city. 505 00:37:40,080 --> 00:37:46,080 Um believe it or not, I actually used to attend Friday and Sunday programs 506 00:37:44,960 --> 00:37:51,800 as early as 30-some years ago 507 00:37:48,320 --> 00:37:56,400 at ICCL in its current condition. And so, the expansion has been a long way 508 00:37:53,640 --> 00:38:00,480 coming and it's a much-needed for the growing population and congregation of 509 00:37:58,480 --> 00:38:03,840 the mosque and community center as a whole. 510 00:38:01,400 --> 00:38:08,120 Um as you heard, the the organization does not need to plant 511 00:38:05,920 --> 00:38:11,760 any trees but has gone out of its way to make sure to plant some trees for 512 00:38:09,560 --> 00:38:16,040 aesthetics and some of the protection noise buffer and also just landscape 513 00:38:13,640 --> 00:38:21,840 buffer around the perimeter. Um also, I don't know if you it was alluded to but 514 00:38:18,880 --> 00:38:24,400 the majority of the forest that is on site is being retained. 515 00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:29,000 Um the exact numbers were not mentioned, 516 00:38:26,160 --> 00:38:35,640 but 1.3 acres of forest exists on the site. 1.11 of those um or 1.19 of those 517 00:38:33,400 --> 00:38:40,520 acres are remaining. So, very little acreage of forest is being removed and 518 00:38:38,200 --> 00:38:45,040 there as you can see there's more than that that's being replanted for 519 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:48,840 afforestation. Uh we agree with staff's recommendation for approval. We 520 00:38:46,720 --> 00:38:52,960 appreciate staff's time. Um we are available for any questions if 521 00:38:50,880 --> 00:38:55,400 there are any and um other than that uh that's all I have today. 522 00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:59,600 » Thank you very much. >> Also with me I have a lot of the 523 00:38:57,080 --> 00:39:04,720 congregation here as you can see this is a very important job and the uh project 524 00:39:02,120 --> 00:39:08,320 for the congregation and leadership is here, several members are here, several 525 00:39:06,600 --> 00:39:11,680 congregants that aren't even members are here. So, if uh you have any questions 526 00:39:10,520 --> 00:39:14,097 I'm more than available. >> You guys did good. You raised your own 527 00:39:12,960 --> 00:39:16,117 lawyer. >> [laughter] 528 00:39:16,400 --> 00:39:23,320 » Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Is there any questions to the applicant? 529 00:39:21,480 --> 00:39:28,560 Good. I'll take a motion. >> Mr. President, I'd like to make a motion 530 00:39:25,400 --> 00:39:33,080 to approve the first conservation plan applicant 531 00:39:29,840 --> 00:39:39,720 and resolution number 26-05 PC Islamic Community Center of Laurel 532 00:39:36,440 --> 00:39:44,760 7306 Contee Road Fire Lane North North America Islamic Trust Inc. 533 00:39:42,000 --> 00:39:44,760 » Thank you, Mr. Grant. 534 00:39:45,040 --> 00:39:48,080 » I'll second the motion. >> Call the roll. 535 00:39:47,440 --> 00:39:49,520 Please. >> Mr. Grant. 536 00:39:49,120 --> 00:39:50,840 » Yes. >> Mr. Wolford. 537 00:39:50,400 --> 00:39:53,397 » Yes. >> Chairman Wilson. 538 00:39:52,000 --> 00:39:58,280 » I agree. Yes. >> [clears throat] 539 00:39:54,080 --> 00:39:58,280 » And that's it. Thank you all folks. Um 540 00:40:03,240 --> 00:40:06,240 » Thank you guys. Appreciate it. 541 00:40:26,802 --> 00:40:28,822 » [music] 542 00:40:34,007 --> 00:40:36,027 [music] 543 00:40:41,868 --> 00:40:43,888 [music] 544 00:40:46,453 --> 00:40:48,473 [music]