Committee to Focus on River Hill Garden Center Development

At their meeting on October 7, the Association’s Board of Directors created a committee to study and provide advice on issues relating to the  development of the River Hill Garden Center property. The committee will be led by Board member Dipper Wettstein. The first meeting of the
group will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the River Hill Meeting Room (6330 Trotter Road, Clarksville) adjacent to the outdoor pool. Members of the community interested in participating on the committee should contact Mr. Wettstein at Dipper@BrazzelDazzle.com.

In addition to concerns pertaining to the impact of commercial development on adjacent open space and nearby residences, the development of the garden center property is of importance to the Association due to its impact on traffic, safety, and aesthetics along the MD 108 corridor in Clarksville. The plans include a scaledback garden center, three pad sites for retail and service oriented business uses such as restaurants and a bank, and a new access point to the site at the Sheppard Lane traffic signal. In October, the owners submitted a request for setback and use  variances in order to accommodate the proposed new entrance, parking and circulation, and roadway improvements. The requested variances impact all three sides of the triangularly shaped lot. The Howard County Hearing Examiner is scheduled to hear the case on December 12 at 6 p.m., with possible continuation on
December 16.