HoCo Planning Board to Meet on Proposed Retirement Community on March 21

Erickson Living Properties II, LLC submitted a petition to the county in November to amend the zoning of three properties at the intersection of MD 108 and Sheppard Lane. The change to a Community Enhancement Floating Zone is needed to move forward with plans to construct the Erickson Living at Limestone Valley continuing care retirement community. The zoning request will be reviewed by the Planning Board on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. The Planning Board has an advisory role on zoning changes and will make a recommendation to the Zoning Board.

At the Board of Directors meeting on January 7, Scott Templin, Manager of Development – Land Acquisitions, gave a project update. He explained modifications made to the illustrative site plan that includes relocation of the marketing and sales center and adjustments in the locations of buildings. Mr. Templin also gave an overview of the linear park, multi-use pathway and road improvements that Erickson Living is planning. The Board of Directors decided to support the zoning change and is currently developing the testimony for the Planning Board. However, the Board of Directors continues to have traffic and safety concerns related to their main entrance on MD 108 and will continue to advocate for solutions with Erickson Living, the county, and the State Highway Administration.

The Department of Planning and Zoning’s Technical Staff Report on the zoning petition will be available for review online two weeks prior to March 21. Citizens may testify at any public hearing or meeting. Testimony may also be submitted in advance of a meeting via email to planningboard@howardcountymd.gov, fax to 410-313 3042, or by mailing to Planning Board c/o Department of Planning and Zoning, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. For information on the Planning Board’s Rules of Procedure visit https://www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning/Boards-and-Commissions/Planning-Board.