A
previously stalled half-billion dollar development project
in Freedom Township gained new life Aug. 18 when representatives
seeking special exceptions for a proposed 150-room hotel and
water supply facilities appeared before a hearing board and
about 45 local residents.
The
developers, Mason Dixon Country Club, Inc., requested a
special exception to allow a 150-room hotel, instead of
a 20-room hotel which would be permitted under current zoning.
Mason
Dixon representatives are also asking for an exception to
permit water wells, delivery systems and a treatment facility
in the commercial area of the site; and an exception for
a water treatment facility to service the residential areas.
The
hotel site, combined with stand-alone office and retail
buildings, comprises a 35.2 acre-parcel bounded by Route
15, Emmitsburg Road, Shorbs Mill Road and Middle Creek,
and would be part of the 1,118-home Mason Dixon Country
Club project.
Michael
R. Snyder, senior vice president of Dewberry, a land design
and survey division, told the hearing board that Mason-Dixon
would like to build a three-story hotel that could exceed
40 feet in height. Dewberry is a planning, and engineering
firm headquartered in Fairfax, Va., with Maryland offices
in Gaithersburg, Lanham and Baltimore.
Current
Freedom Township zoning permits a 40-foot high structure.
Snyder said a portion of a proposed peaked roof on the hotel
could realistically add an additional six feet beyond that
limit.
The
hotel site is located within the township commercial corridor,
with main access off Shorbs Mill Road. Mason Dixon estimates
that the intersection of Shorbs with Emmitsburg Road lies
about 1,000 feet east of the Route 15 interchange.
A 75-seat
restaurant might also be included within the hotel complex.
In addition, there would be “retail, offices and other
commercial uses permitted by right,” according to
Snyder. The plans also call for 220 parking spaces for hotel
and restaurant guests, and staff for both facilities.
Several
residents questioned the impact of traffic on Shorbs Mill
Road south of Middle Creek beyond the location of the proposed
commercial complex. Snyder said concerns relating to that
and other traffic issues would be addressed at a continued
hearing.
The
Aug. 18 hearing only allowed enough time to review the hotel
issues. The water-related infrastructures request will be
reviewed during a continuance hearing scheduled for Sept.
8, 7 p.m., at the Freedom Township office.
Editor’s
Note: See related story, “Mason-Dixon
Country Club effort rejuvenated in Fairfield Township”
in this issue of The Thurmont Dispatch
