Bean Medical Center Expansion
Originally Published: May 3, 2024
May 6th Public Forum on Proposal
Plans to expand the Phillip J. Bean Medical Center in Hollywood went before the Planning Commission on April 22nd. Documents show a new two story, 54K SF building with parking, and a new staff parking lot behind the existing building. Traffic was the main subject of the evening. Members of the Planning Commission questioned several points in the traffic impact study (TIS), and noted the absence of a traffic consultant and representatives of the State Highway Administration. Included in the new building are an Infusion Suite, with 3 providers, 9 exam rooms, and 12 infusion bays, as well as a blood draw area in the basement. The first floor would house an Orthopedic Clinic, and the second floor shows Surgical/Medical Specialties with 3 pulmonary, 1 dermatology, 1 rheumatology, 3 neuro/endocrinology, 25 exam rooms, and an outpatient surgery center. An additional 2300 daily trips are estimated for the area.
The Department of Land Use and Growth Management (LUGM) noted intersections at 235/St. Johns, 235/Airport View, and 235/Bean Center remain operating at an acceptable level of service (LOS). Maryland’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) disputed the ability for two cars to stack in the median crossing at the Bean Center, which would affect traffic waiting to exit the medical center. Reviewing the TIS shows all intersections currently operate at a B LOS. The intersection of 235/Bean Center would be downgraded to a D LOS, but restriping the exit to include a right turn lane would raise the level to C. Both intersections at 235/St. Johns and 235/Airport View would be downgraded from a B to C LOS, which is still acceptable per LUGM’s zoning ordinance.
Commission members Joseph Van Kirk, Joseph St. Clair, Lynn Delahay, John Brown, and Chair Howard Thompson all commented on potential traffic issues. Several members asked about adding an acceleration lane on northbound 235, but the representative from Medstar said current plans satisfied necessary traffic mitigation. According to SHA, the acceleration is not necessary. Delahay said fatal accidents have already occurred here and SHA should address small intersections “before there’s a big mess.” John Brown, incredulous over SHA’s lack of interest, suggested the Commission delay all development until SHA provides answers. To that, County Attorney John Houser said “we can’t stop obeying our own local laws just to make a point against the state.”
Houser also explained to Commission members that their duty, according to current zoning regulations, is to find the adequate public facilities (APF) regulation has been met if a C LOS is maintained. Since this proposal has satisfied the requirement, in addition to others, the Commission “shall” find the plans are acceptable for approval. Commission member Van Kirk asked about the impact of “health, welfare, and public safety,” but Houser said that is a general rule which cannot be applied to overrule specific provisions of the law. Case law supports that, and if the issue went to court, Houser explained, “the evidence would not support a decision against the project based on traffic.”
Chair Howard Thompson proposed a recess to allow the applicants to confer on a possible continuance. Medstar’s representative was okay with the continuance, allowing for additional traffic information and the possibility for a traffic consultant to appear at the next meeting. Commission member Joe St. Clair said Medstar should be a good neighbor, willing to help over mitigate traffic impacts “in the name of safety.” All Commission members voted in favor of the continuance except for Mike Brown.
During Commissioner Time on April 30th, County Commissioners Hewitt and Alderson referenced the Planning Commission’s decision. Hewitt described his meetings with the Shah’s and Medstar, and touring a similar new facility built by Medstar in Waldorf. The new building would focus on cancer treatment, Hewitt said. He recognized the “angst and questions” about traffic from the Planning Commission members, but said it’s difficult to attract doctors here and Medstar could easily move the facility to Calvert County. Commission members weren’t appointed to “shut down projects,” but instead to consider the “safety and welfare of everybody” while being “receptive and inviting to projects,” according to Hewitt. Commissioner Alderson commented that “holding up the approval process only increases costs for everyone.” Alderson also remarked on the lack of government efficiency in certain departments, something he is determined to address.
If you have thoughts about this development proposal, consider attending the Planning Commission’s public forum on May 6th at 6:30PM. If you can’t attend, you can email your comments to jessica.burch@stmaryscountymd.gov
