Callaway Weis Decision Postponed
Originally Published: January 9, 2024
Planning Commission to Decide on 1/22
On November 6th, the Planning Commission reviewed the concept site plan for a proposed Weis Gas-n-Go beside the Callaway Weis. I posted about this development in June and again in September 2023, describing the nearly 2300 SF gas station’s layout. During the November meeting, representatives for the project presented their case, including a traffic study from 1999 which drew a number of comments from the Planning Commissioners.
When the shopping strip was originally built 24 years ago, the plan included a 37K SF supermarket, 11K SF pharmacy, 4K SF fast food restaurant, plus an additional 3K SF of retail space. The traffic study completed at the time recommended improvements to Route 5 (which were installed) and would facilitate traffic of the fully built out shopping center. Since that build out has not occurred, the applicant argued, the traffic study was still relevant. Additionally, the minimal additional traffic caused by the proposed gas station did not warrant a traffic study according to county regulations. The applicant said the property will “probably not support” the amount of development originally planned.
During the traffic discussion, several Planning Commissioners asked about the previously approved 7-11, just down the street from Weis. That project was approved in August 2020, and was valid for two years. Staff from Land Use & Growth Management advised that the approval for 7/11 would have expired by now, and they were not aware of any extensions filed. Anecdotally, I drove past the property recently and noticed a “For Sale” sign.
Eight people spoke against the Weis Gas-N-Go during the public forum, with just as many emails submitted to LUGM against the development. Reasons included Weis not keeping their current property up to code, with trash removed from storm water ponds and thrown into the woods. Others worried about increased traffic problems. One resident from Hunting Quarters described advising his children not to attempt to turn left out of the development to head south on Route 5. Instead, they drive through the vacant bank next to the neighborhood entrance, turn right on northbound Route 5 in order to turn left into the Weis shopping center. Traveling through the shopping center, they then turn left on Route 249 to approach the signalized intersection and then turn south on Route 5. Wow!
Although the representatives for Weis did not agree, the Planning Commission requested a continuance with a provision that the applicant prepare a new traffic study for review. When traffic or other infrastructure improvements are needed the County relies on developers to assist. Planning Commissioner Merl Evans noted “we are completely developer driven here. We are at the mercy of developers.”
The Weis Gas-N-Go project will go before the Planning Commission again on January 22nd.
You can email comments to jessica.burch@stmaryscountymd.gov, though be advised that since the public input period has passed any comments received are not guaranteed to become part of the official record.
