(10/15) After almost three decades, the long-awaited Antrim Boulevard Expansion and subsequent Mountain Brook development are still causing concern with Planning Commission members.
Although their concept plan was approved at the September meeting, the 454-home development is dependent on Flowserve agreeing to allow the last portion of the Antrim Boulevard expansion to cross their property. This means that until Flowserve agrees to use their land for the bypass, Mountain Brook would be a "one way road," e.g., the entrance and exit would not be the same.
Planning Commission member Dan Myers was bothered by the development not having a guaranteed ‘exit’ onto 140, and although a representative of the developer acknowledged the issue and said they plan to widen the Boulevard’s entrance, as well as the road, they could not guarantee that Flowserve would ever allow the Boulevard to be extended through their property.
Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer, Darryl Hale, told the planning Commission that he has been looking into the history regarding Flowserve and the prospective bypass. Since discussions surrounding the development go as far back as 30 years when Mountain Brook Farm was originally annexed into city limits, there have been agreements as to how the bypass would go through their property to connect with 140. However, all previous agreements have expired. "I have documentation that there were active agreements between the City of Taneytown and Flowserve to expand the bypass through their property," he said. Hale said that the Planning Commission will meet with the current head of Flowserve to create new agreements to resurrect the prior agreements.
Planning Commission Chair James Parker asked to have a representative of the State Highway Administration be present when the Mountain Brook developer presents their preliminary plan. The intent he said was to make sure that State Highways and the Mountain Brook developers are on the same page regarding the relationship between 140 and 194 and how the bypass would be built. Hale assured the Commission members that the company developing both Garnet Ridge and Mountain Brook are experienced in these matters and have already reached out to discuss traffic related details.
Although Mountain Brook’s concept plan has been approved there is no guarantee that the development will happen. The real work begins with the next stage, where the developer will present to the Planning Commission specific numbers and information regarding the number and types of homes they intend to build.
