[RP TownTalk] 7-11 application for Sheridan and Baltimore Ave.

[Vernon Archer]

Friends and neighbors,

I want to inform all interested in this issue that the 7-11 that seeks to
open at Baltimore Avenue and Sheridan Ave has elected to go through the
"Special Permit" process. You will likely recall that the "Local Design
Review Committee" (M-U-TC Committee) voted to recommend denial of the
application.  The Special Permit requires the Planning Board to review the
application in a public hearing to consider this special permit application.

7-11 has updated their design from last fall to be much more compliant with
the M-U-TC guidelines, which is to say, the most obvious examples of
non-compliance have been removed.  The M-U-TC committee is reviewing the
application materials now to check for compliance with other provisions. At
this point in the process, the M-U-TC Committee will provide comments to
the Riverdale Park Town Council and Planning Board on the technical merits
of the application - whether it meets the guidelines from the "black book"
or still fails to meet the guidelines.

The next steps are:

MUTC will meet this Wednesday June 10 at 7:30 to conduct its review. Please
come out and be a part of this process.

The application will likely then be taken up at the Town Council work
session on June 22 for review and evaluation.  Again please come to the
council meeting and participate.

I anticipate the council will take formal action at its legislative meeting
on Monday July 6.

If the Riverdale Park Town Council recommends against approval, the
Planning Board must vote with a 4/5 majority to approve the plan.  While
this places a high bar on approval, it certainly has happened in the past.
The decision of the planning board can be appealed to the Circuit Court by
any person who appeared at the public hearing in person or by submitting
written testimony.

Please be aware that a convenience store use is allowed by right within the
M-U-TC zone. That is to say that in order for opposition to succeed it has
to rest on a foundation beyond an application being unpopular with
residents.

Lastly 7-11 has stated that they will not be attending the meeting on
Wednesday night.

Best wishes,

Vern

-- 
Vernon Archer, Mayor
Town of Riverdale Park, Maryland
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