By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer
(April 2, 2020) Representatives from Homes Across America returned to the Berlin Planning Commission on Wednesday, March 11, to discuss new developments to their site plans for buildings on Flower Street.
Homes for America, a nonprofit organization, has owned the property since 2002, according to Development Director Diana Talios.
Renderings showcase a redevelopment project on Flower Street in Berlin. Homes for America owns several properties on Flower and Bay streets. Officials from the Annapolis-based nonprofit discussed plans for the projects at the monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 11.
In February, the representatives of the development company asked the commission for variances for its rental communities on 113 and 115 Flower Street, adjacent to Henry Park. The buildings — one with 31 units and other with 11 — were built in 1982.
The organization plans to demolish 115 Flower Street, rebuild it and create an additional apartment unit, giving it 12 units instead as well as give it a third floor.
In February, the representatives asked the commission for variances.
The first variance asked for parking for 57 spaces for 40 apartment units, going against the standard 80 (two spaces per unit). Company representatives Talios and Casey Rauch told the board that the existing parking has been underused for several years.
A second variance request was for an additional unit to be added to the new building, which is currently 4,435 square feet, bringing its total to 4,474 square feet.
According to Engineer Michael Steinfeld, there will be a three-story building in place of the current 115 Flower building. Both buildings will have the same exterior brick and cement sidings. Both will face the enclosed courtyard and parking lot.
Each building will have four units per floor. The first floors will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. There is a mixture of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, according to Rauch. The one-bedroom ranges from approximately 570-735 square feet, the two-bedroom ranges from roughly 775-985 square feet and the three- bedroom apartments range from about 900-1,050 square feet.
The rent is expected to remain the same, ranging from under $700 to over $1,000.
“In order to make this project work, we’ve got to do a lot-consolidation plan to eliminate property lines and combine the two properties into a single lot,” Rauch said.
Rauch also shared the updated site plan results with the commission. The plans will not change anything regarding stormwater, and landscaping will include more trees and shrubs as well as installing lights and connecting water and sewer.
Council member Pete Cosby asked about storage opportunities for residents of the buildings. Rauch responded that there will be “independent storage” available as well as a bike rack installed. The storage unit will have interior closets.
The organization plans to upgrade 113 Flower Street with a new roof, new kitchens, HVAC systems and other necessities. Homes for America estimates the investment so far has been $12 million.
Construction is expected to take place in the summer if everything runs on schedule, and residents will be given the option to return there once its completed. Construction will be done in stages to avoid forcing residents out of their homes for long periods of time.
The commission approved of the site plan. The next meeting has been canceled as a result of precautions against the coronavirus.