RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Property owner and Berlin Town Councilman Troy Purnell addresses members of Berlin’s Planning Commission about a modification to a planned unit development during a meeting last Wednesday.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Sept. 19, 2019) Another modification to a planned unit development for a proposed housing project in Berlin received unanimous approval from the town’s planning commission during a meeting last Wednesday.

Property owner and Councilman Troy Purnell asked the commission for permission to cut five lots from “phase four” of the site plan.

The development, stretching from Old Ocean City Boulevard to Broad Street, was approved in 2001.

Purnell added this was the only change he requested at this time.

“Everything else is the same,” he said.

When asked about the reason behind the change, Purnell said a buyer “wanted to build [a] single-family home on [a] larger lot.”

Planning Commission member Pete Cosby appeared pleased with the pro- posal.

“So I think it’s a good precedent,” Cosby said. “We’re establishing a precedent of establishing larger lots and less density. I’d sure like to see … more of that.”

Several members in the audience, including Davis Court resident Jenny Allen, expressed concern with the potential traffic and safety issues associated with the influx of people.

She determined there would be 416 new cars on the south side of the development and 192 cars on the north side. She also figured that there are roughly “1.97 to 2.28 cars per household in the U.S.” Using a round number of two, Allen said she came to that conclusion based on the approved single-family and multi-family residences.

When asked about a traffic study, Purnell said one was never completed. Although, Purnell said that every time the planned unit development is changed, the Maryland’s State Highway Administration “does get a chance to weigh in.”

Purnell also said this planned unit development was authorized before other projects such as Henrys Mill, Henrys Green and Franklin Knoll.

“It was always understood that there would be this density, for close to 20 years now, on this property,” he said.

Among Allen’s concerns was pedestrian safety on streets such as Harrison Avenue.

“Is there a plan to add sidewalks to protect the pedestrians and their little dogs from the 416 cars that will be trying to get out of Berlin every day to go to work or wherever?”

Purnell replied that town officials plan to upgrade Harrison Avenue after work on Grace Street is completed.

He added it could cost up to $500,000 to repair and fully update Harrison Avenue.

“It takes money. It also takes public support,” Purnell said.

Planning Commission member Newt Chandler moved to approve the modification, which Cosby seconded.

Purnell also urged people to reach out to him with any other inquiries.

“And if anybody has any questions, please call me,” Purnell said.

Planning Commission members Ron Cascio and Barb Stack were absent from last Wednesday’s meeting.