Public comment on a proposed development of nearly 100 condominiums at River and Seven Locks roads has been delayed until May 20.
The plan to develop Stoneyhurst Quarry received a formal extension on March 25.
The quarry abuts the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department on River Road.
According to county law, the Planning Board must hold a public hearing on a project plan between 60 and 90 days after the application for development under the “optional method” has been filed. The plan was filed on Nov. 19, 2003.
The Planning Board may grant an extension if it does not cause any undue hardship, and the applicant concurred with the request for a deferral.
The development plan calls for 97 condominiums and several acres of open space. The Potomac Master Plan allows for a development of that size.
The extension was requested in order to allow the County Department of Permitting Services to work out details of the construction plan. The site, currently a working quarry, has 75-foot rock walls and presents unusual construction problems.
The extension will also allow for ongoing negotiations about requirements to provide affordable housing.
Some residents had been upset at the plan of the developer, Woodside Ventures, to “buy out” of their requirement for affordable housing, which is allowed by law.
The developer said a “density bonus” was not included in their calculation of the amount of units which they should be allowed to construct. Density bonuses are typically given to developers who include affordable housing in their plans to offset the cost of building affordable units.
Additionally, “the extension of time will allow the applicant to complete the proposal negotiations with the [Department of Housing and Community Affairs] for the provision of [affordable housing],” said the staff report about the delay.