Location

The subject property is the Spectrum at Watkins Mill Development, which is located north of Watkins Mill Road, east of Interstate 270, south of the Pepco utility corridor, and west of Maryland Route 355.  The sketch plan amendment is limited to proposed changes for Block R, which is a vacant parcel within the Spectrum at Watkins Mill Development and addressed as 301 Parmount Park Drive.

Proposal

ASK-9892-2024

Prior to the August 4, 2024 effective date of the new City zoning ordinance, the applicant, HIP Projects LLC, submitted Amendment to Sketch Plan application ASK-9892-2024, in accordance with § 24-160D.11 “Procedures for amendment” and § 24-198(c) “Amendments to concept plans, sketch plans, and schematic development plans” of the previous City Code. The Application proposes the following changes to Block R: remove the age restriction, increase the number of dwelling units from 158 to 244, and raise the height limit from six stories to seven stories. All other aspects of the overall sketch plan for The Spectrum at Watkins Mill remain the same as the previous approval.

Status

On January 3, 2024, the Applicant submitted a letter to the Mayor and City Council and Planning Commission requesting application ASK-9892-2024 be withdrawn The withdrawal request was granted and no further action will occur on the application. Prior to the application’s withdrawal, a Joint Public Hearing was held Monday, October 21, 2024.  The Planning Commission record closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 and the Commission provided their recommendation to the Mayor and City Council during their December 4, 2024 meeting (see Exhibit #63). The Mayor and City Council record closed at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024 and they scheduled their Policy Discussion for Monday, January 6, 2025, which did not occur due to the withdrawal request. Any questions or comments on the withdrawn application should be directed to the Planning Division by phone at 301-258-6330 or planning@gaithersburgmd.gov.