Location

The subject properties to be annexed are located northeast of MD Route 355 and include the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16531 South Frederick Avenue, a restaurant at 8941 North Westland Drive, a vacant parcel at 8939 North Westland Drive, and a portion of the right of way of North Westland Drive.

Proposal

X-9510-2023

The Applicant, Granite Partners, has submitted Annexation Petition X-9510-2023, proposing to annex three parcels that currently abut the City boundary, along with a portion of the North Westland Drive right of way.  The Annexation Plan proposes several changes to the existing Walnut Hill Shopping Center, including constructing a new freestanding convenience store with accessory gasoline pumps, demolishing an existing small freestanding building on the south side of the property, renovating the exterior of the main shopping center building, and making improvements to the parking lot and landscaping.  No changes are proposed for the other two properties included in the Annexation Petition.

Status

During its July 19, 2023 meeting, the City Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the annexation. The Montgomery County Planning Board reviewed the annexation at their July 13, 2023 meeting. The Mayor and City Council held a public hearing on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 and their record closed at 5 p.m. on September 29.  The Council held their Policy Discussion on Monday, October 16, 2023 and approved the annexation.  Any questions or comments should be directed to the Planning Department at planning@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301-258-6330.