Zoning Board approves plan for mixed-use center near historic Ellicott City

The Howard County Zoning Board voted unanimously Wednesday, July 20 to approve the preliminary site plan for a proposed mixed-use community on Rogers Avenue near Route 40 in Ellicott City, praising it for fostering "connectivity" in the neighborhoods near the historic area.

Sidewalks and pathways will be integrated in the design of Ellicott Mills Overlook, which will include 134 townhouses, 32 age-restricted apartments and about 17,000 square feet of retail space, said architect Charles Alexander, who is working on the project with the Ellicott City development firm Land Design and Development.

According to Alexander, the hope is that residents could walk to historic Ellicott City using a mix of paths and sidewalks, and employees from the Howard County Government Campus and other nearby workplaces could use the pathways for exercise.

The new community, roughly a mile from Main Street, will promote "pedestrian connectivity," Alexander said. A gazebo and sign introducing people to Old Town will sit at the neighborhood's entrance.

"One would hope that over time you would lose this disconnected mishmash that you have now between Route 40 and historic Ellicott City," Alexander said.

The Zoning Board, which is the County Council sitting on zoning matters, said the development is a step forward in creating a more integrated and walkable environment in greater historic Ellicott City.

"I really like the design. I think the way it has been integrated and designed to be a transition into historic Ellicott City is commendable," said County Councilwoman Courtney Watson, whose district includes Ellicott City.

Alexander and Land Design and Development owner Joseph Rutter told the Zoning Board that for the area to be truly walkable, the county will need to build sidewalks along Rogers Avenue when it widens the street from two lanes to five to accommodate increased traffic. That project is expected to begin between mid- and late 2012.

"If you want to get the pedestrians across Rogers Avenue, you either need a light or really quick pedestrians," said Rutter, who added that the area "is not likely to be real pedestrian-friendly unless the county helps."

Watson agreed.

"The county is going to have step it up," she said.

Nanette Schweitzer, who attended the meeting and lives on Oak West Drive, a street off Rogers Avenue near the proposed development site, said a light is also needed for traffic safety.

"Rogers Avenue is going to be five lines, and how are we going to get out if we're making a left turn? It's bad enough already," she said. "I want assurance that it's going to be a safe intersection."

Jim Irvin, Director of the Department of Public Works, said in an interview that the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Oak West Drive will be studied as a part of the widening of Rogers Avenue. If traffic warrants, a light could be installed at the crossing, Irvin said.

Additionally, Alexander and Rutter suggested the county should consider building more sidewalks and paths as it rebuilds the Hilltop Apartment Complex. Tiffany Smith, chief of staff for Howard County Housing, said in an interview that sidewalks built as a part of the redevelopment will be "directly related to the immediate project area."

Now that the Zoning Board has approved the preliminary site plan, the developers must create a more detailed plan and submit it to the county Planning Board for final review.