On Jan. 9., the Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved the preliminary review for Potomac Crest.
The proposed development will include 21 single-family homes on about 9.1 acres. The plans call for an extension of Patriot Lane, off Declaration Lane, into a cul-de-sac.
According to Scott Reed, of Magruder/Reed Communities, the houses will be on lots ranging in size from 6,100 to 15,000 square feet, with an average size of 9,000 sq. ft. The houses themselves will range from 3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft.
Reed said the homes will be priced in the “upper brackets.”
Reed would like to begin construction this year, but noted, “construction commencement is dependent upon receiving the approvals.” The Planning Board will review the final plans for the development before construction can begin.
Bill Wydro, of the Regency Estates Citizens Association, had a few concerns, including storm water run off and the proposed construction of a sound wall. “We have concerns about the appearance of a sound wall,” Wydro said.
His concerns were echoed by Joshua Udler of Potomac Crest Condos.
“We look out upon beautiful trees,” Udler said. He wanted to be assured that as many trees as possible would be retained. He was also concerned about storm water drainage. “I really don’t want there to be an awful smell and mosquitoes,” Udler said.
Their concerns were addressed by James Crawford, an associate with Dewberry and Davis, the firm which will be dealing with the landscape design.
According to Crawford the storm drain pipe will allow water to flow into a dry pond.
“There will be no standing water for more than 24 hours or so,” Crawford said. He also said that, by the time of site plan, there will be a detailed plan for screening.
“We’ll place trees in a random pattern,” Crawford said. The result, according to Crawford will be that the area won’t just appear to have a wall of trees.
The specifics about the appearance of the sound wall will also be discussed during the meeting about the site plan.
The residents said they were satisfied with the explanations they received.
“They seemed to be responsive to my concerns,” said Udler.
According to Crawford, the developer plans to submit the site plan for review by the commission by the end of the month.