More on the Urbana Outlets

As we’ve mentioned before, there was a proposal before the Frederick County Planning Commission to change the mixed-use zoning approved in Urbana in 1998 for retail and office use.  The proposal was to increase the amount of space for retail use and create an outlet mall with retail shops and restaurants.  Apparently the request for the change has been approved and will now go to the Frederick County Comissioners.  From the FNP:

After the testimony, the planning commission voted 4-2 in favor of a request to modify the zoning and allow more retail for the project.

County Commissioner Kai Hagen, a planning commission member, abstained, and members Catherine Forrence and John B. McClurkin voted against it.

The decision will now go to the Frederick County Commissioners for a scheduled Jan. 6 hearing.

Tom Natelli, developer of the Villages of Urbana, is proposing the project as a cooperative effort between Gaithersburg-based Urbana Corporate Center and Prime Retail of Baltimore.

The property was zoned for mixed-use development in 1998, with up to 515,000 square feet for retail and restaurants. In the latest version of the plans, the mall is larger and a movie theater has been eliminated.

Now that the planning commission has signed off on the changes, the zoning will allow almost 600,000 square feet for retail and restaurant use, about 80,000 more than previously approved.

Lizfrog