The Queen Anne's County Planning Commission on Nov. 13 voted to approve a major site plan (SP24110141) submitted by Eastern Shore Exodus LLC to redevelop Parcel 93 in the Chester‑Stevensville growth area with a two‑story mixed‑use building.

Rob Gunter, planning staff, told commissioners the project proposes 3,804 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and six one‑bedroom apartments on the second floor, and lies entirely within the Chesapeake Bay critical area’s Intensity Developed Area designation. ‘‘This project only requires 753 [gallons per day of sewer] and has an existing 250,’’ Gunter said, noting a county moratorium that applies to projects requiring at least 1,750 gpd will not block this application.

Applicant counsel Ryan Showalter and Brandon Davis of DMS & Associates described design consistency with prior parcels in the growth allocation, a shared‑parking agreement across parcels, permeable pavement for IDA pollutant reduction, and compliance with the staff report. Staff advised that stormwater was reviewed and approved by Public Works and that growth allocation conditions from the 2014 approval were addressed in the applicant's narrative.

A commissioner read a motion finding that the site plan meets the requirements of Chapter 18, will not substantially increase traffic or safety hazards, complies with fire and public safety codes, and is consistent with the 2022 comprehensive plan. The motion granted major site plan approval subject to standard conditions: required edits and agency approvals, State Highway Administration approvals where necessary, execution of legal documents, submittal of any required bonds and inspection fees, and final signatures. Commissioners accepted an amendment to explicitly find that growth‑allocation conditions are met as supported by the applicant's narrative and then voted in favor. The motion carried.

Next steps for the applicant are to complete any remaining agency reviews and secure final signatures and recorded documents required by the county and State Highway Administration before final site‑plan signature.