There is currently ongoing hearings for conditional use variance for a Funeral Home on a lot zoned for residential use. The location is on 3.5 acres along MD Route 108. The lot is situated between A Lutheran Church to the south and to the north, the residence for the priests at St Louis Catholic Church.
There are numerous considerations in opposition to granting the zoning variance.
One issue, as I see it, is not that a funeral home is potentially to be built in the lot but rather the SIZE and SCOPE of the facility. The neighboring residences range from 2,000 + sq ft to 6,000 + sq ft. The funeral HOME will be 23,000+ sq ft.
I have difficulty in imagining a structure, no matter how well landscaped, being compatible with the residences in the vicinity, as required by the County regulations.
The concept of a Funeral Home in the regulations is archaic and has not been modernized for current operations. Funeral Homes no longer have the funeral director living upstairs with the viewing in the front parlor, as was the practice when the zoning regulations were drafted.
The concept of a Funeral Home in the regulations is archaic and has not been modernized for current operations. Funeral Homes no longer have the funeral director living upstairs with the viewing in the front parlor, as was the practice when the zoning regulations were drafted.
The proposed operation will have 3 viewing rooms, a memorial chapel to seat 150+, a social gathering hall for receptions with kitchen facilities and a hearse museum.
The parking on the plans is for approximately 65 cars. At first look, parking is inadequate and the overflow will most likely park along Route 108, and in both church parking lots.
The next consideration is traffic. The traffic along Route 108 is also a problem, the fact that the church WHICH IS CURRENTLY THERE adds to the traffic in not the issue, the issue is the ADDITIONAL strain this operation will ADD to the traffic on Route 108.
Furthermore, safety is in question with turning lanes, and the lanes to merge in to ongoing traffic as well as to slow down to turn into the facility. There are no plans with State Roads to make any improvements in this regard.
Does Clarksville
Probably.
Is this the best location?
Definitely not.
As to development of the 3.5 acre lot in question, a home for the elderly may be a more appropriate use, one which will not disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the residential community nor significantly contribute to the congestion, traffic or safety along Route 108.
