Crystal Spring Development Forum: Part 2

The along Forest Drive in Annapolis will leave 75 acres of the 180-acre property as open green space.

That portion of the property will be placed in a conservation easement at the request of Janet K. Richardson-Pearson, the current property owner, officials associated with the development said.

The Annapolis Economic Development Corp. hosted an open forum and question-and-answer session Wednesday. About 100 people attended.

And Doug Lashley, president and chief executive officer of GreenVest, an Annapolis-based environmental firm, is working with the developers to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

He said the development offers the chance to improve the stormwater management systems on the property and in turn help improve the water quality of the South River and Crab Creek.

“We hope by the time the final features are in place that the water quality in the South River and Crab Creek is actually improved compared to what is there today,” Lashley said during the forum.

He said the stormwater system already in place does not meet current, more stringent standards. But with the development, they can put in a place an enhanced system that contains the stormwater and treats it before it is discharged into the local waterways.

And it’s not just the water rushing over the 180 acres, Lashley said. The stormwater from the opposite side of Forest Drive, near , flows through the property.

“All of that water is now flowing by untreated,” he said. “All of it will be treated now.”

Jim Eagan, partner with Crystal Spring Development LLC, said they are “striving for LEED certification on all of the buildings.” LEED certification is a rating from the U.S. Green Building Council based on various environmental standards.

“It has been a challenge on our environmental system designers as we keep moving the buildings around the site,” he said, in reference to changing design plans.

For more information, visit www.crystalspringannapolis.com.

Editor's note: Read on the forum and get more details about the project and transportation plans.