New Retail Development Could Be Coming to Lothian

A new 31,000-square-foot retail development could be coming to the Wayson's Corner area of Lothian, according to Anne Arundel County online zoning and planning documents.

Retail center developers The Keith Corp. are scheduled to share its preliminary plans to the Lothian community in a special meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Residents who will be affected by the development are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear what could be headed their way in the coming months. Similar gatherings in the past have focused on clarifying questions and quelling concerns.

According to the county zoning website, The Keith Corp. is hoping to build a 31,577-square-foot retail project at 1325 Mt. Zion Marlboro Rd., Lothian. While the design and shape of the development isn’t available at this time, the project would take place on the existing 4.43 acres of land, according to the zoning website.

When developers are going to disturb more than 5,000 square feet, they must have a preliminary plan and a site plan to address stormwater management, parking, landscaping, etc., according to a zoning official for Anne Arundel County. 

Wendy Fulton, a spokesperson for The Keith Corporation, did not return Patch’s call for an interview to discuss the potential development.

The county's planning and zoning website has the meeting listed to discuss the "site development plan." However, since the developers have not yet formally applied for zoning approval, the meeting will most likely focus on just preliminary designs, said Sharon Faulkner, a county employee who tracks community meetings for the zoning department.

Developers must first meet with the community surrounding a construction project before applying for zoning approval from the county, Faulkner said. 

After the first gathering, another meeting will be scheduled several months from now before the final plan is submitted, barring a disapproval from the county. 

Are you excited about possibly having a new retail center in Lothian? Tell me in the comments.