Planning Considerations
We have gathered the following Planning Considerations expressed through an initial meeting between M-NCPPC, our consulting team, members of neighboring Homeowners’ Associations, and some local residents.
Please use the email link below to send us any questions or additional Planning Considerations you would like to have added to this list.
East of I-95, The Town Center
- Urban design should establish a sense of place and Town Center identity that also contributes economic vitality, mobility and sustainability.
- Arrange buildings in a manner that assists in buffering or attenuating highway noise at the core of the Town Center.
- Implementing a mix of uses with grid streets and other types of pedestrian friendly design.
- Diversity in form, height and uses at the core with more of the higher buildings along I-95 or proximate to the interchanges.
- Uses should be integrated to facilitate a live, work, shop, dine and entertain lifestyle and a 24/7 environment.
- Connectivity from Konterra to the uses west of I-95, Fairland and to the properties east of the Town Center should be considered. This may include pedestrian and bike trails, or transit.
- Secure, safe parking for retail venues is necessary.
- Wider pedestrian friendly sidewalks that might also support outdoor dining in appropriate areas.
- Diversity of heights for buildings along I-95.
- View corridors should be considered from within and approaching Konterra.
- Blocks, where practical, should include all uses (retail, residential and office) where appropriate.
- Architecture should create themes.
- Fountains, water features and other urban types of amenities should be included.
- Public and civic spaces (pocket parks, plazas, special paving areas) should be defined and designed for activities.
- Unique retail, restaurant and entertainment attractions (not just movies) similar to the venues at Columbia Town Center should be encouraged.
- Designs should attract high-end retailers, quality department stores as well as quality restaurants.
- The Town Center should facilitate and create a destination retail and entertainment center.
- Civic uses such as a library and Post Office should be given consideration.
- The residential component of the Town Center should be comprised of quality mid and high density housing with a diversity of product types.
- Public facilities, such as schools and public safety, should be considered either within or proximate to the Konterra Town Center.
- Cultural facilities such as performing and visual arts and exhibition space should be considered adjacent to multi-use plazas or gathering areas within the Konterra Town Center.
- A cultural center/conference center/convention center and hotel should be considered.
- Appropriate buffers should be implemented in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Structure parking where appropriate
- Encourage ground floor retail in much of the core with office or residential above.
- Locate high quality department store anchors within the Town Center core.
Transportation
- There should be an integrated multi-modal transportation system to attract quality development.
- The realignment of Gunpowder Road should be considered.
- The possibility of creating a transportation node should be considered. Konterra should be designed to enhance access and increase the under-utilized commuter rail.
- Highway access is important to negating overcrowding of existing and planned local roads.
- Overall design should promote pedestrian circulation, pedestrian access and internal vehicle trips.
- Connectivity and access to public transportation should be promoted by the design, not just between the properties, but also to the City of Laurel and nearby commercial and employment centers.
West of I-95, Mixed Use
- Larger Regional Retail uses not existing within the Town Center
- Office uses near the interchanges
- Transition to low density housing from commercial uses to medium density housing need not be as integrated with the office or retail as in the Town Center
- Less density then Town Center.
West of I-95, Single Family Residential
- Lesser density housing.
- Good location for schools, additional recreational space, and public safety facilities.
- Green space, mature landscaping, trails for walking and biking should be included.
- Provide a continuous open space and trail system.
- Clustering of homes, where appropriate
Please Contact Us with Questions or Comments:
info@konterra.com
For more information on our team members and their projects, visit:
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14401 Sweitzer Lane Suite 200 Laurel, MD 20707 
