Revised architectural drawings for the proposed Twilley Lane Residential Community project were presented by developer Chuck Covell to the Chestertown Historic District Commission on Wednesday, March 5th.
The project would be located between Cannon St., Queen St. and South Cross St.– occupying the field south of the current Chestertown Police Station and the parking lot on Cannon St.
The new renderings were in response to ongoing discussions with the Chestertown Planning Commission and HDC. Covell and his architect, Jeff Morgan, offered a lowered height-line, a ‘mews’ (open park) between the two rows of townhouses, areas for public art and more varied materials and styles to reflect the current architectural look along Cannon St.
Continued meetings with the Planning Commission and HDC are planned for this ongoing proposal.
View of Twilley Lane concept rendering from corner of Cannon St. and Queen St.
Twilley Lane concept viewed from Cannon St and Cross St.
Proposed Twilley Lane project area on Cannon St.
Edward Smith says
Editor,
Wow, really? I almost have to go through a background check to change a light bulb, owning a home in the historic district, but a developer from DC can roll in and build what adds up to a ” track” style townhome development right in the heart of our history district. Full disclosure, my opinion is biased without hesitation because my home is on what I think is the nicest street in town, Cannon St. I guess my bias is no different than members of the HDC that live right down the street from the now defunct Prince Theater sign. However, with a marina that is an embarrassment to the town, the state and town taxpayers, a shopping district that rolls up up the sidewalks at dusk, homes that sit vacant for sale all over town, another townhome community that since being built adjacent to the park and marina that has been vacant since complete, you would think focus should be looking in to how to revitalize this beautiful historic town and keeps its charm. Instead it seems its focus is how to bring Bethesda to the Eastern Shore. Well, maybe it’s time to revisit that addition I once thought about and possibly some replacement windows on my little historic Gem as well. If you can’t beat them…
Thanks Chuck for opening the door. Forget about the Lemon Leaf, Morton’s Steakhouse is right around the corner.
Edward Smith says
Excuse the grammatical errors. Trying to get a point across from I-phone can sometimes be a challenge!
Jose Medrano says
Editor,
I agree. There is nothing charming or quaint about the multi-housing project. The 3rd floor appears to be very high. Similar to the mac-mansion style townhouse communities in Woodbridge VA and Ashburn VA. There appears to be nothing unique or original in the “cookie cutter” townhouse design. In the historic district, it is very difficult to find and two homes that look exactly the same. It might be better suited in a commercial zone or district. It seems out of place. It will result in a congested residential block with more traffic and cars to accommodate. In addition, it would block out sunlight and the views of the railroad station caboose train car and the open areas leading to Wilmer Park.
Steve Cades says
Editor,
Seems to me the first question to ask about this project is where the buyers/renters will come from, given the number of unsold waterfront condos not far from this site. That said however, downtown Chestertown’s obvious problem is its empty storefronts and limited business hours. What is the root cause of both? Lack of customers.—preferably within walking distance, since once people get in their cars, they’re likely to head out of Kent County. How to increase the number of customers? How about construction of nearby attractive moderately-priced housing? And why not in the no-person’s-land between the police station and the old Southern States property?
To put this another way, Chestertown and Kent County have a critical-mass problem: too few residents to attract/support appealing businesses; too few businesses and services to attract new families. How would those who oppose this development suggest we break this vicious circle?
Edward Smith says
Editor,
Building a track community in the heart of the historic district is not going to get people to shop at Houstons. Creating a reason for tourists from MD, Del, PA and NJ to come to this town will.Chestertown is not only a place where folks live, it is also just as important as a destination for folks to spend time and money. Betcha the White Swan would agree. Shopping, dining, a great water destination, coupled with a town rich in architectural detail and history are the necessary ingredients. The infrastructure is already here. Gut and create a cool waterfront, give weekenders a reason to want to come to this town by attracting the right shop owners, cool eateries and events will break the “vicious circle”. The new mayor seems to be on this road. A first class tourism destination or Bethesda on the Chester. Time will tell.