About this project
In plain language · no jargonA developer is proposing to tear down the existing two-story commercial building at 137 Main Street and replace it with a four-story mixed-use building containing 28 apartments, ground-floor retail, and underground parking.
The site has been a vacant former bank branch since 2019. The applicant — Chesapeake Urban LLC, an Annapolis-based developer — purchased the property in late 2023 and filed for development review in March 2026. The proposal would require two zoning variances: a height variance (current limit 36 ft, proposed 48 ft) and a reduced setback from Main Street.
The project includes 6 income-restricted apartments (21% of total, exceeding the city's 15% requirement), street-level commercial space designed for small local businesses, and an underground parking garage with 34 spaces accessed from the rear alley. The developer has agreed to fund a Main Street streetscape improvement on the block in exchange for the variances.
Because the project is in the Historic District, it must also pass review by the Historic Preservation Commission before final approvals. HPC pre-review on May 1 raised concerns about the building's massing and brick color choice; revisions are pending.
The site
Where it is · what's there nowsite
The property
What's allowed by-right vs. proposed
What changes
Side-by-side · current vs. proposedExisting site
- Vacant 2-story building (built 1962, last occupied 2019)
- ~ 8,200 sq ft former bank branch
- Surface parking lot at rear · 18 spaces
- No housing on the property
- No active retail · contributes nothing to street life
- Generates approximately $8,400 / yr in property taxes
- One existing tree (mature maple, north corner)
Proposed development
- 28 apartments (6 income-restricted at 80% AMI)
- 6,400 sq ft of ground-floor retail (3 storefronts)
- Underground parking · 34 spaces
- 4 stories · 48 ft tall (requires variance)
- Public sidewalk widened 4 ft along Main
- Projected $74,000 / yr in property taxes
- 9 new street trees + 2 preserved · green roof on stories 2–4
What we've heard from neighbors
From 4 community meetings · 187 written commentsThemes raised by the public & how they're being addressed
As of May 22, 2026Building height & how it fits the historic district
The most common concern. Many neighbors feel a 4-story building (48 ft) is out of scale with the predominantly 2- and 3-story streetscape and could set a precedent for taller buildings on Main Street.
Parking & traffic on Main Street
Concerns that the project adds residents and customers without adequate parking, and that construction will worsen already-difficult Main Street parking. Some neighbors also raised concerns about loading and deliveries on the rear alley.
Affordability — is 21% enough?
Some commenters argue the city should require more income-restricted units, ideally at deeper levels of affordability (50% or 60% AMI rather than 80%). Others note the 21% commitment exceeds the city's 15% baseline and that 80% AMI still serves working families.
Construction noise, vibration & disruption
Adjacent property owners — particularly the residential addresses on Conduit Street directly behind the site — are concerned about an extended construction period, vibration from excavation for underground parking, and impacts to small businesses next door during construction.
Stormwater & flooding — Spa Creek is one block away
The site is approximately 480 feet from Spa Creek and within the Critical Area. Several commenters raised concerns about increased impervious surface and stormwater runoff, particularly during king tides and major rain events.
Project documents
All public · download anytimeProject timeline
Everything that's happened, plus what's nextPublic hearing — Planning Commission
Formal hearing on the project. Staff report, applicant presentation, public testimony (sign up in advance or speak day-of). Planning Commission may approve, conditionally approve, deny, or continue.
Submit a written comment →Revised site plans submitted (v3)
Applicant submitted updated drawings responding to HPC comments — top floor stepped back 8 ft, darker brick on top story, revised window proportions. Documents now available above.
Historic Preservation Commission pre-review
HPC reviewed the project for historic district compatibility. Vote: 5–2 to recommend conditional approval pending revisions to top-story massing and exterior materials.
View HPC minutes →Fourth community meeting · Eastport-Annapolis Neck Civic Association
Attendance ~ 95 residents. Developer presented updated plans incorporating earlier feedback. Most discussion centered on building height and parking. 32 written comments received.
Staff review completed
Planning Department, DPW (engineering), Fire Marshal, and Critical Area liaison completed their reviews. Project meets most code requirements; 2 dimensional variances identified (height & front setback) requiring Planning Commission action.
View staff comments →Traffic Impact Study submitted
Independent third-party traffic study completed by Sabra & Associates. Conclusion: project adds 4–6% to peak-hour Main Street volume — within acceptable thresholds.
Application filed — PROJ-2026-0094
Chesapeake Urban LLC filed initial development application. Initial fee paid ($14,250). Project assigned to Senior Planner Rachel Park; intake complete.