Planning commission conditionally approves Hartford Mall Phase 6 site plan, cites traffic, landscaping and safety conditions

The planning commission voted unanimously to conditionally approve the site plan for Hartford Mall Phase 6, a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Harford Mall site that would add three new buildings totaling about 69,524 square feet and related infrastructure.

Developer representative Matt Robinson of SJC Ventures told the commission the company closed on phases 3 and 4 earlier that day and aims to demolish the existing mall structure to create an open plaza and a ‘major tenant B’ (described as likely a fitness or entertainment user). "We are closing on phase 3 and 4 about 2 hours ago," Robinson said, framing the Phase 6 submission as the next step in a three-part strategy: site preparation/demolition, securing an anchor tenant, and returning with finalized designs.

Commissioners focused on circulation and pedestrian safety; Chair Jimmy Hines pressed for raised crosswalks and flashing signs on the main drag, and staff noted the traffic-impact study for nearby phases remains pending. Deputy director of Public Works Charlie Dawson warned that relocation of sewer infrastructure tied to Macy’s demolition is a critical path item for phases 3 and 4 and could affect the schedule for Phase 6 demolition and construction.

CBL Properties’ representative John Michelle confirmed that some existing shops with long-term leases (including named tenants the presenter listed) would be preserved and that other vacant spaces could be repurposed or relocated out front. Public commenters urged improved internal circulation and more contiguous green space; resident Dave Greenwood recommended a perimeter ring road to ease peak-hour congestion, and Jessica Riley Hammond encouraged more walkable connections to Downtown Bel Air.

The commission’s conditional approval includes a detailed set of requirements to be satisfied before building permits or final occupancy: submission of a final site plan that incorporates staff and agency comments (MDOT, county health, soil conservation, Bel Air Public Works), resolution of American Water Company utility comments, completion of required site work prior to occupancy, required traffic-impact improvements, landscape revisions per the landscape architect’s comments, submission of colored architectural elevations for all sides, a $10,000 public amenity contribution, raised crosswalks, Knox box installation per fire-department requirements, and a photometric lighting plan. The commission also approved the landscape plan (with specific tree-count and planting adjustments requested) and the special-development findings required for the mixed-use center; both votes were unanimous.

Staff and the developer said the Phase 6 approval is conceptual in part: detailed architectural and tenant-specific changes are expected when the anchor tenant is secured, and the developer agreed to return with final plans after those negotiations.

Next steps: staff will track completion of the listed conditions (traffic study, utility coordination, landscape revisions, permitting) before final permits are issued and the developer returns with finalized tenant designs.