Business & Tech

UMD Agrees to Cafritz CSX Crossing

Developers have received the required right-of-way to satisfy one of the conditions of the Cafritz property's rezoning.

After several missteps, proposal rejections, and reconfigurations Calvert Tract, LLC has received the required right-of-way to construct a CSX crossing as required by one of the property's conditions of rezoning.

In a letter sent to the planning board on Tuesday, UMD agreed to convey property to Calvert Tract LLC that would allow for a reconfigured CSX bridge, referred to as a J-crossing, subject to several conditions.

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The letter reads: 

The University believes the Cafritz development will bring an economic benefit to the region and a much-needed amenity to the community. We are pleased to support this important project with an appropriately located right-of-way connection that respects the affected University property.

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With this letter, along with a letter dated March 30 from CSX, the developers are now compliant with the condition of rezoning associated with the bridge.

As shown in the attached plans, the J-crossing would flow out of a traffic circle on the planned extension of Van Buren Street, cross over the CSX tracks, turns south to run parallel to the railroad and finally connect to Lafayette Avenue at Rivertech Court, forming a “T” intersection.

It is this “T” intersection that is troubling to some Riverdale Park council members, including Alan Thompson (Ward 2).

“The field of dreams is going to be altered by this. The northwest corner of the field of dreams belongs to the University of Maryland and it’s going to be impacted by [the intersection],” Thompson said, referring to a baseball field in town located on Lafayette Avenue.

An increase of traffic in the neighborhood nearest to the proposed intersection is also of concern.

“The intersection is shown as a ‘T’ and is likely to dump traffic into the neighborhood and cause queuing,” Thompson said.

However, Thompson said the council and the developers are discussing ways the intersection could be altered to minimize impact on the town.

CSX has given approval of the crossing as well, though they will review the J-crossing at all phases and stages, said Ward 1 Council Member Jonathan Ebbeler.

“The primary concern is that it remain 23 feet above the track,” Ebbeler said.

The preliminary site plans for the Cafritz property are set to go before the planning board on May 16. If they are approved, detailed site plans will go before the planning board on May 23.

See also: 

  • CSX Bridge Continues to Elude Cafritz Developers
  • Cafritz Back Before the Planning Board in May
  • Funding the Cafritz Bridge: TIFs and Taxing Districts
  • ACP Rejects Cafritz CSX Bridge Proposal
  • Cafritz Developers Announce Intent to Refile
  • University Park Mayor Wants Cafritz Apology
  • Cafritz Team Withdraws Preliminary Plan
  • Planning Staff Recommends Disapproval of Cafritz Preliminary Plan


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