Developers apparently were unclear what rules the MPC established on Jan. 16 when commissioners gave the go-ahead for the project. That's not surprising. Expectations for a project of this size must be crystal clear. The MPC has an obligation to make sure that the public's interests are protected, especially in terms of how this proposed shopping center impacts the immediate neighborhood. Likewise, few developers want to make major decisions based on guesswork.
Clarity is essential.
Fortunately, that's what commissioners provided Tuesday in the way of boundary requirements. They set specific rules, calling for a combination of trees and other buffering on all sides of the site. The land has been zoned for use as a shopping center for some time. But if developers want to be good neighbors, the buffering is critical. I don't know how I can make this any clearer.