Council Plans Closed Session to Talk Downtown Fawcett Property

The Annapolis City Council announced Friday a scheduled closed session for Monday evening to discuss the acquisition of property at 110 Compromise Street—the former home of Fawcett Boating Supplies.

The council is allowed to close meetings to the public under Maryland State Law, sections 10-508 (a) (3) and (7) in order to consult with legal counsel and obtain advice on legal matters.

The specified reason for the session is: "Potential transaction involving 110 Compromise Street and certain adjoining City Property," according to a press release from the city on Friday.

The council is scheduled to convene in open session Monday, then immediately move to closed session at 5:30 p.m., according to the release.

The former Fawcett building in downtown Annapolis is scheduled to be sold and demolished by investors, but several legislative changes must be made before that can happen.

Earlier this week, Mayor Josh Cohen unveiled his intention to propose Phase 1 of a rezoning plan that specifically addresses the property surrounding the building. Cohen said he would introduce those plans at Monday's meeting.

“The purpose of this rezoning ordinance is to enhance the public enjoyment and economic vitality of City Dock, arguably our most important asset,” Cohen said. “Reorienting the former Fawcett building at 110 Compromise Street, opening up the viewshed from Main Street and establishing a public promenade along the water will provide a shot in the arm for downtown and will enhance the public’s sense of connection with the water."

Phase 1 of the rezoning plan addresses:

• Design elements on city-owned properties regarding the bulkhead work scheduled to begin this fall
• Flood protection by establishing procedures
• Public space enhancement
• Increasing commercial opportunities while maintaining maritime uses
• Building heights, which will be measured from flood elevation not existing grade
• The viewshed, which will be required as part of building proposals