An attractive planning process and nationwide recognition make Gaithersburg the place to build, says developer Aris Mardirossian.
He made concessions totaling more than $80 million to get the 183-acre Crown Farm development annexed into the city this spring.
“I started my first business in Gaithersburg in the early ’70s,” Mardirossian told The Examiner Wednesday. “It’s one of the greatestcities of the U.S.”
Some watchdog groups are skeptical.
“A person would have to be from another planet to believe anyone would give up $80 million because they love Gaithersburg,” said Jeff Hook, chairman of the Maryland Tax Education Foundation. “That is not how capitalists operate.”
Hook said the additional commercial space and exemption from the county’s preservation program could mean more than $33 million for the developers.
Mardirossian dismissed those claims, saying he could build most of his project in the county without buying any so-called transferable development rights from county farmers.
Crown Farm as part of Gaithersburg:
» 2,250 homes
» 320,000 square feet of commercial space
» 30-acre high school site estimated at $40 million in land
» 5-acre city park
» $5 million in amenities to the city
» $2 million donation to agricultural preservation
As part of the county:
» 2,250 homes
» 50,000 square feet of commercial and retail space
» Could sell school land instead of donating it.
» $2 million to $8 million in development rights
Source: city and county documents
