Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals

CITY OF WESTMINSTER BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING SUMMARY Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 6 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane A meeting of the City of Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland, 21157, on March 6, 2018, at 6 PM. Chair Ed Cramer and Vice-Chair Larry Berent were present. Board Attorney Eric Blitz was present. City staff Andrew Gray was present. Mr. Al Betz of Al Betz & Associates, Inc. was present. The following were present and signed in: Charles Magin, Jon McConnell, Deb McConnell, Mary Webb, Melody Magin, Jennifer Reynolds, Mark Hare, Norie Calvert, Heather Rees, Marta Coursey, Patrick Coursey, Linda Barnhardt, Bonnie Bosley, Cathy Hake, Valerie Koogle, David Hawley, Sharon Decesare, Nick Decesare, Donna Sims, Barbara Karol, David Picketle, Joe Lafferty, Jimette Dragan, and Nancy Morris. At 6:00 PM, Chair Cramer called the meeting to order. Vice Chair Berent moved to approve the meeting summary of January 9, 2018. Chair Cramer seconded. The motion passed. Chair Cramer opened the public hearing for Case #18-02. The Chair stated the purpose of the hearing and read the title into the record. The Chair swore in all parties who wished to testify. Chair Cramer asked Mr. Gray if there was anything he would like to add. Mr. Gray summarized the main points in the staff report, dated March 2, 2018 with a recommendation that the Board of Zoning Appeals consider approval of the proposed Special Exception with the condition to limit the number of facilities to a single facility on the property. Ms. Kelly Shaffer, counsel for Ms. Marta Coursey, provided background information on the proposal and cross examined Ms. Coursey in regards to her current business and the proposal which included the number of employees, hours of operation, possible on site events, number of attendees, proposed parking, proposed site, and the uniqueness of the business to the Westminster area. Ms. Shaffer cross examined Mr. Dan Staley regarding the current lot arrangement, proposed lot lines, site topography, site amenities, current public infrastructure, proposed parking, proposed site signage, and the possibility of minor site plan changes occurring before final approval. Linda Barnhardt, Cathy Hake, David Hawley, Melody Magin, Norie Calvert, Nick Decesare, Jon McConnell, Mark Hare, and Joe Lafferty provided the Board comments. Vice Chair Berent inquired about noise, building size, maximum capacity, and inquired about if the parking requirement will be met. Vice Chair Berent also went through the list of items the Board may consider which is contained in the staff report. Chair Cramer inquired about the propsoed recreational vehicle spots and also addressed concerns raised by the public. There was discussion on whether all property owners were notified. Mr. Gray verified with the certified mailing slip that the property owner in question was notified. Chair Cramer made a motion to approve the proposed special exception use based upon the subdivision of lots 4, 5, and 6. Vice-Chair Berent seconded . The motion passed unanimously. Chair Cramer made a motion to adjourn. The Board adjourned at 7:57 PM. E ~ Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals Adopted on July 17, 2018 Page 2 of 2