Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION February 9, 2012 The regular meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in Westminster City Hall on February 9, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson Bair; Members Palmer, Graham and Beaver; Linda Donoff (CLSI); John Maguire (local Counsel); Robert DeSantis (Orchard Development Corp.); Ethan Seidel (McDaniel College); City Planner Hynes and Interim Director Horn were in attendance. On motion of Ms. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Graham, the minutes of the meeting of January 12, 2012, were approved. The first item for review and consideration by the Commission was a request to contract the Water Service Area at Walnut Ridge, Section 8 (Old Westminster Pike @ Woodside Drive). The request, filed by D&D Enterprises, was to remove fifteen (15) acres from the City’s Existing/Final Planning Water Service Area. The Commission, on motion of Ms. Graham and Second by Ms. Palmer, voted 3-0 to find the request consistent with the 2009 Westminster Comprehensive Plan. The second item for review and consideration by the Commission was a request to expand the Sewer Service Area at Windy Hills Farms. The subject property is currently located with the No Planned Service Area for both water and sewer service. Before the matter was considered by the Commission, Interim Director Horn requested a postponement of the matter after receiving a request to do so from Mr. Maguire, Counsel for the developer. The Commission agreed by voice vote to postpone consideration of the request. The third item before the Commission was to continue deliberations on the previously proposed sectional map amendment and zoning text revisions relating to the 2009 Westminster Comprehensive Plan. On motion of Ms. Graham and Second by Ms. Palmer, the Commission unanimously agreed to send the requested sectional map amendment and zoning text revisions out for 60-day review, as required by Article 66B of the State Annotated Code. The sectional map amendment, as proposed, will comprehensively rezone properties that had zoning changes enacted as part of the 2009 Comprehensive Plan approval. Zoning text changes, designed to introduce mixed uses in the City’s business and commercial zones, will create floating zone options for property owners within certain specific zoning districts. Members also noted the resignation of Planner Hynes. Ms. Hynes was praised for her efforts on the 2009 Westminster Comprehensive Plan, the citizen survey related thereto, and her outstanding organizational skills. Each of the members wished her the best of luck in her new position with the Town of Lovettsville, Virginia. There being no further business to discuss, by unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Steven C. Horn, Interim Director of Planning, Zoning & Development cc: Marge Wolf, City Administrator