Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION March 8, 2012 The regular meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in Westminster City Hall on March 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson Bair; Members Wack, Palmer, Graham and Beaver; Ethan Seidel (McDaniel College); Rick Williams (DDS); John Knight (WBCM); Dan Staley (DRS); County Planner Graf; and, Interim Director Horn were in attendance. On motion of Mr. Beaver, seconded by Mr. Wack, the minutes of the meeting of February 9, 2012, were approved. The first item before the Commission was an informational review of the planned redevelopment of a dilapidated garage on Winters Street into a condominium unit. The project, named Winters Place, was presented by Mr. Staley and was presented for concept review only. Proximity to the downtown area was noted as a benefit of this redevelopment project. Members expressed support for the concept but noted that they wanted to be sure the Westminster Fire Department (WFD) approved of the project. Mr. Horn was directed to approach the Fire Chief to confirm that issues, such as proximity to overhead power lines and street width, were not concerns of the WFD. The next item for discussion was an informational review of the Holy Apostles Church, located on Old New Windsor Pike, east of MD 31. Mr. Williams reviewed the proposal, presented for discussion purposes only, with Commission members. Mr. Williams explained that the church had received a Special Exception for the use in 2006. Commission members were supportive of the proposal and noted that handicapped parking spaces will have to be relocated if/when a new church building is added in the future. The last item for discussion before the Commission was the McDaniel College plan to renovate the Scott Bair Stadium. Mr. Knight and Mr. Seidel presented the plan for Commission consideration. McDaniel College proposes to renovate their outdoor athletic facility known as Scott Bair Stadium. The proposal includes a removal and reconstruction of the Stadium, Grand Stand, Press Box, restrooms, seating, etc. The new facility will increase seating for spectators from 997 to 1,424. The proposal also includes a relocation of the primary point of vehicular ingress/egress roughly 500 feet to the south of the current access point on West Main Street. The Commission, on motion of Ms. Graham, second by Mr. Wack, voted 3-0 to approve the site development plan. Chairperson Bair and Ms. Palmer recused themselves from the proceedings due to professional relationships with the College. 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