Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES May 8, 2014 A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at City Hall on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson Bair; Members Albert, Beaver, Graham, and Palmer were in attendance. Staff in attendance included: County Planner Scott Graf and Community Planning & Development Director Steve Horn and City Planner Steve Sager. On motion of Ms. Palmer, second by Mr. Beaver, the minutes of the meeting of April 10, 2014, were approved. Old Business: 1. Len Stoler Site – REVISED Redevelopment Concept Plan Review Mr. Randy Bachtel of BPR, Inc. presented the revised concept plan to the Commission. Significantly these revisions include addressing the concerns of the Commission expressed during the initial presentation of 10.10.2013. Much thought and attention was given to the ingress and egress points from RT 140 and from Center Street. Presently, there a two points of ingress/egress for each road. The revised concept plan calls for only one points of ingress/egress for each road. The cost of the off-site improvements is approximately $400,000. On RT 140 the ingress/egress which is closest to the intersection will be closed. This plan has been reviewed and agreed to by SHA. On Center St both of the existing ingress/egress locations will be closed. A new point will be opened between the current locations. The Commissioners support these changes. Several Commissioners expressed interest in accommodating the pedestrian traffic that crosses Center St. below the marked cross walk at RT 140. Mr. Carl Wilson of the Traffic Group spoke to the Commission’s interest. A discussion ensued; the conclusion of which is that compliance with the traffic engineering standards cannot be maintained while including a formal pedestrian crossing at this location. The Commission did strongly feel that a sidewalk should be installed on the development’s side of Center Street due to most foot traffic coming from town. The vast majority of these pedestrians would not walk the additional 450’ +/- to go all the way up to 140, cross Center St. and then back down to go to the retailers to be located on the site as presented. On numerous occasions Commissioners have personally observed walkers heading towards 140 and walking on the west side Center St adjacent to the development site. There were some concerns expressed regarding the merging RT 27 traffic into 140 & eastbound 140 traffic near the new ingress/egress location. The Commission is interested in a designated lane being included on the site at 140 in addition to the merging lane for right turn traffic to Center St. Old Business: Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes: May 8, 2014 1. Len Stoler Site – REVISED Redevelopment Concept Plan Review (cont.) The project will include the instillation of sidewalks on the opposite side of Center St. The Commission requested that sidewalks be considered for the development’s side of Center St. The revised Redevelopment Concept plan set forth a few, minor on-site changes from the original concept plan. No concerns were expressed by the Commission. With regard to water allocation Mr. Horn discussed how the developer will be utilizing a series of water conservation measures which will keep them within 10% of the current water consumption rate on this site. No water allocation will be required. As an example of the water conservation measures, Mr. Horn mentioned that the car wash at the car dealership will recycle approximately 90% of the water used. Another measure is to lease the commercial space to low water consumption tenants. New Business: 1. Discussion of Petition for Annexation, K&G Properties, Baltimore Boulevard Mr. Horn briefed the Commission on the proposed annexation of a 4.9 acre parcel located in the 1100 block of Baltimore Boulevard. Mr. David Bowersox spoke on behalf of the petitioner. The petitioner is very much aware that the site cannot be developed until the City’s water allocation restrictions are lifted several years in the future. Mr. Bowersox indicated that the petitioner wants to be positioned to proceed immediately upon the lifting of the restrictions. Mr. Scott Graf indicated that the proposed commercial zoning of the 4.9 acres is consistent with the County’s Comp Plan. He added that the County is contemplating a rezoning of several nearby properties to business so that they will be consistent with the County’s Comp Plan. Mr. Horn explained the Public Hearing process for Annexations. Planning and Zoning Commission Discussion: 1. City Planning Department 2. County Planning Department a. 2013 Annual Planning Report: Scott Graff, County Planning liaison with the City provided a brief update on the progress of this annual report. 3. Commission Members Reports There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 8:38 PM. Respectfully submitted, Steven T. Sager, City Planner 2