Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES October 9, 2014 A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at City Hall on Thursday, October 9, 2014, starting at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson Bair and members Albert, Beaver, Graham, and Palmer were in attendance. The following citizens were in attendance: Mr. Jeffrey Berneburg representing Auto Zone, Inc.; and, Mr. Tim Snyder, Mr. Jack O’Hara, Mr. Bill Swanick and Mr. John Maguire, esq., representing Weis Markets. Staff in attendance included: Community Planning & Development Director Steve Horn. On motion of Ms. Graham, second by Ms. Albert, the minutes of the meeting of August 14, 2014, were approved. Old Business: 1. Auto Zone – Site Plan Approval Mr. Horn introduced the Auto Zone site development plan with a favorable staff recommendation. It was noted that all State, County and City plan review comments have been addressed, and all agencies recommend approval. Mr. Jeffrey Berneburg, representing Auto Zone, Inc., presented the Commission with an overview and exhibits relating to the proposal. The Commission questioned the sequence of events and timing relating to the removal of the existing structure and new building construction. Mr. Berneburg expected construction to be fully underway in the spring of 2015. On motion of Ms. Palmer, and second by Ms. Graham, the Commission voted 4-0 for approval. 2. Weis Market Fuel Facility – Site Plan Approval Mr. Horn introduced the Weis Market Fuel Facility site development plan with a favorable staff recommendation. It was noted that the Commission had previously reviewed the proposal and offered a number of recommendations which were included on the revised site development plan. Mr. Horn noted that the BZA granted a special exceptions, allowing the fueling facility to proceed, after a thorough review process and public hearing. Mr. Horn also noted that all State, County and City plan review comments have been addressed, and all agencies recommend approval. Mr. Bill Swanick, representing Weis Markets, presented and reviewed the site plan and elevations. The exhibits illustrated the layout of the kiosk, canopy, parking, plantings, signage and ingress/egress to the site. Upon review, the Commission was satisfied that their previous concerns had been adequately addressed. They also noted that the BZA process afforded further opportunity for public comment and review. On motion of Ms. Albert, and second by Mr. Beaver, the Commission voted 3-1 (Ms. Graham) for approval. 3. Shoppes at Meadow Creek – Commercial Subdivision Approval The owners of the Shoppes at Meadow Creek, Verris Capital, Inc., requested consideration of approval of a plan to resubdivide parcel C-1 of the referenced site plan. The purpose of the Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes: October 9, 2014 resubdivision is to enhance efforts to further develop the shopping center and to create opportunities to finance additional development. No new construction or site improvements are proposed to result from the resubdivision. Consequently, no review agency reviews were requested. All future development at the shopping center will be required to undergo all necessary plan review by State, County and City agencies. On motion of Ms. Graham, and second by Ms. Palmer, the Commission voted 4-0 for approval. 4. Pizza Hut Italian Bistro – Right turn onto Center Street Mr. Horn presented the Commission with an update on a proposed change that had been previously reviewed and approved (PZC; 7/10/2014). The owner and Carroll County have notified the City of their plans to move forward with a right turn onto Center Street as previously discussed. Mr. Horn noted that the City had no objections and that the Commission had previously approved the amendment to the original site development plan. Since Center Street is a County owned and maintained roadway, it was ultimately determined to be a question for Carroll County to decide. As an informational item only, no further action was required by the Commission. Planning and Zoning Commission Discussion: 1. City Planning Department: none 2. County Planning Department: none 3. Commission Members Reports: none There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Steven C. Horn, Director Community Planning & Development 2