Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

CITY OF WESTMINSTER PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 7 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane A meeting of the City of Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland 21157, on November 9, 2017, at 7 PM. Chair Peggy Bair, Council Member Benjamin Yingling, Commissioner Thomas J. Rio, and Commissioner Lori Welsh-Graham were present. City staff Andrew Gray, Bill Mackey, and Samantha Parthree were present. Also, City staff Barbara Sardi was present as a member of the public. The following were present and signed-in: Ms. Michelle Jefferson. There were other members of the public present; however, they did not sign in. Chair Peggy Bair opened the meeting at 7:01 PM. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve the minutes from August 3, 2017. Commissioner Rio moved, seconded by Commissioner Welsh-Graham, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve minutes from September 26, 2017. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved, seconded by Council Member Yingling, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve minutes from October 12, 2017. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved, seconded by Commissioner Rio, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair reminded everyone in attendance that the public hearing for ZMA 17-01 for BERAL, LLP at 625 Baltimore Blvd was now closed for public comment. Mr. Mackey stated that all public comments were received prior to the October 20th deadline, and no further comments had come in after that date. Council Member Yingling abstained from discussion of and voting on the matter, stating that this was due to the matter going before the Mayor and Common Council for a final decision. Chair Peggy Bair stated her concern over increased traffic in the area and that no major improvements to traffic patterns were included with the project proposals. Commissioner Welsh-Graham agreed, stating that traffic in that area is a concern regarding future new development. Chair Peggy Bair addressed the issue of zoning and stated that it should remain as it was identified in the Adopted December 14, 2017 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Chair recommended the applicant’s request be denied. Commissioners Rio and Welsh-Graham agreed. Commissioner Welsh-Graham added that there was no evidence that the current zoning was incorrect. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to deny the applicant’s request. Commissioner Rio motioned, seconded by Commissioner Welsh-Graham, and the motion passed. Chair noted that she had voted, in order for a quorum of the Commission to have voted on the matter. Chair Peggy Bair opened discussion of Item C – Proposed plat for George Street, LLC (66 Liberty Street). Mr. Gray reviewed the staff memo regarding City Code requirements and the Board of Zoning Appeals decision. Mr. Gray added that the project did not require a water allocation. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve the application. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved, seconded by Council Member Yingling, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair introduced Ms. Moser and initiated discussion of Item D – Final Review of the Carroll County Bicycle and Pedestrian Maps. Ms. Moser restated the purpose of the plan and the maps, and that the current goal is acceptance from each municipality to include the maps in the County’s Master Plan. Chair Peggy Bair asked if the Wakefield Valley walking trail would be shown connecting to the proposed pedestrian trail map. Ms. Moser affirmed that it did. Mr. Gray added that the Bennett Cerf walking trail near Sunshine Way would also be indicated on this map. Mr. Mackey stated when the final text for the Master Plan is approved, then the text and the maps would come before the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission for final review and requested approval. Chair Peggy Bair called for a motion to approve the maps. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved, seconded by Council Member Yingling, and the motion passed. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair called for a motion to adopt the proposed revised agenda in order to include an informal discussion under Agenda Item V. Commissioner Welsh-Graham moved, seconded by Council Member Yingling, and the motion passed. The motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair opened discussion on Item V – Informal discussion of revised landscaping for a project under construction (Stonegate), in order to review the landscaping along Old Baltimore. Mr. Chris Batten, landscape designer, explained that revisions to the landscape plan included more hardy and appropriate trees and shrubs for the local area. The developer also wants more color to enhance project appearance. A 40-inch-high, four-board fence for additional screening along the road and sidewalk was also included. Mr. Gray added that the City’s Arborist had reviewed and recommended approval of this revised plan. Chair Peggy Bair requested a motion to approve the revised landscaping plan. Commissioner Welsh- Graham moved for approval, seconded by Council Member Yingling, and the motion passed. Chair Peggy Bair initiated the discussion of Item D – Mid-Cycle Review of the 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Gray presented the staff memo, stating that staff recommends that the Commission review each objective to make suggestions on what should be prioritized during the second half of the cycle period. Council Member Yingling stated his recommendations for connecting residents, developing master plans for growth and economic development, and creating a study to target industries for furthering economic growth. He recommended a transportation system review, using different communication methods to better engage the community, and additional coordination with McDaniel to continue the relationship Adopted December 14, 2017 Page 2 of 3 between the City and the collegiate community. Commissioner Welsh-Graham suggested welcome packets of information be sent to new developments to provide information to incoming residents. She recommended promoting infill and redevelopment of unused residential and commercial lots, adding that vacancies could be filled with seasonal and temporary uses to bring attention to those spaces for future permanent use. She also recommended utilizing local talents from McDaniel and Carroll Community College to beautify the downtown area. Chair Peggy Bair added utilizing the Career and Tech Center and McDaniel CEO Office. The Chair also recommended promoting development and redevelopment to include mixed-use types of housing, such as single-family homes, townhomes, small homes, and apartments. Commissioner Rio indicated that he would send additional comments to Mr. Gray after the conclusion of the meeting. Mr. Mackey stated that the next step is for the Commission to provide a written recommendation to the Mayor and Common Council, which could then be submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning. Mr. Gray stated that application #18-01 for 925 Wampler Lane is scheduled to appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals, regarding a request to increase an existing day care from the current total of six children to a maximum of eight. There are no site changes proposed; there would only be interior renovations. Commissioner Welsh-Graham motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Rio seconded. The Commission adjourned at 8:23 PM. Adopted December 14, 2017 Page 3 of 3