Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 7 PM City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane Westminster, Maryland 21157 A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane in Westminster, Maryland 22157, on December 9, 2021, at 7 PM. Vice-Chair Kevin Beaver, Commissioner Lyndi McNulty, and Councilmember Dan Hoff were present. City staff members Mark Depo and Andrew Gray were also present. The following members of the public were present: Hannah Weber, Richard Kress, Marty Hackett, and Clark Shaffer. Vice-Chair Beaver opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Vice-Chair Beaver requested a motion to approve the meeting summary from November 11, 2021. Councilmember Hoff motioned, seconded by Commissioner McNulty, to approve the summary. The motion passed 3-0. Vice-Chair Beaver requested a motion to approve the meeting summary from November 18, 2021. Commissioner McNulty motioned, seconded by Councilmember Hoff, to approve the summary. The motion passed 3-0. Vice-Chair Beaver opened New Business Item A – Proposed Plat for Stonegate Section VI. Mr. Gray provided background information on the item. Current outstanding issues relate to requested roadway connections to the development. Mr. Hackett and Mr. Shaffer provided documentation regarding prior approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission at the March 12, 2020 meeting for the Redwood Drive connection to be made into a Temporary T- Turnaround pending at the property line of the Stonegate Development. Councilmember Hoff moved, seconded by Commissioner McNulty, to approve a short recess for the Commission to review the information provided by the applicant. The motion passed 3-0. Vice-Chair Beaver called the meeting back to order at 7:26 PM. PZC Meeting Summary of December 9, 2021 Page 1 of 2 Councilmember Hoff noted that the March 12, 2020 approval from the previous Planning and Zoning Commission did not require the developer to install the connection to Woodside Drive as noted in the Staff Report for December 9, 2021. Mr. Depo stated that the Redwood Drive connection to Woodside Drive was planned on the initial preliminary plan but amended to be a Temporary T-Turnaround. The Stonegate Development is not yet fully approved, and the connection can still be required for public safety access points to this new section. Councilmember Hoff asked if the City attorney reviewed the proposed site development plan. Mr. Depo responded no. Councilmember Hoff suggested the Commission consult with legal counsel before providing a decision. Although he understood the staff recommendation to provide the Redwood Drive connection, the previous Commission took action at the March 12, 2020 meeting and to reverse the decision would be disingenuous to the developer. He was uncomfortable requiring the change based on the approval of the preliminary plan. Councilmember Hoff moved, seconded by Commissioner McNulty, to approve proposed Final Plat F-18- 80 for Stonegate Section VI based on the staff report provided at the December 9, 2021 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, not subject to condition 2 to provide a roadway connection from the Stonegate Development to Woodside Drive. The motion passed 3-0. Vice-Chair Beaver opened New Business Item B – County Liaison Report. Ms. Weber reported that the County Commissioners were scheduled to approve the County Residential Text Amendment and map updates. The water/sewer amendment was currently under review for approval by MDE. The Transportation Survey will be presented to the Planning Commission soon. Vice-Chair Beaver opened Public Comments. Mr. Gray reported that staff discussed the xeriscaping request with the developer for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and is currently reviewing a revised site plan. Councilmember Hoff suggested the City attorney be present for meetings to alleviate technical questions, so applicants do not have to wait additional time. Commissioner McNulty motioned, seconded by Councilmember Hoff, to adjourn the meeting. The Commission adjourned at 8:43 PM. PZC Meeting Summary of December 9, 2021 Page 2 of 2