MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

April 15, 2004                          

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane on the evening of April 15, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.  Members Palmer, Bair, Albert and Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard, Manager of Planning and Development Siders; City Attorney Walsh; and members of the public were present.

Mr. Siders presented the Revised Preliminary Plan and the Final Plat for the Meadow Branch Industrial Park.   Mr. Siders stated that this subdivision would create seven lots directly north of the Bolton Hill residential Development.  Mr. Siders further stated that this is the industrial park where Shelter Systems would eventually locate.  Ms. Bair and Mr. Wiskeman inquired about the proposed improvements to MD Route 97 that would be completed in conjunction with this project.  Mr. Siders stated that at this time, the engineer is completing the improvement plans for MD Route 97 and they will have to be forwarded to SHA for review and comment.  The Commission stated that it was extremely concerned with the safety along MD Route 97 and the additional impact these developments will have on an already unsafe road.  Mr. Beyard stated that the developers of this industrial park and the Bolton Hill residential developments will be adding over $1 million worth of improvements to MD Route 97.  While the plan is not perfect, it will provide additional through lanes and will provide better movement overall.  Mr. Beyard stated that there is a phasing plan in place that will require a series of developers to make the necessary improvements to MD Route 97 so that it will ultimately be a much more functional road.  However, the interim improvements being made by these developers will provide for better traffic flow while providing the foundation for future improvements.  Messrs. Dan and Brad Finch of Finch Services stated they were concerned with access to their site.  The Commission agreed with their concerns.  Ms. Jessica DeCaeser stated that she was concerned with the access to the Kable Veterinary Clinic.  The Commission concurred with her concerns.  Ms. Bair stated that she would like to see a traffic signal at the intersection of MD Route 97(N) and Meadow Branch Road.  Mr. Siders stated that the applicant wants to install a traffic signal at that intersection.  The determination as to whether or not a traffic signal is warranted and approved is at the discretion of the State Highway Administration.  On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the Commission conditionally approved the Revised Preliminary Plan and Final Plat for the Meadow Branch Industrial Park.  The conditions are as follows:  1.) There will be an accel/decel lane provided for Finch Services and Kable Veterinary Clinic along MD Route 97(N); 2.)  The existing section of Meadow Branch Road must be at least thirty feet wide; 3.)  The Applicant must complete the signal warrant analysis for the intersection of MD Route 97(N) and Meadow Branch Road, once approved by SHA it must be installed; 4.)  The Commission will consider no further site plans for the Bolton Hill and Meadow Branch Industrial Park until the improvements to MD Route 97 have commenced; 5.)  All outstanding comments must be addressed. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
SHAWN SIDERS