Planning and Zoning Commission

May 9, 2002

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of May 9, 2002, at 7:00 p.m. Members Palmer, Beaver, Bair and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Town Planner Siders; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the minutes of April 11, 2002 were approved as presented.

Chairman Wiskeman adjusted the order of items on the agenda so that the Commission could consider the Site Plan for Townmall of Westminster prior to the consideration of the Final Plat for Mayor's Manor. Mr. Beyard presented the site plan for the Townmall of Westminster. Mr. Beyard stated that the Townmall of Westminster announced that Boscov's Department Store would open a department store in the Townmall of Westminster. Mr. Beyard stated that the addition to the Townmall will house the Boscov's Department Store. The store will be approximately 190,000 square feet of retail space. Mr. Beyard introduced Ms. Michelle Berliner with Strategic Resources, Inc. Ms. Berliner introduced representatives of the Townmall and stated that they are available to answer any questions the Commission might have. Ms. Berliner introduced Mr. Albert Boscov, President of Boscov's, Inc. Mr. Boscov highlighted the business philosophy of Boscov's, Inc. Mr. Boscov stated this store will employ approximately 400 persons and will be a two-story department store. On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Site Plan for the Townmall of Westminster was conditionally approved, subject to agency review and approval.

Mr. Siders presented the final plat for Mayor's Manor. Mr. Siders stated that this subdivision would create two (2) lots located at the intersection of Old New Windsor Road and W. Green Street. The zoning of the property is "R-10,000" Residential and the size of the proposed lot 1 is 15,224 square feet and lot 2 is 13,741 square feet. Ms. Bair stated that she was concerned with the property not being fronted on W. Green Street. Ms. Bair stated the proposed lot frontage is inconsistent with the character of the existing neighborhood on Old New Windsor Road and Ridge Road. Mr. Ferguson stated that he was concerned as well with the configuration of the lot and the proposed house. On motion of Ms Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the final plat for Mayor's Manor was tabled and the Commission directed staff to prepare a report and recommendation for the Commission.

County Planner Moser summarized the plans for Safe Haven and Sullivan Place. Ms. Bair requested that staff draft a letter to the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission requesting that the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission require the developer to construct a sidewalk through the Safe Haven development to the Carroll County General Hospital. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Beaver, staff was directed to draft a letter to the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission on behalf of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission.

Ms. Bair asked what work was being done to MD Route 140 near the State Police Barracks. Mr. Beyard stated the City had not been notified of any work, however, he would look into what the State Highway Administration was planning. Mr. Beaver stated he was unclear about the report in the Carroll County Times and the requirements for churches to locate in the City's "I-R" Restricted Industrial Zone. Mr. Beyard stated this has been an ongoing issue and staff is currently working on a text amendment which would clarify the permitted uses and special exception uses in various City zoning classifications.

On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Beaver, the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

SHAWN SIDERS
Secretary