MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

May 13, 2004           

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane on the evening of May 13, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.  Members Palmer, Beaver, Graham, Albert and Vice Chair Bair; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard, Manager of Planning and Development Siders; City Attorney Walsh; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the minutes of April 8, 2004, April 15, 2004 and May 6, 2004 were approved as amended.

Mr. Siders presented revised Sign Permit Application No. 1087 – Westminster Crossing.  Mr. Siders stated that the applicant had received approval for the original application at the Commission’s meeting of April 8, 2004.  The applicant has revised the sign application to include an additional 29.9 square feet of signage panels to the sign.  The additional square footage would not add to the width or the height of the sign; rather it simply would allow for greater tenant space.  On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mrs. Albert, the revised Sign Permit Application No. 1087 was approved as presented. 

Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit Application No. 1081 for Heritage Nissan.  Mr. Rob Long with Heritage Nissan stated that if acceptable, Heritage Nissan would move the existing sign, which is nineteen feet tall and sixty-three square feet in area, closer to MD Route 140.  Mr. Walsh and Mr. Beyard advised the Commission that their approval is not necessary if the applicant chooses to simply move the sign. 

Mr. Siders presented the 2004 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan Resolution.  Mr. Siders stated that the plan had been amended to incorporate the comments from the various agencies as well as included the proposed land use designation change for the Crossroad Shopping Center from suburban residential to commercial.  On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Beaver, the 2004 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan was approved as amended. 

Ms. Bair asked about the status of the Liberatore’s sign located near the entrance of the 140 Village Shopping Center.  Mr. Siders stated that he would follow up with the Zoning Administrator. 

Mr. Beyard welcomed Ms. Graham as the new Commission member.  Mr. Beyard also advised that the FY 2005 budget was adopted by The Mayor and Common Council at its meeting of May 10, 2004.

On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

SHAWN SIDERS