Planning and Zoning Commission

MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING.

June 12, 2003

            A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of June 12, 2003, at 7:00pm.  Members Albert, Bair, Beaver, and Palmer; Chairman Wiskeman; Town Planner Siders; Technical Planner Fisher; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

            Mr. Siders welcomed Mrs. Suzanne Albert, who will serve as the Ex-Officio member to the Commission.

            On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, the minutes of May 8, 2003 were approved as presented.  Mrs. Albert recused herself from the vote.

            Chairman Wiskeman opened the public hearing regarding Ordinance 706 – Conditional Uses in the I-R Zone at 7:02 p.m.  Mr. Siders stated that the current conditional uses are too flexible and the proposed changes seek to retain the integrity of the City’s limited supply of land suitable for industrial development.  Mr. Siders recited a conditional uses proposed by the Greater Westminster Development Corporation to be retained in the revised list.  Trade schools would be placed in a new category and continue to be permitted.  Mr. Beaver asked what type of use would no longer be permitted.  Mr. Siders stated that heavy retail uses and churches are examples of uses that would no longer be permitted in the I-R Zone.  Mr. Siders noted that existing uses would be grandfathered.  There being no public comment, Chairman Wiskeman closed the public hearing and the record.  On Motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, Ordinance 706 – Conditional Uses in the I-R Zone was forwarded to The Mayor and Common Council with a favorable recommendation.

            Chairman Wiskeman opened the public hearing regarding Annexation No. 52 – Westminster Shopping Center at 7:11 p.m.  Mr. Siders stated that Resolution No. 03 – 11 would implement the proposed 14.1779-acre annexation at the corner of Englar Road and MD Route 140.  A waiver of zoning would not be required as the proposed “B” Business zoning of the property upon annexation would be similar to the current  “BG” General Business zoning designation of the property in the County.  Mr. Siders stated that the property represents an infill annexation already served by City water and sewer.  Mr. Siders noted that the property would contribute approximately $18,000 of new tax revenue per year to the City.  Ms. Bair commented that the parking spaces seem smaller than comparable parking lots in the area.  Mr. Siders stated that a re-striping package is possible in the near future.  Mr. Siders introduced Mr. John McGuire, Attorney representing Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, the petitioner.  Mr. McGuire related several reasons for the petitioner requesting annexation.  Mr. McGuire also stated that the bridge reconstruction at MD Route 140 and MD Route 27 has led the State Highway Administration to propose the closure of the shopping center’s rear access to MD 140.  Mr. McGuire relayed the petitioner’s primary concern that delivery trucks would have great difficulty navigating the site.  The Commission briefly discussed alternatives to the current access configuration.  There being no further comment, Chairman Wiskeman closed the public hearing and the record.  On Motion of Mr. Beaver, seconded by Ms. Bair, Annexation No. 52 – Westminster Shopping Center was forwarded to The Mayor and Common Council with a favorable recommendation.

            Ms. Bair stated that she had observed frequent stacking of traffic on MD Route 31 heading towards MD 140 and on MD 140 back to the MD Route 97 overpass.  Chairman Wiskeman joined Ms. Bair in requesting the SHA District Office to review signaling lengths and synchronization for the lights in the affected area.

            Ms. Bair noted that a utility pole has been down at Center Street and Mall Ring Road for several months.

            Ms. Palmer expressed concern over large trucks utilizing Pennsylvania Avenue as a connection to State roads.

            In response to a question from Ms. Palmer, Mr. Siders stated that the street lighting for Pennsylvania Avenue will go to bid after July 1, 2003.

            In response to a question from Ms. Bair, Mr. Siders stated that Uniontown Road will be open in approximately one and a half months.

            There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. on Motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer.

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                         ERIK N. FISHER

                                                                        SECRETARY