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Planning and Zoning Commission
MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
July 11, 2002
A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of July 11, 2002 at 7:00pm. Members Beaver, Bair, and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Town Planner Siders; Technical Planner Fisher; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.
Ms. Bair stated that a reference to Ridge Road she made while discussing the Final Plat for Mayor's Manor should be included in the June 13 minutes. Approval of the minutes of the June 13, 2002 meeting was deferred until the next Commission meeting to allow staff to listen to the tape.
Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit Application No. 1106 Merchant's Tire and Auto Center. Mr. Siders stated that Merchant's would be occupying the pad site formerly occupied by Montgomery Ward's at Town Mall of Westminster. Mr. Siders stated that two proposed signs totaling 121.8 square feet require Commission approval. The two signs would be 59.37 square feet and 64.23 square feet, respectively. The sign package would be slightly smaller than the signs displayed on the site by the Montgomery Ward Tire Care facility. Staff recommended approval. Ms. Bair stated that the signs are well within proportion of the bays of the building. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, Sign Permit Application No. 1106 was approved as presented.
Mr. Fisher presented the Site Plan for the Bella Vita Senior Condominiums. Mr. Fisher stated that the 2.9467-acre property is located on the North side of Old New Windsor Road between Fitzhugh Avenue and 35th Street. Each of the four, three-story buildings would contain 12 units for a total of 48 units. Mr. Fisher stated that 73 parking spaces are proposed. A single access point would be provided at Old New Windsor Road. Mr. Fisher stated that the property is in the City's "R-7,500" Residential zone, and that the Board of Zoning Appeals has granted a Special Exception under the Multiple Family Housing for Older Persons provisions. Staff is recommending approval subject to agency review and approval. Mr. Siders stated that this property is the first to utilize the Housing for Older Persons provisions adopted by the City. Mr. Walsh stated that one unit would be reserved for use as a community center. Mr. Fisher stated that residency in the development would be restricted to individuals of age 55 or older. Mr. Beyard stated that some exceptions to the age restriction exist, such as a younger spouse or caretaker. Mr. Ferguson expressed concern over the visibility of oncoming traffic when making a left-hand turn into the proposed development. Mr. Hill stated that approach and stopping sight distances have been verified as adequate. On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Site Plan for the Bella Vita Senior Condominiums was approved, subject to agency review and approval.
Mr. Siders presented the Preliminary Plan for the Meadowbranch Industrial Park. Mr. Siders stated that the property is 48 acres and would contain six lots. Mr. Siders stated that the developer of the property is working with representatives of the adjoining properties to develop an interior road network. Staff is recommending conditional approval, subject to SHA and agency review and approval. Mr. Beyard stated that conditional approval would allow the applicant to move forward while still working out the connections to MD 97. On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Beaver, the Preliminary Plan for the Meadowbranch Industrial Park was conditionally approved, subject to agency review and State Highway Administration comments as determined by the Director of Planning and Public Works.
Ms. Bair asked if moving messages had been installed on the sign at the Westminster Shopping Center. Mr. Siders stated that the sign was electronic and displayed the time and temperature.
Ms. Bair asked for what purpose was the grassy area in the 140 Village Shopping Center parking lot. Mr. Siders stated that the area was for stormwater management. Ms. Bair asked why a barrier is not required around the stormwater management area. Mr. Siders stated that a barrier would prevent required access to the area.
Chairman Wiskeman asked for clarification of the water restrictions. Mr. Beyard explained the current restrictions on water usage and strongly discouraged any unnecessary use of water.
On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Ms. Bair, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
ERIK FISHER
Secretary
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