MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

August 12, 2004           

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of August 12, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Members Albert, Graham, Palmer and Acting Chair Bair; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Graf; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Ms. Albert, seconded by Ms. Palmer and duly passed, the minutes of the meeting of July 8, 2004 were approved as presented.

Mr. Wayne Zinn, representing H and M Signs, Inc., presented Sign Permit No. 1099 for Bed, Bath and Beyond at Westminster Crossing (Old Lowe’s Site). The proposed sign 144 square foot sign would be on the front of the store facing Englar Road. Mr. Beyard stated the staff recommendation was approval. On motion of Ms. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Graham and duly passed, Sign Permit No.1099 was approved.

Mr. Beyard presented two requested amendments to the Carroll County Master Plan for Water and Sewer. The first amendment pertained to a property known as Lot 10 of the Alice’s Pitch-in subdivision, located within the City’s corporate limits on Uniontown Road. The property is 4.48 acres in size and is currently owned by Jandy Properties, Inc. The property is in the S-7 sewer planning category. The request was to upgrade the planning category to S-3, which would allow this project to proceed to the next step in the development process. Mr. Beyard highlighted the staff’s favorable recommendation on this request.

Mr. Kevin Brown. Executive Vice President of the Horst Group, 320 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a representative of Bohler Engineering, site engineers for the Horst Group, briefly presented the design concepts of the Horst Group for this property. Plans include an assisted living facility and related site improvements such as parking, road improvements and amenities. Concept drawings showing the proposed building location and site improvements on the property were presented.

On the motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Ms. Palmer and duly passed, the Commission determined that the requested amendment for sewer service by the Horst Group was consistent with the City of Westminster’s approved comprehensive plan.

The second amendment pertained to a property known as the Carter Property, located on Gist Road outside of the City’s corporate limits. The property is 10.75 acres in size and is owned by Dr. Edward Carter. The property is in the W-5 water planning category. The request was to upgrade the planning category to W-1, which would allow this project to the next step in the development process. Should the requested amendment be approved, Dr. Carter would need to obtain a good cause waiver from the Mayor and Common Council before service could actually be provided. Mr. Beyard highlighted the staff’s favorable recommendation on this request.

Mr. Charles Stoner, Esquire, representing Dr. Carter, noted that Dr. Carter only desires to develop two lots at this time. He also noted that the properties on either side of the Carter Property were already developed with City water and sewer services.

On the motion of Ms. Albert, seconded by Ms. Graham and duly passed, the Commission determined that the requested amendment for water service by the Dr. Edward Carter was consistent with the City of Westminster’s approved comprehensive plan.

County Planner Graf updated the Commission on the Pooleridge Estates subdivision in the County and the work to upgrade Arnold Road. He also invited the members of the Commission to attend a workshop on the Westminster and Environs Comprehensive Plan on August 25, 2004. This workshop will include a casual walk-thru process.

City resident Rebekah Orenstein complained about the City’s planning process in reference to development projects on Maryland Route 97.

City resident William Finch inquired about the status of engineering for improvements to Maryland Route 97 and complained about the Commission’s notification process for meetings.

On the motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Ms. Palmer and duly passed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

THOMAS B. BEYARD

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS AND ACTING SECRETARY