Plannning and Zoning Commission

MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

October 10, 2002

            A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of October 10, 2002, at 7:00pm.  Members Beaver, Bair, Palmer, and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Town Planner Siders; Technical Planner Fisher; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

            On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, the minutes of September 12, 2002 were approved as presented.

            Chairman Wiskeman opened the Public Hearing regarding Zoning Text Amendment No. 02-3 “Signs” at 7:04 p.m.  Mr. Siders stated that the proposed amendment would revise Section 164-119(D) of the Charter and Code of the City of Westminster, to prohibit erecting signs that show the date, time, and temperature by means of sequentially operated luminaries.  Mr. Siders stated that the current exemption of time/date/temperature signs from the restriction causes confusion in the sign permitting process.  Staff recommends approval of Zoning Text Amendment No. 02-3.  Ms. Bair stated that the signs raise safety concerns because they are a distraction to drivers.  Ms. Bair noted that she was opposed to the sequentially-operating sign at the Westminster Shopping Center and wished a letter from the Commission would have been sent expressing concern over the sign.  In response to a question from Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Siders stated that existing signs in the City would be grandfathered.  Mr. Walsh stated that if a property with a time/date/temperature sign sits vacant for six months, then the new occupants forfeit the right to continue operating the sign.  In response to a question from Ms. Bair, Mr. Walsh stated that budgetary reasons for temporarily discontinuing the use of a sign would not constitute grounds for a forfeiture of operating rights, unless the six-month period has ended.  There being no public comment, Chairman Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 7:10 p.m.  On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Ms. Palmer, Zoning Text Amendment No. 02-3 “Signs” was forwarded to The Mayor and Common Council with a favorable recommendation.

            Mr. Fisher presented Sign Permit Application No. 1030 Boscov’s.  Mr. Fisher stated that the applicant was proposing two 192 square foot signs and two 143 square foot signs.  Mr. Fisher noted that the proposed size of the signs falls within the limits prescribed by the zoning ordinance, and that Commission approval is required only for the display of two wall-mounted signs on the South façade.  Mr. Fisher stated that staff believes the signs are within the proportions of the two-story structure and recommends approval of the application.  On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mr. Beaver, Sign Permit Application No. 1030 140 Boscov’s was approved as presented.

            Ms. Moser presented a draft of the transportation element of the Westminster Environs Comprehensive Plan for informational purposes, and to receive feedback from the Commission.  Ms. Moser stated that the State’s elimination of the proposed Westminster Bypass created a need for alternative local routes.  A transportation study by Whitney, Bailey, Cox, and Magnani focused on the need for a redundant road network to support local trips.  Ms. Moser then highlighted the major construction and reconstruction projects proposed in the plan.  Mr. Ferguson suggested that the plan should reflect discussion of restricting trucks on Maryland Route 27 to achieve the community’s vision of Downtown.  Mr. Siders stated that the City will also work with the State Highway Administration through the MD 27 Corridor Study to mitigate the impact of trucks downtown.  Ms. Bair suggested that the County consider improving Deer Park Road, Nicodemus Road, and MD Route 30 to accommodate overflow traffic from MD 140 during accidents or inclement weather.  In response to a question from Mr. Beaver, Ms. Moser stated that the reconstruction of Arnold Road was not intended to function as a southern bypass or handle heavy truck traffic.  Mr. Beaver questioned the addition of an at-grade intersection at Kate Wagner Road and MD Route 97.  Chairman Wiskeman expressed concern over the additional access points proposed for MD 140 at Bollinger Road and Arnold Road, and suggested that Old Westminster Pike be used as a service road for access to MD 140.  Ms. Bair added that Old Westminster Pike could be widened to accommodate increased traffic.  Mr. Beaver asked if the intention of the plan was to increase capacity on a southern route around the city.  Ms. Moser stated that plans for a ‘southern bypass’ had been dropped due to community opposition and a lack of projected demand.  Mr. Beaver asked if trucks from the black-top plant or the airpark would use Sullivan Road.  Ms. Moser stated that the road would not be designed with heavy truck traffic in mind, but that trucks would not be restricted from using the route.  Mr. Siders stated that the County IDA and Shaeffer properties are working on a plan for transportation improvements near the airport that would provide more options for trucks.  Mr. Beaver noted that he has safety concerns about the MD 27 and MD 140 interchange.  Mr. Siders stated that the State Highway Administration will be reconstructing the bridge and interchange through the MD 140 Traffic Study.

            Mr. Siders stated that the Lower Pennsylvania Avenue Committee has finalized its recommendations to The Mayor and Common Council, and that the charrette for the MD 27 Corridor Study has been completed.  Mr. Siders noted that zoning text amendments developed from these initiatives will come before the Commission in the near future.

            On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Ms. Bair, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

ERIK FISHER

Secretary