Planning and Zoning Commission

November 8, 2001

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held in City Hall on the evening of November 8, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. Members Bair, Palmer, and Ferguson; Chairman Wiskeman; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Town Planner Tucker; Assistant Town Planner Siders; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Moser; and members of the public were present.

The minutes of the October 11, 2001 meeting were approved as presented on motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Beaver, and duly passed.

Chairperson Wiskeman opened the Public Hearing regarding Annexation No. 46 Roop's Mill. Ms. Tucker stated that this property is located on the south side of MD Route 140 at Hughes Shop Road. The Annexation is 92.8587 acres and the applicant is requesting the "R-10,000" Residential Zoning Classification. Ms. Tucker stated that the City is currently developing a water well which would yield 105,000 gallons of water per day on the property and the City would obtain the well rights. Ms. Tucker stated that the Master Water and Sewer Plan would have to be amended as a portion of this property is not located within the current boundary. Mr. David Bowersox, representative of Westminster Land Resources introduced Mr. Mark Eisner with Advanced Land and Water, Inc. Mr. Eisner stated that this well will have no impact on the neighboring wells and this is an economically viable water resource for the City. Mr. Bowersox stated that the developer is considering requesting that a portion of the property be rezoned to the Neighborhood Commercial Zone in the future so that the original mill can be preserved. Ms. Bair asked how much of the site is designated as wetlands. Mr. Bowersox stated that obviously the stream and the stream buffer are in the flood plain. However, analysis of the site was yet to be completed and that will be addressed at the site plan stage. Mr. Ferguson asked if the well house is in the one-hundred (100) year flood plain. Mr. Eisner stated it is outside of that area. Chairperson Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. and stated the Commission would receive written public comments until the close of City business hours on Monday, November 19, 2001.

Chairperson Wiskeman opened the public hearing regarding Text Amendment No. 01-4 Housing for Older Persons. Mr. Siders stated that this proposal was to include the Multiple-family Housing for Older Persons as a Special Exception use in the "B" Business Zone. The only difference between the "B" Business Zone requirements and the "R-7,500" Residential requirements is that a property owner desiring to apply for this use in the "B" Business Zone could only develop property consisting of three (3) acres or less. Mr. Siders stated that multiple-family housing is already included in the "B" Business Zone. Thus, in order to be consistent staff recommends including the Multiple-family Housing for Older Persons provisions in the "B" Business Zone as well. Chairperson Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Ferguson, the Commission voted to favorably recommend Text Amendment No. 01-4 to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration.

Chairperson Wiskeman opened the public hearing regarding Text Amendment No. 01-5 Planned Regional Shopping Center. Mr. Siders stated that this text amendment proposes adjustments in building coverage, height, off-street parking and on-premise business signs within the "PRSC" Planned Regional Shopping Center Zone. Mr. Siders stated these changes are consistent with the goals of the 1998 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan. More specifically, this amendment will streamline the development review process, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and ensure Westminster maintains a "business-friendly" atmosphere for existing and potential businesses. Mr. Siders introduced Mr. David Bowersox who represents the Town Mall of Westminster. Mr. Bowersox introduced Ms. Michelle Berliner with Strategic Resources Corp., Ms. Jan Frankina, with Gensler Inc., Mr. Wes Guckert with The Traffic Group, Ms. Eileen Stoner, Town Mall's on site Leasing Manager, and Mr. Frank Shea with the Town Mall. Mr. Bowersox stated that the Town Mall representatives have been negotiating with many possible businesses and these amendments to the "PRSC" Planned Regional Shopping Center Zone are critical to ensure that the Town Mall will have the space required by many of these proposed tenants. Ms. Frankina gave a brief presentation on the future design of the Town Mall if this legislation is adopted. Ms. Bair asked if there is a second story in the current Town Mall. Ms. Frankina stated there is no second floor. Ms. Frankina stated that the current vacant anchor stores are inadequate to attract large tenants, therefore, a second floor may have to be added to ensure adequate space is available to accommodate a large store. Ms. Berliner stated that up to this point, negotiations have been very successful. However, there is a need to ensure potential tenants that there will be enough space within the Town Mall to rent, and there will be adequate signage so that each tenant will be visible from MD Route 140. Ms. Berliner stated that the current regulations are prohibiting the Town Mall from attracting potential tenants because there is not enough square footage within the existing space to meet potential tenants demands. Mr. Ferguson asked if the legislation presented to the Commission would be adequate for the Town Mall to attract future tenants. Ms. Berliner stated this legislation meets their needs. Mr. Beaver asked if the Town Mall would have adequate parking if a second floor is added to the mall. Mr. Wes Guckert stated that with the reduction in the requirements, the mall would be able to meet the regulations by re-striping the existing parking area. Mr. Ferguson stated that he would like to forward this legislation to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration as soon as possible and asked if the record could be closed at that time. Mr. Walsh stated the Chairperson could close the public record and ask for a motion and decision by the Commission. Ms. Bair stated that she was concerned with this legislation because when the Commission approved the signage that is currently installed at the Town Mall there was a sense of urgency, yet, it took a letter from the City to encourage the Town Mall to finish the landscaping component of the sign package. Ms. Berliner stated the Town Mall shares the concern of the Commission. However, with the loss of Montgomery Wards, the Town Mall has to act quickly to fill the vacancy left by that closing. Chairperson Wiskeman closed the public hearing at 9:00 p.m. On motion of Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the Commission voted to favorably recommend Text Amendment No. 01-5 to The Mayor and Common Council for its consideration. Ms. Bair abstained from the vote.

County Planner Moser gave a brief presentation on the following plans: Miller Asphalt Products; Wheeler Used Auto Sales and Showroom; Player's Family Amusement; and Autumn Ridge Section 9. Ms. Moser stated these plans were currently under agency review and are located near the City of Westminster.

Mr. Walsh stated that Ms. Tucker has accepted an employment opportunity with the City of Rockville and the City will be having a farewell lunch on Wednesday, November 14, 2001.

Ms. Tucker stated it has been a pleasure serving the Commission and she will miss working with its members in the future.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. on motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Beaver, and duly passed

Respectfully submitted,

SHAWN SIDERS
Secretary