MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

November 10, 2005                        

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of November 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.  Chairperson Bair; Members Albert, Beaver, Palmer and Graham; City Attorney Walsh; Manager of Planning and Development Davis; Assistant Town Planner Fisher; County Planner Graf; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Graham and duly passed, the minutes of the meeting of August 11, 2005 were approved as presented.

Chairperson Bair opened the public hearing regarding Annexation #56 – Dasy Corporation.  Mr. Fisher .  Mr. Fisher stated that the petition requests that the City annex 4.155 acres of land contiguous to the existing City boundary west of Pennsylvania Avenue and North of Sullivan Avenue.  Mr. Fisher stated that the land is currently zoned “R-7,500” in the County and that the Westminster Environs land use plan map designates the site for urban residential development.  A waiver of zoning would not be required from the County Commissioners because the requested City zoning of “R-7,500” would be compatible with the County plan.  The site is located within the W-1/S-1 service categories for water and sewer service.  Mr. Fisher stated that staff proposes a favorable recommendation by the Commission.  In response to a question from Ms. Bair, Mr. Fisher clarified that the lots shown on the annexation plat are existing lots that may or may not reflect the eventual pattern of development.  Ms. Bair closed the public hearing and the record at 7:12 p.m.  On motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Mr. Beaver, the Commission forwarded Annexation #56 to The Mayor and Common Council with a favorable recommendation for annexation and re-zoning to the City’s “R-7,500” residential zone.

Mr. Fisher presented the Final Plat for the Haifley Property.  Mr. Fisher stated that the plat proposed the subdivision of 132 and 132 ½ East Main Street.  The subdivision would occur along existing party walls between the duplex units and rear sheds.  Common access easements would be provided on the plat for breezeway areas.  Staff recommends approval of the Final Plat, noting that subdivisions of duplex units can provide new homeownership opportunities in older sections of town.  On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mrs. Albert, the Final Plat for the Haifley Property was conditionally approved, subject to all agency review comments being adequately addressed.

Mr. Fisher presented the Preliminary Plan for King Park Overlook.  Mr. Fisher briefly recounted the history of the project.  Mr. Fisher then described the plan, stating that 15 single-family detached units are proposed for the eight-acre site, along with the construction of two public cul-de-sacs and two private use-in-common driveways.  Storm water would be controlled by an underground facility within the development.  The developer would also construct a fitness trail from the development that would encircle King Park.  Mr. Fisher remarked that environmental constraints have led to a reduced number of houses and less pavement than that which was originally proposed.  In response to a question from Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Fisher stated that the proposed plan incorporates much of the dialogue between the community and the developer over the past few years.  Mr. Robert Cumberland, President of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Company, stated that the Fire Department had successfully worked with the developer to develop a safe layout.  Mr. Clark Shaffer, attorney for the applicant, stated that the houses were arranged to preserve existing viewscapes for current and future residents.  Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plan.  In response to a question from Mrs. Albert, Mr. Fisher stated that schools are projected to be adequate to serve the proposed development.  On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Graham, the Preliminary Plan for King Park Overlook was conditionally approved, subject to the satisfaction of all agency review comments.

Mr. Graf summarized efforts to jointly develop a Civil War Heritage Area plan for Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties.  Mr. Graf indicated that he would bring the plan to the Commission for their review and comment at a future meeting.

Mrs. Palmer asked what efforts could be made to improve downtown for pedestrians.  Mr. Fisher briefly summarized the results of the MD 27 Corridor Study. He mentioned that wayfinding signage, the construction of new buildings where there presently are gaps, and changes to the width and parking restrictions on Liberty Road would make a big difference.

On the motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Mrs. Albert and duly passed, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

ERIK N. FISHER
SECRETARY