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June 15, 2005
Mrs. Elizabeth Brice, Chairman, called the June 15, 2005 meeting of the Centreville Planning Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in Meeting Room A of the County Annex Building. The following members were present: Elizabeth Brice, Penny Lins, Rob Babbitt, John Beskid, Ed Novak, Mary Roby and Dan Worth. Royden Powell, Town Manager, Steve Kehoe, Town attorney, Judge Porter, Zoning Inspector and Jane Saulsbury, Administrative Aide, were also present. Donna Turner, Council liaison was unable to attend. Norman P. Pinder, Jr., Council member, was present in her absence.
Review of Minutes from Last Meeting - The minutes of the May 18, 2005 meeting were amended to show that Mr. Powell conducted the Election of Officers and that Mrs. Turner, Council President, swore in the new members to their terms of office on the Planning Commission.
Appearances
Helen Malay, Requests Permission for Home Occupation at 215 Windsor Avenue Mrs. Malay came before the Planning Commission to request permission to conduct day care for children two years and older. She has been approved by the State to have 8 children. The children will be dropped off at the beginning of each day and an additional parking will be needed. During the school year, Mrs. Malay will provide “after” care. Upon review of the regulations, the commission noted that a special exception is required for a “Day Care Center” with more than seven children. In discussion, it was felt that the Town’s definition of a “home occupation” is too restrictive as to the allowable hours, i.e. 9:00 to 3:30 and perhaps to the number of children allowed. Mr. Babbitt suggested that the Planning Commission amend/revise the definition of a home occupation and consider if it is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan during the Comp. Plan update. It was decided if Mrs. Malay has six or fewer children she can precede. It was moved and seconded by Mr. Beskid and Mrs. Roby to approve Mrs. Malay’s request to provide day care in her home at 215 Windsor Avenue for six or fewer children. All being in favor, the motion carried.
Richard McNeal on Behalf of
Jane Donovan, Representing ESRP Church to Install Portable
Office/Classroom at 423 South Liberty Street (Charles Wesley
Church) Mr. McNeal advised that the ESRP Church is currently holding
services at the Q.A.C. high school and is considering buying the Charles
Wesley Church. If they do, permission is requested for a temporary
trailer to house an office during renovations to the church and possible
extension of the building on the south side. They recognize the
historic value of the church and would either enlarge it when needed or
sell it and build somewhere else. The proposed trailer was described as
being flat-roofed with a slight pitch, with cream or white aluminum
siding. The members of the Planning Commission were concerned that the
trailer might remain longer than a temporary structure normally stays
and become an “eyesore.
Ridgely Kelly, Requests Permission for Home Occupation at 205 Tilghman Avenue (furniture restoration and consultation) Mr. Kelly described the proposed replacement of old outbuildings and construction of a garage/workshop at 205 Tilghman Avenue where he would perform furniture restoration and consult on the same. He resides on the property in a second floor apartment. His current business is located on Turpin’s Lane which has C-1 zoning. He acknowledged that there is some noise made by woodworking machinery, routers, etc. and that there would be some dust and the odor of solvents. It was moved and seconded by Mrs. Lins and Mr. Novak to deny the request for a home occupation involving woodworking/furniture restoration as it does not meet the definition of a home occupation. All being in favor, the motion carried.
Rick Davis, DMS & Associates, RE: Proposed Redevelopment of Parcels 752 and 771 (the Old Mattress Store) Between Commerce Street and Banjo Lane Mr. Davis described the proposed demolition of the existing building at 142 North Commerce Street and construction of a 3-story mixed use building comprising retail, office and apartments. The preliminary site plan for the proposed development was approved by the Planning Commission in April 2004. The members reviewed a letter dated today’s date and submitted by Chris Rogers of URS. There was discussion of the following concerns: (1) the limited number of parking spaces on site; (2) the demolition of a historic building; (3) storm water management; (4) landscaping; (5) architecture of the proposed building and materials proposed for exterior; (6) timeline for the project (how long will it take?); (6) what is the square footage of the building and the three floors proposed - this calculation determines the number of required parking spaces. Mr. Babbitt stated he thought 70% of the parking should be on-site. At the conclusion of discussion, it was moved and seconded by Mr. Babbitt and Mrs. Lins, respectively, the Planning Commission approve the Final Site Plan of the Callahan Property with the following three conditions: 1. that all of the concerns and issues in the URS review letter dated June 15, 2005 be met. 2. that the materials for use on the façade of the building be approved by the Planning Commission. 3. that a square footage calculation of the previous building and parking requirements be done to show that at least 70% of the newly required parking is provided onsite. All being in favor, the motion passed.
Jonathan Hodgson, Esq., RE: Preliminary Site Plan Wharf Landing, LLC Mr. Jon Hodgson came before the Planning Commission to request approval of the Preliminary Site Plan which proposes construction of 14 buildings, a combination of commercial and residential use on property formerly owned by Arthur Kudner at the Centreville Wharf. He described the history of the site and advised that the proposed project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and with previous use of the property. Mrs. Brice read the conditions of the Variance granted by the Centreville Board of Zoning Appeals on June 9, 2005 and the attached letter submitted by Mrs. Nancy Covert in opposition to the granting of the variance. Chris Rogers of URS reviewed his letter dated June 14, 2005, highlighting the technical issues to be considered. Some of which were as follows: (1) a new traffic count is needed; (2) ingress and egress needs to be reviewed; (3) the fire department should review the project as to necessary turning radius; (4) is there sufficient turning radii for refuse collection? (5) availability of public access should be provided; (6) consider extending the bulk-heading; (7) address the buffer required between this property and adjacent lands; etc. Mr. Rogers advised that there needs to be a re-review of a number of items before preliminary approval can be granted, specifically, items 2 through 9 in his letter dated June 14th should be addressed. It was moved and seconded by Mrs. Lins and Mr. Babbitt, respectively, to table approval of the Preliminary Site Plan for Wharf Landing, LLC until the July meeting on condition that items 2 through 9 in the letter from Chris Rogers of URS are addressed and that the buffer yard requirements between C-2 (the subject property) and adjoining R-2 properties are also addressed. All being in favor, the motion carried. Mr. Hodgson was given permission to commence discussion with Mr. Chris Rogers and Mr. Royden Powell to address the technical issues.
Old Business
Mr. Powell reported that as there is a new contractor on the Ridgeview project, this is an opportune time for the Town Council to decide if they wish Ridgeview Avenue to connect South Commerce and South Liberty Streets or for there to be a single access road from Liberty Street. The Town Council has requested an opinion from the Planning Commission. It was noted that the Town Council asked Mr. Bozek to donate land on the site for a road and relocated the old historical house on the site. The State Highway Administration has done technical review and has granted access. Mr. Babbitt expressed concern about the angle of entrance from Little Kidwell, but noted that the street would improve traffic flow, one of the goals stated in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kehoe explained that Ridgeview Avenue would be “one-way” from Commerce to Liberty. Mr. Babbitt said he would like the State Highway to take one more look at the intersection.
New Business Mr. Kehoe, Town attorney, advised that a letter from the Planning Commission, over the chairman’s signature, should go to each applicant before the Planning Commission stating what has been approved and what has been disapproved. Chris Rogers added that such a letter is required in the subdivision regulations and would constitute a public record.
Mr. Powell asked if the Planning Commission has any suggestions on the proposal from URS to assist the Town with the update of the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Brice asked if the proposal will include any mapping changes. Chris Rogers advised that URS will prepare and/or revise maps as necessary. Mrs. Brice also asked if the time frame isn’t awfully tight. Mr. Rogers said 18 months would be preferable if the County is agreeable.
Mr. Worth expressed concern about the preservation of old buildings and thought language should be included in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kehoe said he would try to get a sample of design standards.
Zoning Issues – Discussion. None
Miscellaneous Business/Correspondence. NoneThere being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Saulsbury, Administrative Aide
(June 15 2005 pc minutes) |
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Town of Centreville |
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101 Lawyer's Row Centreville, MD 21617
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Phone: (410) 758-1180 Fax: (410) 758-4741 |
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