Nearly Final Drafts of Chapters 1 (Plan Purpose, etc.) and 2 (Community Profile)

Here is an unofficial copy of House Bill 1141 that makes changes to what is required in a Comprehensive Plan.

Comments received from the 2/15/06 Public Workshop

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11/2/2005 - The first meeting of Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) is held.  They work on the schedule of the update.  It is decided to meet the first Wednesday of every month with additional meetings scheduled as needed.

10/25/2005 - After months of negotiations, the County signs the Memorandum of Understating that will fund the Community Plan update.

5/18/2005 - Mr. Powell advised that URS has submitted a proposal to assist in the update of the Comprehensive Plan which when completed will be given to the Town Council for its review.

3/29/05 County Commissioners Meeting - On a motion made by Commissioner Ransom, seconded by Commissioner Cassell, the Board unanimously appointed Mr. Myron Richardson and Mr. Fred Kurst as members to the Centreville Citizens Advisory Committee.

3/16/05 - Mr. Powell advised that U.R.S. has been asked to submit a proposal to assist in the update of the Comprehensive Plan. An outline of the scope of work will be provided. Mrs. Brice listed a number of issues that need attention during the update, as follows: (1) growth control; (2) annexation control; (3) affordable housing; (4) update of Planned Redevelopment Areas, including where should these areas occur and where can more flexibility be allowed, etc. (5) downtown revitalization; (6) traffic circulation; (7) design standards in existing zones when the Zoning Ordinance is updated (how to keep the small town character). Katrina of the Queen Anne’s County Planning office will be working with the Town in the review.

2/16/05 - It was reported that Faith Rossing, Queen Anne’s County Planning Director, met with the County Commissioners and presented a proposal to apply $40,000 of the County budget to the review and update of the joint County and Town Community Plan. Her request was approved. It is hoped that the review and update will begin in early March and be completed within approximately a year to fifteen months. Katrina Tucker, principle planner for the County, will serve as the County liaison. It is hoped to have both Town and County residents serving on the review committee and to hold a number of public forums. The County will advertise to acquire participants. URS, the Town’s engineering consultants, will be asked to submit a proposal so Ms. Tucker can seek grant monies.

1/17/05 - Mr. Powell reported that Faith Rossing, Q.A.C. Planning Director, will meet with the County Commissioners in a work session on Tuesday, February 1st, to determine what resources can be brought to bear to proceed with a joint Town/County update of the Community Plan.

12/15/04 - No additional word has been received from Faith Rossing, County Planning Director, as to proceeding with the update of the Community Plan.

11/17/04 - Regarding the update to Centreville’s Comprehensive Plan, Mrs. Brice advised that we should coordinate with the County Planning Department, establish our own budget and determine how much money is needed to meet the cost of the project. It would be helpful to have a roster of people who are interested and can work on their particular area of interest. Mrs. Turner, Council Vice President, advised that the Town Council would like for the Planning Commission to take charge of the update. A time line needs to be established so those interested can contribute ideas for the portions of the Comprehensive Plan in which they are interested. Mrs. Turner will take the Commission’s suggestions back to the Town Council so they can begin seeking sources for funding. Mr. Steve Kehoe, Town attorney, suggested we could also ask the State Planning Department to come in as advisor.

10/20/2004 - Donna Turner, Council Vice President, and Faith Rossing, Queen Anne’s County Planning Director, Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update Ms. Radhika Sakhamuri came to the Planning Commission on behalf of Faith Rossing who was unavailable. She gave an update of the County’s timeframe relative to working with municipalities in Queen Anne’s County.

The commencement of the County’s Comprehensive Plan update depends on the County Commissioner’s acceptance of the budget proposed by the County Planning and Zoning. The priority list is as follows: Queenstown, Centreville, Kent Island, Wye Mills and Grasonville. It took two years to formulate the plan previously; however this review and update should take much less time. The County will work cooperatively with municipalities and Centreville will what for guidance from the County. In the meantime, the Town can begin considering what is needed by way of a budget to handle materials, consultant’s fees, etc. Mrs. Brice suggested that in working together, the Town and County can decide if a consultant is needed

10/5/2004 County Commissioners Meeting - In recent conversations with Mr. Royden Powell, Centreville Town Manager, regarding the Town’s plans to update the current Centreville Community Plan, he indicated their Planning Commission has discussed the need for an update and is interested in a joint process with the County. They are anticipating their Planning Commission will take the lead on the update to revisit components of the plan on a topic-by-topic basis and possibly involve a consultant or third party to facilitate those discussions.

9/15/04 - Discussion of Update to Community Plan Mrs. Brice opened the discussion regarding the Community Plan update, which will not be a short process. It may take a year, or possibly two years. It is important for there to be a person to act as facilitator and for the public to have adequate input. The process needs to be very structured before the review is begun. Mrs. Lins stated that it is hoped to have citizens participate as much as possible during the public work sessions and submit their comments and opinions in writing. The topics will be addressed individually. It is important that all interested parties be heard. Mr. Kehoe suggested that maybe something could be set up on the web site. Mr. Norris suggested that we might use information from other towns as to how they conduct updates. Mrs. Brice advised there were too many drafts the last time, that there should be only one rough draft for each section. The Planning Commission is concerned about having sufficient time to do this update if the moratorium on the issuance of building permits is lifted. Mr. Kehoe advised that there should be sufficient time to work on this before the Maryland Department of the Environment lifts the moratorium on the Town’s wastewater treatment plant. He said that developers are looking at things differently now in light of reoccurring moratoriums and that municipalities need to be “ahead of the curve.” The Town should make the rules and set the guidelines to assure that growth and the speed of growth are directed in the way the Town wants it to go. Mr. Powell advised that it should be determined ahead of time what resources are needed, i.e., technical support, products (maps, etc.), facilitator, text generation, etc. A “mission statement” would be helpful.

The question was raised whether or not the Town’s Planning Commission should work alone or work with the County. Since the County may not be working on their comprehensive plan until 2005 or 2006, we need to communicate with them to let them know what we’re doing. Mrs. Brice or Mr. Powell will speak with Faith Rossing, the County’s Planning Director and let her know we’re ready to start the process for the Town. We also need to ask U.R.S. what the cost will be.

8/18/2004 - Comprehensive Plan Review. Mrs. Brice suggested that each member take a segment of the Comp. Plan, change what needs to be changed and then share that information in public work sessions. Professional assistance will be requested, along with County input, and citizens in town to represent the town and citizens from outlying areas to represent adjacent property holders. A schedule of Wednesday nights would be selected for monthly work sessions.

Work sessions should be advertised well in advance with a schedule of topics. It will be important to maintain control, have time limits and a request for written comments. It was stated that the County has its own agenda, and though they may not be unbiased, their opinion is needed. Mr. Kehoe said it is important to work with the County to coordinate events in other parts of the County that may impact on Centreville. Mrs. Brice reported that Faith Rossing, County Planning Director, was comfortable with Centreville starting its review process now. Mr. Kehoe reminded the commission that the Capacity Management Plan is an important component that will be included in the Community Plan.

Mrs. Lins remarked that developers need to be held accountable for promises to the homeowners, noting that the general appearance of the North Brook entry at Wexford Boulevard has deteriorated. Mr. Norris stated his opinion that there should be a moratorium on ALL new growth, while at the same time, revitalizing the downtown business district. There was discussion regarding the pros and cons of rental versus owned condominiums. The complexity of considering all of these elements, addressing the booming economy, and implementing everything into the Comprehensive Plan is big responsibility and an important task. Chris Rogers recommended looking at growth boundaries and cutting them back. Mr. Steve Kehoe, town attorney, advised that the plan can have as much “teeth” as desired and means of control by the establishment of guidelines and rules.

In conclusion, Mrs. Brice asked the members to think about the update project and decide how they wish to proceed: (1) lay off and do nothing for a year; (2) start the update now.

7/21/2004 - Mrs. Brice will talk with Donna Turner, Council liaison to see if we can get started on the Comprehensive Plan review.  She will also speak with Faith Rossing, Queen Anne’s County planning director.

6/16/2004 - Discussion of Work Schedule to Update Community Plan:. Mrs. Turner was not able to attend this meeting but left word that she had been in touch with Faith Rossing, Queen Anne’s County Planning Director, and would report to the Planning Commission at its next meeting. Mr. Babbitt said he is opposed to the Planning Commission to doing the update alone. Mr. Conti, acting Town Manager, suggested that subgroups could be formed to address certain portions of the Community Plan, and thereafter, the subgroups could meet and the various portions could be pieced together to fit modern standards. The subgroups could formulate a draft for a consultant to review. It was felt that there should be a County representative involved in the process.

5/19/04 - Discussion of Work Schedule to Update Community Plan: Mrs. Brice stated she thinks it is imperative to involve citizens in the process of updating the Community Plan. During the last revision there was a committee of 20-30 people, split between town residents and county residents, with Mrs. Brice representing the Town and Mr. Loring Hawes representing the County. Mrs. Turner will contact Faith Rossing, County Planning Director, to see to what extent the County would like to participate. The County funded the project previously, with the Town acting as an active participant. It was asked if the County would have to approve the revisions. Mr. Kehoe advised they cannot veto the Town portion of the plan, but they would be concerned about the adjoining agricultural lots. It was suggested that an ad be run in the newspaper to recruit interested people to serve on the review committee. Mr. Rogers advised that the committee will be more effective if the County participates. Who will pay for the update? Last time the Town contributed $1000 and the County paid the rest with grant monies."

5/6/2004 Town Council Meeting - Karen Roth – She discussed with the Council the status of the Comprehensive Plan; Mrs. Turner responded the Council and the Planning Commission, in conjunction with the County, will begin the update process in June 2004.