MINUTES OF THE

 

December 16, 2004

 

Planning & Zoning Commission

 

Members Present:  John Atwood, Chairman, and members Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum, Dan Swann and Tom Moore.

 

Members Absent: None.

 

Staff Present:  Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Zach Smith, GIS Analyst, and Stacie Rice, Planning Secretary.

 

Staff Absent:   None.

 

Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m.  The first order of business was the approval of the November 18th minutes.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the November minutes.

 

The first item discussed was a 168,708 square foot Lowe’s Home Improvement Center.  Project is proposed at the sw corner of intersection of Route 322 & Glebe Road.  The applicant’s agents, John Murray and Ryan Showalter of Miles & Stockbridge explained that is a PMR (Planned Major Retail) review of a new 168,708 square foot Lowe’s store.  The proposed store is to be located between the Food Lion and the Ruby Tuesday restaurant. David Nemecheck, with Bohler Engineering, explained that the site is 14.58 acres.  They are proposing 582 parking spaces, 86 of those spaces are located between the proposed garden center and Glebe Road, and 496 spaces are located between the building and the Easton Parkway.   The proposed building is setback approximately 50 feet from the abutting R-7A  parcel in the rear. The applicant is working with Artery Homes, the developer of the abutting R-7A property and is proposing a one sided berm and retaining wall to provide an adequate screen.  The required setback as prescribed above is 218 feet. They are seeking a waiver of the setback provision. Proposed loading dock will be at the rear of the building.  Tim Glass, Town Engineer addressed the traffic/circulation issues. The applicant is seeking a waiver for the drive aisle width from 27’ to 25’.   They are proposing heavy landscaping throughout the site.  The parking lot(s) will be landscaped, as well as the Glebe Road side of the project.  The Commission was concerned with the distance from the proposed Lowe’s to the proposed subdivision.  Bill Stagg, speaking for Artery, explained that from the Lowe’s store to the single family house would be approximately 80’ to 100’.  He also added that there will be a landscaping berm to screen from view. 

 

Mark Vanderlin, architect for the project explained that the proposed building would consist of brick, exterior insulated finish system (eifs) which is proposed in earth tone colors.  He also stated that the roof top mechanical equipment will be screened from view.

 

 

 

Planning & Zoning Meeting

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December 16, 2004

 

 

Mr. Moore felt that the building was too large for the site.  Mr. Atwood felt as though astatically this was a good project, but was uncomfortable with the setback issues.  Mr. Brownawell, would prefer that the building look more unique and not so franchise.  After much discussion, the Commission asked the applicant to address their concerns and return at a subsequent meeting.  However, the Commission preferred that Lowe’s return the same time as the Artery Subdivision.

 

The next item discussed was 7872 Ocean Gateway.  Mr. Stagg the applicant’s agent explained that they are proposing to convert the old Southern States building into furniture/design center and add two new structures on site: a two story, 12,000 square foot medical office and a 4-story, 62,720 square foot storage building. This site was expanded recently adding the undeveloped portion of the Verizon parcel adjacent to the south making the site 1.497 acre lot. Parking for the project is supplied on site for all uses and no waiver is requested.  The site plan moving the large storage building to the rear of the site and modifying its architecture. The site plan actually indicated that the pavement encroaches into the adjacent land, which is owned by the Town of Easton.  Mr. Stagg explained that the landscaping complies with the Town of Easton Zoning Ordinance.  The Commission was concerned with the size and the architecture of the building.  After discussion the Commission ask the applicant to revise and to return.  

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:15p.m. by motion of Mr. Atwood, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Stacie S. Rice

                                                                        Planning & Zoning Secretary