MINUTES OF THE
December 18, 2003
Planning & Zoning Commission
Members Present: John Atwood, Chairman, and members Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, Zach Smith, GIS Analyst and Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.
Staff Absent: None.
Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m. The first item of business was the approval of the November 20th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the November minutes.
The first item discussed was an amendment to the Patriot Square PUD revising the architecture. Mr. Hamilton showed the Commission a brief PowerPoint presentation which demonstrated the previous and proposed architecture and also explained the history of the project. Mr. Grafton Brandt, applicant, explained the proposed architectural changes. He explained that the townhouses would have rear garages; however some townhouse may have a garage on the front. The Commission was very pleased wit the new architecture however, felt that a new site plan is necessary. The Commission would also like to see a certain percentage of the homes be affordable.
The next application was Easton Motor Inn /Hampton Inn requesting re-development of the existing Atlantic Budget Inn. Mr. Hamilton explained that this application is more appropriately 2 site plan reviews and a subdivision. The first site plan involves a 75 room Hampton Inn (located on parcel “A”) and the second site plan is a multiple use structure (located on parcel “B”) proposed adjacent to hotel. The proposed uses are a restaurant; take out restaurant and 2 retail uses. Finally, the Commission reviewed a subdivision creating the 2 parcels involved in the site plan review. Mr. Christenbury, applicant, explained that the proposed hotel is a 4 story structure creating 75 rooms. The applicant has worked with the staff to create a site plan which works with minimal amount of impact of the adjoining properties. The architecture is unique but compatible with the Town of Easton. The applicant is proposing a truck loading area in the rear of the buildings which connects with Brainard Lane. The staff feels this may cause more trips on Brainard Lane impacting the adjacent residential neighbors. Additionally, it may be utilized by school traffic as a short cut. Access to the site will primarily be via an entrance from Route 50, however, the existing entrance from High Street and a new proposed connection to the Wawa site is also proposed. Michael Clark, a neighbor on Choptank Avenue was concerned with the impact of traffic which will dump onto Choptank Avenue. The Commission was very pleased with the proposed project and felt as though it would be a great enhancement to the Town of Easton. The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the Sketch Site Plan (Parcel “A”)
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as submitted conditioned on the applicant communicating with the adjoining neighbors, and the Sts. Peter and Paul School. The Commission voted 4-0 to approve the subdivision splitting the property into 2 parcels and the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the site plan for (Parcel “B”) which is the retail portion of the property. It was also determined that the Town Engineer must be satisfied with infrastructure and traffic issues.
The application was Lot 8, Brooks Drive requesting sketch site plan for an 11,750 square foot mixed office/warehouse. The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg explained that they propose to construct a 50’ x 200’ mixed use structure on site. Uses of the building are to be a 4,543 square foot office space (2 stories) with 7,200 square foot of warehouse. Andrew Contracting proposes to occupy the office space and some light fabrication work. The second floor of the office space has no use proposed at this time. The building appears to meet all development standards with regards to setbacks, parking and landscaping. Architecture to be metal sided industrial building similar to other structures in the area. The applicant does not want a free standing sign and isn’t proposing any outdoor storage. Upon motion of Mrs. Cheezum, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the sketch site plan as submitted.
The next application was Lot 9, Easton Technology Center requesting sketch site plan review for an 11,750 square foot mixed office / warehouse. The proposed building is being constructed for Chesapeake Medical Systems, Inc and will primarily be warehouse space with some office use. The applicant’s agent Bill Stagg, explained that the building is located in a portion of Technology Center which does not have infrastructure complete at this time. Parking shown meets minimum standard for use, however site plan indicates 3 parking spaces which encroach into truck maneuvering area. The proposed building will be metal with a stucco texture and will have a blue strip along the building which is the company’s corporate colors. Mr. Glass would like to see a sign which directs truck traffic to the rear of the building. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. Brownawell, the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the sketch site plan as submitted.
The next application discussed was 319 Commerce Drive requesting sketch site plan for an 36,000 square feet of warehouse and office space. The proposed site is located next to the Coca Cola plant. The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg explained they are proposing to build a spec building to house multiple uses. This will require a multiple use Special Exception. The building has been divided into 13 separate units and the project is to be built in two phases. Phase 1 has 4,800 square feet in office space and 1,200 square feet in warehouse use. Phase 2 has 3,000 square feet of office space and 7,000 square feet in first floor storage with an additional 10,000 square feet of second story storage. Total required parking is 53 spaces with 53 being shown. Site plan indicated dumpster enclosure along west side of building, however, no such structure is shown on the site plan or elevations. Building architecture is typical for Commerce Drive and landscaping appears to be incompliance with the Zoning Ordinance. Upon motion of Mrs. Cheezum, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the sketch site plan conditioned on the free standing sign be reduced to 10’ and the architecture be consistent with rendering displayed to the Planning Commission.
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The next item discussed was Eckerd’s Pharmacy requesting sketch site plan approval for a 13,824 square foot Eckerd’s located at 8154 Ocean Gateway the existing site of Texaco. The applicant proposes to demolish existing Texaco gas station/convenience store and replace with a new Eckerd Pharmacy/food store. Mr. Bill Stagg, applicant’s agent explained that the proposed store is to be 13,824 square feet which might be oversized for the lot. Access to the site is via 1 entrance from Route 50, and 2 entrances from Orchard Lane with elimination of access from Dover Road. The Applicant is proposing to locate the dumpster enclosure between the building and Route 50 which is inappropriate. Access to the site should be adequate however; traffic on site and parking is not adequate at this time. Required parking for the use is 92 parking spaces they are providing 54 parking spaces. Applicant is requesting a parking waiver for 38 spaces. The staff has suggested the building be pushed to the front of the site with the parking and dumpster moved to the Orchard Lane side of the building. It is our opinion that the 1.31 acre site may be inadequate for the proposed building. Architecture proposed for the building fronts on Dover Road with a drive-thru window on the north side of the building. The Route 50 frontage incorporates loading and service areas which should be located on the opposite side adjacent to Orchard Lane. The building may look nicer with windows along the Route 50 and Orchard Lane elevations at pedestrian level. After much discussion the applicant is to come back before the Commission to review the site plan.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:50 p.m. by motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacie M. Sauca
Planning Secretary