MINUTES OF THE
July 17, 2003
Planning & Zoning Commission
Members Present: John Atwood, Chairman, and members John White, Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.
Staff Present: Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, Zach Smith, GIS Analyst and Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.
Staff Absent: Tom Hamilton, Town Planner.
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 June 19th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the June minutes.
The first item discussed was 21 S. Aurora Street requesting PRD (Planned Re-development) review for the construction of two (2) single family homes. The applicant was represented by Lauren Dianich, architect. The property is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of South Lane and Aurora Street. A single family dwelling was recently demolished from this parcel and a permit is under review to replace with a new single family dwelling. This application is utilizing the provisions of the PRD to add a second unit to this parcel. Mrs. Dianich explained that the houses would face South Lane and the architecture would be compatible with the neighborhood. Parking will be located on the side of house and possibly one or two off -street parking spaces. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the PRD project conditioned on the applicant receiving approval Historic District approval.
The next item was from staff concerning 100 S. Hanson Street. Brian Moore with Talbot County Public Works explained that they would like to erect a 10’ satellite dish on the Health Department Building. They are in the process of going before the Board of Appeals, but need a recommendation from the Planning Commission. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission 5-0 to approve the installation of a 10’ satellite dish as shown on diagram presented and made a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The next item discussed was Fishing Cove Builders requesting sketch site plan review for four (4) two-story buildings containing mixed office uses and mixed commercial. The project is located at 29418 Matthewstown Road. The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg, of Lane Engineering, explained that there are wetlands located on the rear of the site but the buildings will not encroach into that area. Mr. Stagg explained that the building will be close to the street providing the parking in the rear. An interior street could be connected to adjacent properties in the future. The landscaping appears to be in conformance with Zoning Ordinance.
Planning & Zoning Meeting
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July 17, 2003
The architecture proposed is of a brick style. Mr. White would like to see better architecture for the buildings. The Commission was very concerned with the traffic impacts onto Rt.328 Matthewstown Road. Mr. Brownawell explained that this will be a substantial impact on Rt. 328 and that something needs to be done to make this a better road for travelers. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to send a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals, approve the sketch site plan with the condition that the applicant come back to the Commission with new architectural renderings.
The next item discussed was Miller-Hill LLC requesting sketch site plan review for a 3 story, 76 room hotel located at 29315 Matthewstown Road. The property is currently improved with an automotive repair shop and used car sales. Mr. Bill Stagg, the applicant’s agent, explained that access to the property is from Rt. 328 in the proximity of the intersection with Rt. 50 and driveways to Pizza Hut and Hardee’s. There may be improvement needed at this intersection to accommodate this use. The proposed entrance is adequate for incoming patrons however, turning lanes or widening may be required and a better solution to outgoing traffic would be acquire an easement to allow exiting traffic to go to Elliott Road. Proposed architecture is similar to most Hampton Inns. The applicant is currently in negotiations with Hampton Inn, but the proposed is being sought for a hotel of any franchise to locate on the property, however, the architecture detail proposed is presented as being unique to Easton. The proposed architecture would be brick along the bottom and siding on the top portion of the building. Storm water management will be in the rear of the site. Proposed parking exceeds the Zoning Ordinance requirements and the landscaping also appears to comply with the Zoning Ordinance. Mrs. Cheezum was very concerned with the traffic impacts this hotel will cause. Due to the Commission’s strong concerns with added traffic and congestion to Rt. 328 the Commission asked the staff to draft a letter on it’s behalf to the Town Council. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 4-1 (Mrs. Cheezum opposed) to approve the site plan for the 76 room hotel conditioned upon proper review/approval by the State Highway for traffic improvements, applicant absorbing impacts fees determined by the Town of Easton/State Highway, sidewalk parallel to Matthewstown Road and if any architectural changes are made the applicant must return to the Commission.
The Commission discussed the problem of discussing transportation issues without having a representative from the Town Engineers office present. They asked that in the future whenever projects which involve major transportation issues that either the Town Engineer or his Assistant Town Engineer be present to answer any questions that the Commission may have.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m. by motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacie M. Sauca
Planning Secretary