MINUTES OF THE
June 17, 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, Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, Zach Smith, GIS Analyst, and Stacie Rice.
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 May 20th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. Moore the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the May minutes.
The first item discussed was 22, 24, & 26 N. Harrison Street requesting demolition of existing structures, located between the Tidewater Inn and SunTrust Bank and construct new mixed use retail/hospitality 1st floor and residential 2nd floor. The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg, explained that this project is a PUD within a base CR Zoning District in order to increase the allowable residential density. Mr. Tim Dill’s, owner and developer stated that the property is 14,412 square feet or .35 acres and the project proposed 29,500 square feet on two floors with 12,000 square feet of that being 1st floor commercial uses and 12 2 bedroom condos on the second floor. The Commission was in support of this project and asked Mr. Hamilton to relay to the Historic District Commission. No action was taken and it was to be discussed again after the Historic District has reviewed the request.
The next item discussed was 114 Bay Street requesting sketch site plan review for a 3 story office building. The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg, explained that this property is currently vacant and is located on the south side of Bay Street next to St. Marks Village and adjacent to the Bay Street ponds and the old bottling plant. Mr. Stagg stated that 79 parking spaces are provided in the rear of the building. Proposed site backs up to the Town of Easton parking lot and the applicant proposes a pedestrian access to said parking. The architect stated the proposed project is an office complex which is designed to be similar to the Washington Street fronting in the Town Center. Mr. Hamilton stated that it looked like it is designed as one big building trying to look like smaller buildings. Mrs. Cheezum is concerned with the traffic egress onto Bay Street. The Commission would like for the applicant for modify the architecture mainly focusing on the roof pitches. The applicants will revise drawing and return to the Commission at their July 15, 2004 meeting.
Planning & Zoning Meeting
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June 17, 2004
The next item discussed was Ratcliffe Farm architectural review. Mr. Stagg, of Lane Engineering and Rich Bruce, with Elm Street showed the Commission a slide show demonstrating the architectural requirements for all structures within the development. The Commission was very pleased with the work that has been done by Elm Street and looks forward to the project. The Commission was given a draft “Pattern Book” and master landscape plan.
The next item was Applebee’s Restaurant requesting sketch site plan review for a 5,440 square foot Applebee’s Restaurant. Ryan Showalter, the applicant’s agent, explained that this project is located in the Easton Commons Subdivision at Route 50 and Chapel Road. The proposed building will be brick and will have no neon signage. They are proposing substantial landscaping to screen the back trash enclosure area. Access to the site will be via Commons Drive. They are proposing 94 parking spaces and asking for a waiver of 15 parking spaces. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sketch site plan conditioned on waiving 15 parking spaces, the subdivision plat being recorded and the State Highway’s approval.
The next application discussed was Lot 22, Glebe Business Park requesting sketch site plan review for a 13,975 square foot mini-storage building. The applicant, Dan Lerian explained that he is proposing a single building which will be divided into 100 storage units of various sizes. Proposed building would be metal framed with a flat roof. Landscaping is in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. Moore the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sketch site plan conditioned on modifying the front of the storage unit to create at “false front” eliminating the doors to the storage units and adding a pitched roof appearance.
The Commission set July 7th as the date for the next workshop on the Zoning Ordinance.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. by Motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacie S. Rice
Planning & Zoning Secretary