MINUTES OF THE
May 20, 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 April15th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the April minutes.
The fist item discussed was an item from staff concerning an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hamilton asked the Commission to again review the proposed amendment regarding the 65,000 square foot cap on retail business. The Town Council has reviewed the amendment and asked the Commission to consider a change which would include sites adjacent to existing shopping centers. After considerable discussion it was determined that the amendment be expanded to include those sites adjacent to shopping center approved after date of adoption of the amendment. On the motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. Atwood the Commission approved the change with a 4-1 vote.
The next application discussed 301 Bay Street requesting Sketch site plan review for a two story office building to house State of Maryland Department of Human Resources. Mr. Stagg, the applicant’s agent, explained that the proposed project is the completion of the office complex roughly located behind the Tred Avon Shopping Center with frontage on Bay Street. Due to environmental constraints access can not be constructed to this site directly from Bay Street. Access to the site is via the private driveway to the Bay Street properties across the bridge between the Bay Street ponds. Mr. Stagg stated that the parking required for the project is 147 spaces. However, the applicant is showing 105 spaces on site, which includes 40 spaces on the basement floor of the building. The site plan indicates a waiver of 12 spaces and a deferment of 20 additional spaces. Mr. Shelly Curry, Architect for the project explained that the proposed building would be a 3 story brick building, with lower level parking. The Commission discussed in great detail the need for a sidewalk. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sketch site plan conditioned on a solution being acceptable to the Town Engineer for a pedestrian right-of-way, also the building is to be reduced is size, therefore, no parking waiver is necessary.
Planning & Zoning Minutes
Page 2
May 20, 2004
The next application was Jasco, Inc (Lot 3, Easton Technology Center) requesting sketch site plan review for a three story corporate headquarters for Jasco, Inc. Frank Mason, President & CEO of Jasco, Inc. explained to the Commission that Jasco is currently located on Commerce Drive and has been in Easton since 1973 and currently have 35 employees. They are a manufacturer of analytical instruments for pharmaceutical companies. Mr. Stagg explained that the building is located in the first cul-de-sac to the right
next to the building which was originally constructed by 3di. He explained that Storm Water Management will be to the rear of the site. The applicant is requesting a waiver of 42 parking spaces. Truck traffic and staff parking will be utilized through the rear of the property. Ernie Olds, with Becker Morgan Group, explained that the architecture of the building would be a combination of glass, metal and concrete. The current height of the building is 40’ which will require a 6’ height Variance. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sketch site plan, waiving 42 parking spaces, deferring 9 spaces and making a favorable recommendation to the Board of Appeals for a 6’ height Variance.
The next application was Lots 61 & 62 Carlton Business Park requesting Sketch site plan review for two structures in the I1 zoning district. Mr. Stagg explained that this project is the same as was originally submitted and approved in the spring of 2000. Sine there has been no activity on the project it is required to be reviewed again by the Planning Commission. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 5-0 approve the sketch site plan.
The next item was from staff concerning Architectural Standards. Councilman Jensen explained that a committee has been formed to discuss a proposal for Architectural Standards for the Town of Easton. Mr. Jensen suggested that the Town hire 1 architect who would review the architecture for commercial projects. He felt that this would not in any way delay the review process. Mr. Brownawell stated that he thought the Architectural Guidelines were a great idea and much needed, however he doesn’t feel that having an architect review each set of plans would be very efficient. Mr. Atwood would like to get Architectural Standards in place which would be given to each developer and try the process this way instead of having one or more persons reviewing the plans. The Commission was in agreement. Mr. Hamilton will prepare a letter to the Town Council.
The next item also from staff was 320 E. Dover Street. Mr. Hamilton explained that the applicant, Sandra C. Flores, would like to open a Mexican grocery store at 320 E. Dover Street. This building has no parking but is zoned CG which allows the use proposed. Historically, the building has been occupied by a variety of uses, including retail sales. There has never been any off street parking associated with the lot. Mr. Hamilton stated that the staff agrees with their request and supports a parking waiver. Upon motion of Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 approve the request and waive parking.
Planning & Zoning Minutes
Page 3
May 20, 2004
The next item discussed was a request for a Temporary Office Facility for Memorial Hospital. Mr. Ryan Showalter, explained that Section 807 of the Zoning
Ordinance stated that temporary uses not listed in Table 5.1 should be reviewed and permitted by the Planning Commission. The Hospital is requesting temporary offices at the Hospital during on going construction. Mr. Showalter, felt as though the trailers would be needed for four years. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the request for temporary trailers for a maximum of 4 years.
Mr. Hamilton distributed to the Commission copies of suggested changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hamilton asked the Commission to review and then we will schedule a workshop meeting to discuss in detail.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. by Motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacie S. Rice
Planning & Zoning Secretary