MINUTES OF THE
January 17, 2002
Planning & Zoning Commisison
Members present: John Atwood, Chairman, and members John White, Chris Brownawell, and Dan Swann.
Members Absent: Charles Goebel.
Staff Present: Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Lynn Thomas, Assistant Town Planner, Mike Kenney, Current Planner, and Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.
Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m. The first item was the election of 2002 officers. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Brownawell the Commission voted 4-0 to re-appoint Mr. Atwood as Chairman. Also, Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to re-appoint Mr. White as Vice-Chairman.
The next order of business was the approval of the December 20th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the December minutes as revised by discussion.
The first item on the agenda was The American Legion Post 70. The applicant is requesting to construct a 4,000 square foot facility to house the Post 70 lodge of the American Legion. Mr. Tom Lane, the applicant's agent explained that the facility would include meeting facilities, and food service/alcohol. The American Legion was previously located on Dover Street. This project is within the PRD (Planned Redevelopment District). Mr. White was not pleased with the layout of the building on the lot because it exposed its side and rear elevations toward the public streets. Upon motion of Mr. Swann, seconded by Mr. Brownawell, the Commission voted 3-1 (Mr. White Opposed) to approve the sketch site plan as presented and to make a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Their approval was subject to architectural enhancements, which include shutters, porte-cochere, dormers on the front of the building, a brick foundation, and enhancement of the landscaping between the rear of the building and the rail trail.
The next item on the agenda was 23 N. Hanson Street. Mr. Hamilton explained that Andrew Evans, owner at the Inn at Easton located on Harrison Street is requesting a special exception to convert a garage at his home on Hanson Street to a bedroom unit to be used occasionally by guests of the Inn. One issue of concern is the parking. The Evan's currently have a garage and drive which complies with the ordinance parking standards. The Special Exception request would add the need for one additional parking space and at the same time eliminate the garage. They normally park their cars on the street in front of their house leaving their driveway open for potential guests at the Inn. Mr. Evans also requested the Commission waive one parking space. The proposed structure is located within the Historic District and the applicant's have received approval from the Historic District Commission. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Brownawell, the
Planning & Zoning Meeting
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January 18, 2002
Commission voted 4-0 to approve the request on the condition that the use of the Hanson Street property for guests of the Inn shall cease if the Hanson Street property becomes owned by anyone who does not also own the Inn. The Commission waived 1 of the three off street parking spaces and the Commission also voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the special exception subject to the conditions.
The next item on the agenda was 8221 Teal Drive. The applicant was Kathleen Hopkins who seeks a Special Exception to operate an indoor recreation center for children and a variance from the 5 acre requirement. Ms. Hopkins explained that her business called Guppy's is an indoor playground/activity center for children 6 years and under. They will feature playspaces including playstructures with climbing and slide activities, as well as separate soft play areas for pre toddlers. There will be hands-on activities. Guppy's will also be available for party rentals on the weekends. The building is being constructed by Peninsula Construction in the Carlton Business Park. The Commission felt that the use was included under item # 6. (Commercial Amusement Recreation) therefore the Variance was not necessary. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Brownawell, the Commission voted 4-0 to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals for the Special Exception.
The next item was from staff regarding the Easton Club East, Phase 2 final plats. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann, the Commission voted 4-0 to authorize the Chairman to sign the plats.
The next item was also from staff concerning The Matthewstown Run, Section 4, Utility Amendment Plan Lot Line Revision for lots 199, 225, & 226. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 3-1 (Mr. Swann Opposed) to authorize the Chairman to sign the plats once the Health Department has signed the plats.
Mr. Hamilton passed out a draft of the letter from the Commission to the Town Council regarding Easton Village on the Tred Avon River. The Commission revised the letter and approved it as revised. Mr. Swann asked the Chairman to reopen the review so he could add a condition. Mr. Atwood decided not to reopen the discussion on the project.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m. by motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Brownawell.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacie M. Sauca
Planning Secretary