MINUTES OF THE
February 20, 2003
Planning & Zoning Commission
Members Present: John Atwood, Chairman, and members John White, Chris Brownawell, Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.
Staff Present: Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Matt Davis, Assistant Town 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 on the agenda was the approval of the January 16th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Swann seconded by Mr. White the Commission voted 5-0 to approve the January 16th minutes.
The first item discussed was Passyn & Passyn requesting review of a mixed use PUD (Planned Unit Development) sketch subdivision of 535 residential lots. The property is located directly east of the existing Matthewstown Run Subdivision. Ron Young, agent, for the applicant explained the changes to the project and pointed out that he felt the project complied with the Smart Growth program recommended by the State. Ken Schmeid, of Traffic Concepts, explained the issues with traffic along Matthewstown Road which included improvements to the intersection with route 50. Tom Hamilton commented that he felt the applicants have not created a site plan which he feels is worthy of a PUD density bonus. He pointed out that the applicant has never really addressed the design issues as requested by the Commission and Town Staff and that a major redesign was necessary to fix the issues. He also pointed out that should the commission want to approve the application the technical issues could be addressed and we could make the site plan work. Mr. White did not like the row of town homes along the boulevard and was not pleased with the layout of houses along Matthewstown Road. Mr. Brownawell felt that the project was not good and recommended that the applicant pay attention to the staffs comments. The Commission failed for the third time to make any recommendation to the Town Council on this project.
The next item was from staff concerning Poplar Hill Farm (Hospital Property) located on Oxford Road for discussion purposes only. Mr. Joe Ross, of Shore Health Systems, explained their plans to in the future, have a senior care community and a hospital facility at this location. Mr. Ross showed the Commission their sketch drawings.
The next item was from staff concerning a temporary use for Lowe's Garden Center. They are requesting to place a temporary fence to be used as a garden center from now until October. Similar approval was granted last year. Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 5-0 to approve Lowe's request.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. by Motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann.
Stacie M. Sauca
Planning Secretary