MINUTES OF THE
October 17, 2002
Planning & Zoning Commission
Members Present: John Atwood, Chairman, and members Chris Brownawell,
Linda Cheezum and Dan Swann.
Members Absent: John White.
Staff Present: Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Matt Davis, 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 on the agenda was the
approval of the September 19th minutes. Upon motion of Mr. Swann
seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 4-0 approve the September minutes.
The first item on the agenda was the Easton Volunteer
Fire Department requesting construction of a 5,000 square foot fire substation.
The proposed substation would be located off the north side of Matthewstown
Road (Route 328) on a lot improved with the town
water tower. Mr. Gregory Gilbert, Architect with Bignell, Watkins, & Hasser
explained that the substation would have brick architecture with a metal roof.
Mr. Gilbert also mentioned that the building is sited on the lot to facilitate
ingress/egress and avoid obstruction of a water pipe which runs through the
center of the lot from the water tank to the highway. The fire substation has
been designed to accommodate sleeping quarters for fire personnel in order to
prepare for the possibility of a paid crew in the future. Mr. Hamilton explained
that this parcel is owned by the Town of Easton
which is surrounded by County owned property on each side. All parking shown
is required and storm water management will be addressed. Mr. Hamilton also
explained that having a fire substation on the East side of Route 50 close to
where the volunteers live and during the summer months when it is tough to get
across Route 50 will be a benefit. Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded
by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve a sketch site plan pending
all technical issues are resolved with the Town Staff.
The next item on the agenda was 8708 Brooks Drive.
The applicant would like to construct a 14,100 square foot storage/office building.
The applicant’s agent, Perry Otwell, explained that Warren’s Wood Works is proposing
to construct a new building which will house (3,600 square feet) of office space
and (3,600 square feet) of display area in addition to indoor storage of lumber
products. The new building will look identical to the other buildings on this
site. The only difference is the fact that the new building will have windows
which make the building look much more attractive. Mr. Clem, owner, explained
that landscaping will be completed. Mr. Clem also mentioned that he may relocate
the main entrance to be adjacent to the new building and will provide screening
in the existing chain link gate. Upon motion of Mrs. Cheezum, seconded by Mr.
Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the sketch site plan deferring 11
parking spaces waiving 24 and made a favorable recommendation to the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
Planning & Zoning Meeting
Page 2
October 17, 2002
The next item discussed was the Easton Airport with a request to construct
an avionics maintenance hanger at the airport adjacent to the airport taxi way.
Mr. Hamilton explained that due to the size of the structure the zoning ordinance
requires a planning commission site plan review. The size, location and appearance
of this type structure is rather obvious and the only actual review necessary
is a technical one by the staff. All development at the airport is controlled
by the Airport Master Plan which indicates location and types of uses. There
are 9 parking spaces provided adjacent to the hanger which is adequate. Upon
motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to
approve the request to construct an avionics maintenance hanger.
The next item discussed was 119 & 129 Pennsylvania
Avenue. The applicant is requesting a PRD (Planned Re-Development)
project & boundary adjustment for a 3 unit residential project. The applicant’s
agent, Bill Stagg, explained that this is a planned re-development project located
at the corner of Cherry Street and Pennsylvania
Avenue, on two existing lots which are each improved with single
family dwellings. The applicant proposes to demolish the existing single family
dwelling adjusting the lot size creating a larger lot on the corner which will
then be improved with a duplex. The house located on the other lot will be
preserved and renovated. Mr. Stagg, the applicant’s agent, explained that there
is adequate parking and that all landscaping standards will be met. The Town
Engineer would like the developer to construct a sidewalk and provide new curbing.
Mr. Atwood, feels as though this is a great opportunity to enhance the property.
Upon motion of Mr. Swann seconded by Mrs. Cheezum the Commission voted 4-0 to
approve the Planned Re-Development project subject to sidewalks and curbing
issues being worked out with the Town Engineer.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 2:35
p.m. by motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mrs. Cheezum.
Respectfully
submitted,
Stacie
M. Sauca
Planning
Secretary