HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 MinutesWASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -JANUARY 4,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on
January 4,1988 at 7:00 PM in Court Room No.1 of the Court House.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Ex-Officio,Richard E.Roulette;
Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr.Ray Johns and Judith A.Acord.Staff:Executive
Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate
Planner,Timothy A.Lung;Associate Planner,Lisa A.Kelly;Deputy Director
of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich;and Secretary,Janet L.King.
Absent were Vice-Chairman;Donald E.Zombro and Sidney Salitsky.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:05 PM.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to approve the minutes of the December regular
meeting as presented,seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
~UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
~Troupe Run Mobile Home Park--Water and Sewerage Plan Amendment:
~Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that as of last month the staff had notc:c yet received a formal application to amend the Washington County Water andc:c Sewerage Plan.He stated that a formal application was received on December
22,1987 and noted that once an application to amend the Water and Sewerage
Plan has been received,the Planning Commission is required by law to hold a
pUblic hearing to consider the amendment if the applicant so desires.
At this time,Mr.Kenneth Mackley,attorney for the applicant,stated that
his client is requesting a public hearing to consider the amendment to the
Water and Sewerage Plan.
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the notice for the public hearing will be
advertised and all parties involved will be notified as well.Correspondence
has been received from the residents of the area on this matter and will be
made part of the public hearing.
Ronald Leggett:
Mr.Gcodrich informed the Commission that during the December meeting,Mr.
Leggett requested that the Planning Commission override the County
Engineer's decision to permit only 3 additional subdivided lots along Monroe
Road and to allow him to subdivide 5 lots.He noted that during last
mcnth's meeting,it was agreed that the members would visit the site
individually before a decision would be made.Mr.Iseminger stated that
when he visited the site he had to pUll to the side of the road to allow for
oncoming cars to pass.After a discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to
comply with the County Engineer's recommendation to approve only 3
SUbdivided lots instead of the 5 as requested by Mr.Leggett,seconded by
Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
CORRESPCNDENCE:
Letter from State Planning Commission:
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter from the State Planning
Commission regarding the visit by Mr.Thomas Beyard.No action was taken by
the Commission.
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NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
The Errmanuel Chapel:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance for the Errmanuel Chapel,located on lot
#12 of the Holiday Farms subdivision which is on the north side of Route
64.At the time of the approval of lot #12,which was proposed for the
Errmanuel Chapel,access to the property was from Auburn Drive.At the time
of the transfer of lot #12 from the original developer to the Errmanuel
Chapel,there was an agreement made that within a period of 5 years the
access onto Auburn Drive would be abandonded and a new point of access would
be established outside of the Holiday Farms subdivision.At this time,the
church is proposing to relocate the access onto Route 64.The County's
Highway Plan classifies Route 64 as a Minor Arterial roadway which requires
500 feet of separation between access points.The County Engineer has no
objections to the access location.The State Highway Administration has
verbally strongly recommended against future access locations along Route
64.Evan Smith of the State Highway Administration has stated that he would
be willing to work with the applicant and move the proposed location to the
west.
Reverend Laye of the Errmanuel Chapel stated that it was not in the original
agreement to abandon the two accesses onto Auburn Drive.He noted that he
would be willing to work with the State Highway Administration to determine
a proper access location;however,the sewer service is located to the west
of the proposed location,and it would be impossible to move the location to
"the west.
After a discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the variance based
on the hardship conditional upon the potential to met the design
requirements of the State Highway Administration and the church move the
access to the west as far as possible without affecting the septic system
area,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
William H.Williams:
Miss Kelly presented the preliminary and final plat for William Williams
consisting of 4 lots proposed for residential use.The subject site is
located on the north side of Mill Point Road,.5 miles east of Alternate
Route 40.Mr.williams is proposing to subdivide his 15.2 acre tract into 4
lots on a total of 9 acres.Lot sizes will range from 2 to 2.5 acres and
will be served by private well and septic system.A 50 foot panhandle is
reserved for access to the remaining 6 acres.All agency approvals have
been received.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary and final
plat approval,seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Van Lear Manor,Section 10:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Van Lear Manor Section
10,Block A and B to consist of 35 residential lots on 17 acres located off
D::lub Road directly across from Coney Court.The developer is proposing to
construct two new roads to be called Hershey Drive and Caldwell Court.Lot
sizes will range from .3 acres to .5 acres and will be served by pUblic
water and sewer.Approvals have been received from the Water Department,
Sanitary District,and Health Department.Approval from the local fire
department has been received for fire hydrant locations.The County
Engineer has approved the roadway construction drawings and the subdivision
plat.Mr.Lung noted that the County Engineer verified that the mapped
floodplain in the vicinity of Hershey Drive and D::lub Road is not effected by
any of the proposed development.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant
preliminary and final plat approval,seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
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Scenic View Estates:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Scenic View Estates,
lots 4 through 7,located on the south side of Alternate Route 40,just east
of Mill Point Road.Mr.Lung noted that this is the first section of a
proposed 22 lot residential subdivision.The proposed lots in this section
will front on Alternate Route 40 with shared accesses meeting the separation
requirements of the Washington County Highway Plan.Each lot will be served
by private wells and septic systems.The County Engineer and State Highway
Administration have approved the subdivision plat.The Health Department
stated that all perc tests have passed but some of the well locations were
too close to the proposed houses.This has been changed on the final plat
but an approval has not been received from the Health Department.Ms.Acord
made a motion to grant preliminary and final approval conditional upon
Heal th Department approval,seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Trebor Industries,Inc.:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary plat and site plan for Trebor
Industries (parcel I for the Board of County Commissioners),located in the
Washington County Business Park.The site consists of 6 acres along the
east side of the Western Maryland Parkway.Standard Acoustical is adjacent
to this site.An office and warehouse for administration and marketing of
electronic instrumentation is the proposed use.Parking,to consist of 43
spaces,is proposed on the north side of the building with a loading area to
the rear.The site will be served by pUblic water and pUblic sewer.
Approval from the Water Department has been received with the suggestion
that the fire line and the hydrant be combined.All other agency approvals
have been received.The Halfway Volunteer Fire Company approves the site
plan as shown,which includes the fire hydrant at the front of the site,as
long as the fire hydrants are placed,as approved,for Standard Acoustical
to the south in the same manner the fire company has requested for the Lesky
property to the north.Mr.Goodrich stated that there has not been a
hydrant approved for the Lesky site.He noted that the fire company would
like to see a separate hydrant for Standard Acoustical,Lesky,and Trebor.
The Health Department approval is outstanding.All requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance have been met as well as the revisions requested by the
reviewing agencies.Dc.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary plat and
site plan approval conditional upon receipt of Health Department approval,
seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
At this time,Mr.Jack Byers stated that there has been a request to add two
items to the agenda:1)Highland Manor Mobile Horne Park and 2)Alan Bowers.
Dr.Johns made a motion to add the above-referenced items to the agenda,
seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Highland Manor Mobile Horne Park:
Mr.Goodrich stated that several months ago the Commission granted
conditional preliminary plat and site plan approval for Highland Manor to
allow the loan process through Farmers Home Administration to continue.All
of the details have been worked out and the development is now ready for
final approval.
The mobile home park is located on the west side of Route 63 south of
Huyetts Crossroads.Phase 1 will consist of 77 lots to be used as mobile
horne sites.Mr.Goodrich noted that the total development will contain over
200 mobile horne lots plus a small commercial area.The proposed roads will
be built to County standards.Lot are a minimum of 4400 square feet.
Public water will serve the site from a line located in Route 63,and a
package sewage treatment plant is to be located on the east side of Route
63.The Sanitary District approval of the package treatment plant was
received on December 28,1987.The plan will serve this development only.
The undeveloped land between the proposed entrances and Route 63 is reserved
for storrnwater management,open space,and a recreation area.Dr.Johns
made a motion to grant final plat approval,seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
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Alan Bowers:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that in August,1987,he approved a
one-lot subdivision for Alan Bowers to convey the lot to an immediate family
member.He noted that when Mr.Bowers applied for a loan,the lending
institution would not approve the loan because of the restriction.Mr.
Hawbaker suggested a solution would be to add wording to the 5-year
provision of the Subdivision Ordinance as follows:"except as may be
required to satisfy a lending institution or other mortgagee in case of loan
default".Mr.Roulette made a motion to approve of the statement being
added to the plat,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Site Plans:
Hagerstown Junior College Athletic Center:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that this application was received from
the Permits Office and that after the staff's review,all requirements have
been satisfied except for the required parking area.Mr.Goodrich stated
that the proposed parking consists of only 80 spaces.He noted that on the
staff's initial review of the plan on December 21,1987,there were 7
requirements that were missing from the plan that needed to be addressed.A
letter was sUbsquently received from Bushey Associates which addressed the 7
concerns and also made an attempt to address the concern on the parking
situation.Mr.Goodrich stated that the staff feels that the parking is
still inadequate.At this time,the building is designed to accommodate
1500 people during an athletic event while the proposed parking would
accommodate only 80 cars.The Hagerstown Junior College administration and
.Bushey Associates feel that there is adequate existing parking at the
college to serve those that would attend an athletic event.The college has
informed the staff that it will make every effort to schedule athletic
events only during times of low activity at other areas on campus.Bushey
Associates stated in their letter that there are a total of 700 parking
spaces on campus.The staff discussed several ways to develop the method to
determine the number of parking spaces that should be available and decided
to use the parking standard listed under "Educational (Schools)"in the
Zoning Ordinance.This requirement requires one space per employee plus
ample student and visitor parking.Mr.Goodrich noted that there are
additional parking standards in the Zoning Ordinance for Theatres,Stadiums
and Auditoriums which require one parking space for every two seats.If
this standard is used,750 spaces for this building would be required.The
Planning Commission expressed considerable concern for the numerous problems
that would result if adequate parking were not provided for this new
facility.Dr.Johns said that much of the available parking is presently
utilized to full capacity both day and evening,and Mr.Iseminger said that
it would not be practical or safe for the public to have to walk across
campus to the new building in inclement weather.It was a general concensus
of the Commission that additional parking is necessary in the immediate
vicinity of the new facility even if it is of a temporary nature until the
Junior College administration can find funds to construct permanent
parking.After a discussion regarding several possible locations for the
proposed parking,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to approve the site plan with
the understanding that the College will submit a revised plan showing the
necessary parking and that the plan must be approved by the Planning
Commission prior to occupancy of the facility.The motion was seconded by
Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Maurice Martin:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Maurice Martin;the property is located
on the west side of Route 63,.8 miles south of Huyetts Crossroads.A
subdivision plat which subdivided Mr.Martin's 27 acre tract into two lots
was approved in November,1987.A variance was also granted to create the
21 acre tract to the rear without public road frontage.Mr.Martin is
proposing to sell the 21 acre tract for residential development and develop
the remaining 7 acres for commercial use.The site plan is for the
construction of an 80 x 200'warehouse building.Adequate parking is
provided along the south side of the building.Loading areas are located at
the side and rear of the building,and the dumpster is located at the rear.
Adequate landscaping is provided around the parking area and to the front of
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the building.The site will be served by a private septic system and public
water.Access to the site is provided across a road off of Route 63 which
will also serve the residential lot to the rear.This road will be built to
County standards in the future and later dedicated to the County.The State
Highway Administration requested revisions be made to the design of the
entrance onto Route 63.The County Engineer has approved the stormwater
management and grading plan for the site.The previously approved
subdivision plat showed the lot to the rear to be served by a private well
with no provision made for water on the subject site.Mr.Lung noted that
the Water and Sewerage Plan classification of this parcel will need to be
amended from W-7 (no planned service)to at least a W-5 service priority.
This could be handled during one the the comprehensive reviews of the Plan.
All agency approvals have been received except for the State Highway
Administration.Mr.Roulette made a metion to grant site plan approval
conditional upon receipt of State Highway Administration approval,seconded
by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Preliminary Consultations:
Roger Wolf:
The preliminary consultation for Roger Wolf was presented to the Commission
for its information only and nothing to be added by the staff.No action
was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
State Planning Commission Presentation:
Mr.Thomas Beyard with the State Planning Commission was unable to attend
the meeting.No action was taken by the Commission.
Towne Oak Village Site Plan Amendment:
Mr.Lung stated that this request is a result of the November 12,1987
letter from the Deputy Director of Permits and Inspections to Paul Crampton,
developer of Towne Oak Village,concerning items on the approved site plans
for Sections A and B not being completed.Mr.Crampton has requested that
the Planning Commission allow him to revise the previously approved site
plans.
Catherine Parks of Fox and Associates,consultant for the developer,
requested to change two items:1)Move the location of the temporary bus
waiting area to a mere centralized location on the west side of Fairway Lane
near Putter Drive.Mrs.Parks stated that this location is acceptable to
both the Board of Education and the Washington County Commuter,and 2)To
not be required to construct the concrete sidewalks along Clubhouse Drive,
Golfview Drive,and Putter Drive.Mrs.Parks stated that due to the open
section design of the streets and the fact that most of the lots have been
sold and landscaped,construction of the sidewalks at this time would be
diffcult and not practical.Mrs.Parks noted that Mr.Crampton is willing
to comply with the other requests in the Deputy Director's letter including
construction of tot lots,a bituninous concrete walkway along Fairway Lane,
and connecting walkways to the tot lots and bus waiting area.
The Planning Commission did not object to changing the location of the bus
waiting area.Mr.Lung noted that in order for this location to be usable,
a bridge or pipe would have to be installed in the drainage swale along
Fairway Lane.He also informed the Commission that the State Highway
Administration has installed a pedestrian cross-walk signal at the
intersection of MD Route 632 and Fairway Lane and that the sidewalk system
in Towne Oak Village should tie in with this crosswalk.
Following a discussion,the Commission,by concensus,concluded that all of
the sidewalks should be constructed as shown on the approved Preliminary
Plat/Site Plans for Sections A and B.The staff is to obtain more
information from the State Highway Administration concerning the crosswalk
at Route 632 and make a recommendation to the Planning Commission relative
to construction of a walkway leading to the crosswalk.
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PUD -Roy Diller:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the Zoning Ordinance requires that all PUD concept
plans be reviewed by the Commission before proceeding with a public hearing.
Mr.Lung stated that the Diller property is located along the east side of
Route 11 near the Washington County Regional Airport south of the
intersection of Showalter Road.The site is currently zoned Agricultural
and is located within the Urban Growth Area.Mr.Diller is proposing to
construct 60 townhouses,46 duplexes,65 single-family homes on his tract
which surrounds 15 lots in a separate ownership.In addition,the plans
propose two commercial parcels and one other parcel to utilize an existing
barn for commercial use along Route 11.•Mr.Lung stated that the concept
appears to meet the criteria for a PUD.The State Highway Administration
has stated that it would approve the entrance locations buth that the
commercial access should be off of the interior street system.The Sanitary
District has indicated that there is adequate sewer allocation for this
area.Mr.Lung noted that 25 percent of the 77 acres is being reserved for
open space.Dr.Johns expressed concern over the site's close proximity to
the Airport and the possibility of noise complaints by the residents.The
Commission advised the applicant to proceed with the project and file for a
pUblic hearing.
Letter from Dr.Ray Johns:
Dr.Ray Johns passed out a memo containing points to consider on the Highway
Plan Access Distance to be discussed at a later date.Mr.Hawbaker informed
.the Corrunission that the matter is still being reviewed by the County
Engineer and that a response is expected soon.
ADJOURNMENT :
There being no further discussion,the meeting adjourned at 10:15 PM.
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WASHING'IDN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -FEBRUARY 1,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on
February 1,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in Court Room No.1 of the Court House.
Members present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice--Chairman,D:mald E.
Zombro;Ex-Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Sidney
Salitsky,Dr.Ray Johns,and Judith A.Acord.Staff present were:
Executive Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;
Associate Planners,Timothy A.Lung and Lisa A.Kelly;Deputy Director of
Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich;and Secretary,Janet L.King.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to amend the minutes of the January regular
meeting for Hagerstown Junior College Athletic Center to state that HJC will
submit a plan showing the projected parking areas and to outline a
contingency plan showing the proposed parking areas,seconded by Mr.
Roulette.So ordered.
Mr.Ismeinger made a motion to approve the minutes of the January regular
meeting as amended,seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
NEW BUSINESS:
variances:
"Arthur Litton:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for Arthur Litton,located on the
east side of St.Paul's Church Road.Mr.Litton is proposing to subdivide a
5 acre parcel from his 178 acre farm to convey to his brother.Access to
the proposed lot will be via a 25'panhandle which will be 190'from the
existing driveways.The variance is being requested from the 300'distance
requirement on a Major Collector roadway.Mr.Litton stated that his
hardship would be moving the access location would take away his road
frontage and he would have to remove some of the pine trees.Mr.Zombro
made a motion to grant the variance based on a hardship that would result
from strict compliance to the Ordinance,seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So
ordered.
Clarence Cool:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance for Clarence Cool.The property is
located in an area of the County known as Blue Mountain near Highfield.Mr.
Cool is proposing to create a lot without the required pUblic road
frontage.Mr.Witter of Fox and Associates stated that Blue Mountain Road
is maintained only for a short distance from Edgemont Road and falls short
of this property.Mr.Goodrich stated that access to the site will be via a
private portion of Blue Mountain Road.The staff feels that this access is
less than desireable due to the steep grade and unstable road surface.He
also noted that others use the right-of-way to access a home on the other
side of a bridge that crosses the railroad tracks.Mr.Iseminger made a
motion to grant the varinace based on a hardshi that would result from
strict compliance to the Ordinance with a revision for a 50'right-of-way
dedicated to the County,seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Keller Nigh--Miller Tract:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that Mr.Nigh is requesting permission of the Planning
Commission to subdivide a 20-acre parcel by the simplified plat process.
The portion that is the SUbject of this request is part of the total Miller
tract fronting on Robinwood Drive and is zoned RM while the remainder of the
land is zoned A.Mr.Nigh stated that he is a contract purchaser of the lot
and noted that the 20 acres already has three boundaries established and the
the fourth boundary will coincide with the zoning boundary.Mr.Hawbaker
noted that this is not so much a variance request as it is a correction of a
mistake when the zoning was first assigned to the land in 1973.A plat
should have been required by the Planning Commission at that time to agree
with the new zoning boundary.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the
variance to clarify an error that was made in the original zoning in 1973.
The motion was seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Hagerstown Junior College Athletic Center:
Mr.Iseminger stated that the intent of the motion during the January
meeting was to alert HJC on the parking problem and to have them come up
with a contingency plan for proposed parking at HJC prior to the issuance of
a Use and Occupance permit.Mr.George Bushey of Bushey and Associates
stated that a parking area with a limited number of spaces will be located
at the front of the athletic center but that as the demand athletic events
expands,the increase in parking area will be a part of the expansion
process.Mr.Bushey explained that the existing parking facilities on the
campus will be used for the new athletic center and all events in the new
complex will be scheduled so as not to interfere with the college's academic
schedule thereby making available existing parking.As the center expands,
three new parking areas will be constructed within 1000 feet of the center.
Mr.Bushey noted that the parking area for phase 1 will be a total of 970
spaces on the campus.Phase 2 will have an additional 180 parking spaces to
be constructed between 1990 and 1992.He noted that a pool and racquetball
courts will be constructed during that period as well.In phase 3 two other
locations are being considered for parking areas to accommodate 300
additional parking spaces.This would give the total number of parking
spaces on campus at 1,870.Mr.Bushey stated stated that until additional
parking areas can be constructed,a shuttling system from other locations is
being considered.Mr.Iseminger questioned if the existing sidewalks and
lighting facilities are adequate at the present time and Mr.Bushey stated
that the sidewalks are,but that the lighting could be upgraded.By
consensus,the Commission feels that lighting for the parking and walkway
areas should be addressed on the plat.
Subdivision:
James Golden:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary plat and site plan for James Golden for
his property ,located on the south side of State Line Road just west of the
State Line Road and 1-81 interchange.The property has the current zoning
of HI.In 1986,the Planning Commission approved a site plan for an Econo-
lodge motel and restaurant on 5.6 acres.This site plan and preliminary
plat in question involves revisions to the site plan for the restaurant and
the creation of a new lot for the restaurant.The existing entrance on
State Line Road and Mason Dixon Lane will be used.Adequate parking and
landscaping has been provided on the revised plan.The property will be
served by a private well located on the motel property.The Health
Department has requested that future well locations be shown on the plat for
the restaurant and for future needs.Comments have been received from
Antrim Township stating that sewage from the motel and restaurant will go to
the plant in Antrim Township.They also approved the additional sewage
disposal for the restaurant to go into the Antrim Township plant.The
County Engineer has approved the preliminary subdivision plat but requested
revisions to the site plan.
Mr.Lung stated that when the site plan was approved for the motel for the
sewage disposal,the Water and Sewerage Plan classified the property as W-7
and S-7,no services planned.An amendment to the Water and Sewerage Plan
was needed but the consultant did not follow through with the amendment
process and it did not occur.Mr.Lung noted that the Planning Commission
will need to approve an Administrative Amendment to the Water and Sewerage
Plan to change the classification from an S-7 to an S-l classification.Mr.
Salitsky made a motion to approve the preliminary plat and site plan as
presented,seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.Mr.Roulette made a
motion to approve an Administrative Amendment to the Water and Sewerage Plan
to change from an S-7 classification to an S-l classification,seconded by
Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
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Fountainhead Meadows:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final plat for Fountainhead
Meadows,located at the intersection of U.S.Route 11 and Longmeadow Road.
The property is zoned RU with pUblic water and sewer proposed.The owner is
proposing to develop the site in two sections:Section 1 to consist of 25
lots with access onto Club Road and Section 2 consisting of 24 lots with
access onto Longmeadow Road.The plan has been routed to all reviewing
agencies.Hagerstown Water Department stated that water service is
available to the site with the condition that revisions be made to the
drawing.Sanitary District states that service is availalbe and that they
will be reviewing the plan to determine if revisions are necessary.Health
Department approval has been received without conditions.The County
Engineer has given preliminary plat approval with the conditions that the
roadway drawings be revised,stormwater management plan be revised because
the current plan is unacceptable,drainage easements need to be revised on
the final plat,and site grading plans are needed for Section 1,lot 2 and
Section 2,lot 5.The Planning staff's quick review notes many missing
items.Comments are outstanding from the State Highway Administration,
Longmeadow Fire Company and Water Resources Administration.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval
conditional on receipt of all agency approvals,a note being placed on the
plat restricting any future access to the remaining lands from Club Road and
to get any problems that are found by the Planning staff worked out,
seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
OOMMUNlCATIONS:
Letter from Creston Mills:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that during the January regular meeting,the Planning
Commission acted on the request from the Emmanuel Chapel to establish a new
access point onto Route 64.He noted that the State Highway Administration
has reviewed the proposed site plan and are opposed to the new access
point.The State Highway Administration feels that the church is being
adequately served by Bayer Drive and feel that a new access location is
unnecessary.After a brief discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to rescind
the previous variance request approval for the Emmanuel Chapel based on the
State Highway Administration comments,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So
ordered.
Site Plans:
Bowman Business Park:
Miss Kelly presented the site plan for the Bowman Business Park located in
the Interstate Industrial Park on the west side of Governor Lane Boulevard.
The site encompasses 15 acres zoned PI.The owner will construct four
buildings with six individual compartments.The proposed use is an office,
warehouse and sales.Building 1 and 2 will be constructed in Phase 1 and
buildings 3 and 4 will be constructed in Phase 2.Public water and sewer is
provided to the site.Solid waste disposal is provided by a dumpster.
Adequate landscaping is provided at the side and rear property lines and in
the island in the parking areas.Three entrances are being proposed onto
Govenor Lane Boulevard.Miss Kelly stated that the Planning staff is
requesting revisions to the plan due to the fact that the Zoning Ordinance
requires different parking requirements for different uses.The consultant
would not specify what the proposed uses are.Mr.Iseminger made a motion
to grant the site plan with the condition that parking be resolved,seconded
by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Grease Monkey:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Grease Monkey,located on the west side
of Route 11 north of Hagerstown between a 2-story office building to the
south and Moss Camping Sales to the north.The proposed use is an
automobile fluid replenishing station.Cars will be entering the site at
the rear and will exit at the front of the site.The plan calls for five
employees with parking provided and six parking spaces provided for
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patrons.Adequate landscaping is also provided to the site.Corrments have
been received from the State Highway Administration stating that the
entrance should be designed to split the existing property line so future
development can use the single entrance.Approvals have been receieved from
the Hagerstown Water Department and County Engineer.The Sanitary District
has requested revisions be made to the site plan.Dr.Johns made a motion
to approve the site plan conditional upon approvals from the Sanitary
District and the State Highway Administration,seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So
ordered.
Preliminary Consultations:
Barkdoll Farm:
Mr.Lung stated that the proposed development for the Barkdoll Farm is
located at the intersection of Route 65 and 1-70.The site is zoned HI and
is located within the Urban Growth Area.The proposed plan is showing 26
acres for commercial development,a motel and restaurant on 8 acres,
condominiums on 13 acres and residential apartments on 13 acres for a total
of 56 acres.The maximum number of dwelling units permitted under the
Zoning Ordinance is 208 residential apartments and 208 condominiums.The
site is served by pUblic water and sewerage with an extension of the sewer
line from the Park and Ride south of 1-70.A 75'buffer yard will be
required along all existing residential development as well as screning.If
the property will be subdivided,the 75'buffer would be required within the
interior of the site.State Highway Administration has stated that the most
appropriate access location is north of the American Convenience Store.
State Highway Administration recommended a second access onto oak Ridge
.Drive.State Highway Administration has also requested a traffic study to
determine if improvements are needed at the Route 65 intersection.The
County Engineer is concerned with the second entrance onto Oak Ridge Drive.
He feels that major improvements would be needed at the Downsville Pike Oak
Ridge Drive intersection.
Several residents of the area were present and expressed their concerns on
declining property values and questioned how a motel and restaurant can be
constructed adjacent to residential areas.Mr.Roulette stated that
screening and buffering should be adequate along to commercial areas to
prevent encroachment on the residential areas.No further action was taken
by the Commission.
Griffith Garwood:
Miss Kelly stated that the Planning Commission staff has concerns,as well
as the Mayor of Sharpsburg and the County Engineer,on the adequacy of
Mandell Road.The County Engineer recommended a maximum of 12 to 13 lots to
be developed instead of the proposed 22 lots due to narrow width and
substandard site distance on Mondell Road.Miss Kelly stated that there is
a sharp turn near the site and stated that the County Engineer suggested
dedicating .5 acres to correct the 90 degree turn.Mr.Garwood stated that
he has no problem in dedicating .5 acres to the County.Mr.Garwood stated
that he would like to develop between 13 and 22 lots because he feels that
Mondell Road will be improved within 4 to 5 years.
Mr.Iseminger stated that if Mr.Garwood feels that the road will be
improved,he should develop the 12 to 13 lots and after the road is impoved,
develop the remaining 10 lots.By concensus,the Planning Commission will
stay with the recommended 12 to 13 lots by the County Engineer.
Joseph Boyd:
The preliminary consultation for Joseph Boyd was presented to the Planning
Commission for its information only with nothing to be added by the staff.
No action was taken by the Commission.
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OTHER BUSINESS:
Terrace Hills:
Mr.Lung stated that during the preliminary consultation,Terrace Hills
requested a future extension into the Bradenburg property.The plat has.
been revised to remove the access location as required by the County
Engineer,but Mr.Bradenburg has not agreed to sign the the revised plat
with the access removed.Mr.Papa of Fox and Associates stated that an
agreement has been worked out between Mr.Bradenburg and the owners of
Foxleigh Meadows to allow 9 additional lots for Foxleigh Meadows from the
Bradenburg property.The County Engineer has,however,approved 22 lots for
the Terrace Hills development with access off of Cathedral Avenue.Mr.
Hawbaker informed the Commission that it needs to think of ways to provide
access for Mr.Brandenburg from his property which is somewhat landlocked.
In light of any single access onto Northern Avenue causing traffic problems
and the restriction for an access onto Cathedral Avenue,the potential
problem should not be ignored.Mr.Valentine,owner of Terrace Hills,noted
that the remaining lands of Mr.Bradenburg cannot be developed due to the
topography of the site.The Commission recognized that Mr.Bradenburg will
now have access through the Foxleigh Meadows development.Mr.Papa stated
that the ac~ess situation has been worked out between all three owners and
everyone is satisfied.No further action was taken by the Commission.
David Acres:
Mr.Hawbaker explained to the Commission that Mr.Papa of Fox and Associates
is representing clients who wish to develop a parcel at the southeast corner
of Md.Rt.65 and Rt.68 known as Lappans Crossroads.Although the proposed
development is to be for a small convenience shopping center,the Zoning
Ordinance does allow for commercial development of a limited nature in an
Agriculture district.Mr.Papa of Fox and Associates stated that it would
not be appropriate to go through the rezoning process since the land should
be kept in an Agricultural classification.Four to five shops are proposed
consisting of 12,000 square feet each.Access to the site will be via Route
65 and Route 68.After a brief discussion,the Commission told Mr.Papa he
may proceed with his proposed plans.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Towne Oak Village Site Plan Amendment Request:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that during the January meeting the Commission asked the
staff to check with the State Highway Administration on the pedestrian
crossing signal along Route 632 to determine if the State had any future
plans for the crosswalk.At the January meeting the Planning Commission
authorized the bus waiting area to be relocated to the interior of the site,
but it also wanted to provide for safe passage for residents to get from the
dwellings out to the pedestrial crosswalk.The staff,after having analyzed
the matter,has now recommending that the developer construct a sidewalk
parallel to the internal road out to Route 632 and the crossing signal.Mr.
Salitsky made a motion to approve the change in design to the site plan
providing for a sidewalk.The motion was seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Letter from the Department of State Planning:
The Planning Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter from Secretary
Constance Lieder with the Department of State Planning regarding the impact
fee legislative proposal and no action was needed by the Commission.
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NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
Duane Calhoun:
Mr.Lung presented the variance for Duane Calhoun located on the north side
of West Washington Street just before Hump Road.There are three existing
duplexes on the site.The owner is proposing to subdivide an area
consisting of 11,600 square feet,with an existing duplex,and to construct
another duplex with its own entrance.The State Highway Administration has
already approved the parking location for the three duplexes with one way in
and out and to allow for off-street parking.The variance is being
requested from the Highway Plan for right-of-way dedication as well as
access separation for a subdivision along a Major Collector roadway.Right-
of-way dedication for Lot A will infringe on the porch of the existing
dwelling.Right-of-way dedication for Lot B will not affect the location of
the proposed duplex but will further reduce the area of this already
undersized lot.The staff feels that the creation of a third entrance to
serve the duplexes is unnecessary;location of the existing eastern most
entrance has poor site distance.The safest design would be to eliminate
the eastern-most entrance as well as the proposed entrance and utilize the
existing western-most entrance to serve both duplexes.The driveway
separation on a Major Collector roadway is 300';the proposed entrance is
40'from the east and 50 I from the west.Mr.Zombro made a motion to deny
the waiver on the proposed lot,seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.Mr •
Iseminger made a motion to deny the third entrance due to the required
access separation for lack of a hardship,seconded by Mr.Zombro.So
ordered.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Access Distance Standards:
The Planning Commission will hold a special workshop session to discuss the
access distance standards on February 8 at 1:30 P.M.
Text Amendments for the March Public Hearing:
The Planning Commission will hId a special workshop session to discuss the
Text Amendments for the March 14 Public Hearing on February 8 at 1:30 P.M.
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that he has received a letter from the
City of Hagerstown Planning Commission requesting a special meeting with the
County Planning Commission.By concensus,Mr.Hawbaker will work with the
City to setup a date for a joint meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M.
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Washington County Planning Commission
Workshop Session February 8,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission met in special Workshop Session on
February 8 at 1:30 P.M.to discuss proposed Text Amendments for the March 14
Public Hearing.
Commission members in attendance were:Chairman,Jack Byers;members Sidney
Salitksy,Ray Johns,Judith Acord,and Bertrand Iseminger.Absent were Ex-
Officio,Richard Roulette and Vice-Chairman,D:mald Zombro.Staff in
attendance were:Executive Director,Jack Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen
Goodrich;Associate Planners Timothy Lung and Lisa Kelly,and Parks Planner
William Stachoviak.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:30 P.M.
The first item of business on the agenda to be discussed was the proposed
modification to the Non-conforming Use section of the Zoning Ordinance,
Section 4.3.Mr.Hawbaker explained that the primary purpose of this
amendment is to exempt non-conforming single-family dwellings in any zoning
district from the limitations pertaining to expansion.The purpose of the
amendment is to provide relief for property owners whose homes are non-
conforming and to allow those homeowners to obtain building permits without
going through the Board of Zoning Appeals.Mr.Salitsky made a motion to
proceed with the advertising for the March public hearing,seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered.
The Commission then discussed the proposed amendments that would provide for
a single-family dwelling unit in the same building with a principal use in
the BL,BG,and the BT zoning districts.The purpose of this amendment is
to provide for a dwelling unit customarily associated with small businesses.
Ms.Aoord made a motion to proceed with the advertising for the March pUblic
hearing,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
The third item to be discussed by the Commission is a proposed amendment to
Section 4.11 of the SUbdivision Ordinance that will add the wording "EXCEPT
AS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SATISFY A LENDING INSTITUTION OR OTHER MORTGAGEE IN
CASE OF LOAN DEFAULT".Chairman Byers suggested that the amendment be
revised to delete the words "LENDING INSTITUTION OR OTHER"and simply use
the term "MORTGAGEE".Mr.Iseminger made a motion to proceed with the
advertising for the March public hearing,seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
The Commission then discussed the proposed amendment to the Subdivision
Ordinance for the Parkland Setaside Text.This proposed amendment is a
implementation of the Comprehensive Plan policies to provide for small
neighborhood playground areas in residential subdivision of 50 or more
lots.Mr.Hawbaker explained that the proposed amendment is now back to the
Commission after having been revised several times in the past pursuant to
Commission's suggestions and that it now provides for conveyance for the
land to the County as one of the options.After a considerable discussion,
by concensus,the Commission decided not to proceed with this proposed Text
Amendment for public hearing at the present but instead asked for an opinion
from the County Commissioners since this item is an element in the
Commissioners'annual work program as well as one of the policies of the
Comprehensive Plan intended for implementation.The Commission said it was
of the opinion that the homeowners association concept was not workable and
that any setaside lands would be better taken care of in the hands of the
County government.
Mr.Hawbaker provided the Commission with the background on the subject of
boat docks and explained that wi th the ruling from the Board of zoning
Appeals in December,1987,Washington County has no juriSdiction for zoning
on the Potomac River.After a considerable discussion,Mr.Salitsky voted
to recommend Conservation zoning for the entire river and to leave boat
docks as a Special Exception as currently provided for in the Zoning
Ordinance,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.The Commission also
suggested that additional research is necessary if boat docks are to be made
a principal Permitted Use.
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The Commission discussed in detail the proposed HI-I and HI-2 Zoning
Districts as well as the numerous uses in each of those two districts.The
Commission was satisfied with the overall structure of the proposed text and
after making several textual modifications asked Mr.Hawbaker to proceed for
advertising the text for pUblic hearing in March.The Commission expressed
its interest in providing for research and development facilities in both
the HI-I and the HI-2 Zoning Districts as Principal Permitted Uses.Tim
Lung provided the Commission with an illustration of how the HI-I and HI-2
Districts would look on a Zoning Map and explained that the Map Amendments
themselves would be the subject of separate hearings for each of the
interchanges over a period of time following the adoption of the new text.
For the new proposed Industrial Transitional District,the Commission
suggested that the Principal Permitted Uses be more limited and selective
than those included in the BL Zoning District and asked Mr.Hawbaker to
revise the text to eliminate those uses that may adversely affect adjacent
residential or business properties.The Commission also eliminated hotels
and motels,trade schools,sign painting shops,swimming pools,and carpet
cleaning plants from the list of Principal Permitted Uses and added
recreational facilities as one of the new uses.Under Special Exceptions,
the Commission specifically asked that research and development facilities
be added as well as trade schools.The Commission was satisfied with the
overall scope of the proposed "IT"text but asked that the wording for the
buffer yards and the storage of equipment and the setbacks pertaining
thereto be clarified before the text be advertised for public hearing.Mr.
Hawbaker said that he would take care of that clarification.The Commission
approved the "IT"text to be advertised for public hearing.
For the proposed text defining the buffer yard,the Commission approved the
text with the word "STRUCIURE"being substituted with the word "USE"so that
the definition will now read "A YARD BETWEEN ANY USE AND THE PROPERTY LINE
FOR REQUIRED OPEN SPACE."The Commission approved the buffer yard text to
be advertised for public hearing.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to proceed with the advertising for the HI-I and
HI-2 Zoning Districts,the new "IT"District,and the proposed text for
buffer yards for the March public hearing,seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So
ordered.
Mr.Hawbaker brought to the attention of the Commission a memo from Leroy
Burtner asking that the Project Committee of the Economic Development
Commission be briefed on the status of the HI study prior to the matter
being brought to public hearing.The Commission asked Mr.Hawbaker to get
back with EDC and present to the Project Committee the Commission's action
so that EDC will be appropriately informed and will be in agreement with the
proposed action by the Commission for the HI Zoning Districts.
The meeting was adjourned by the Chairman at 4:30 P.M.
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/--~:l?/~<M '~X/ /Jack B.Byers,,,~-"
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WASHINGTDN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -MARCH 7,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on March
7,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference rocm of the County
Office Building.
Members present:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Donald E.Zombro;
Ex-Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Sidney Salitsky,and
Judith A.Acord.staff:Executive Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior
Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate Planner Lisa A.Kelly;Deputy
Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich,and Secretary,Janet
L.King.Absent was Associate Planner Timothy A.Lung.
CALL TD ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve the minutes of the February Regular
Meeting as presented,seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 8 Special
Workshop session as presented,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Water and Sewerage Plan Recommendation -Troupe Run Mobile Home Park:
Mr.Byers stated that there will be no testimony heard during this meeting
because it is not a public hearing.The staff will be submitting its
recommendation to the Commission on the Water and Sewerage Plan amendment
application from Milcar Construction.The Planning Commission will then
make a recommendation to the County Commissioners on the proposed amendment.
Mr.Goodrich stated that the Staff Report and Recommendation is brief
because the staff is holding its position as stated during the February 22
public hearing.Mr.Gocdrich briefly outlined the facts in the Staff Report
and Recommendation stating that a multi-use sewage system will serve the
Troupe Run development.He said the staff feels that the application to
amend the Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan is not consistent with
the County's Comprehensive Plan and that the Planning Commission should
recommend disapproval of the application.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners that
they do not amend the Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan based on the
testimony heard at the February 22 public hearing and the staff's
recommendation that it is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan,
seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.Ms.Acord abstained because she did
not attend the hearing.Mr.Roulette abstained due to his involvement with
the County Commissioners.
Mr.Iseminger stated that he is now employed with the firm of Davis,Renn
and Shrader and he will be abstaining from any motions involving Davis,Renn
and Shrader.
NEW BUSINESS:
Subdivisions:
Foxleigh Meadows:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary plat for Foxleigh Meadows -Sections
A,B,and C.The subject site is located northwest of the intersection of
the Marsh Pike and Maryland Route 60.The owner is proposing to subdivide
the 138 acre tract into 212 single-family lots.The property has a zoning
designation of Residential Suburban.Section A will consist of 101 lots,
Section B 86 lots and Section C 25 lots.Section A and B will have access
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onto Marsh Pike.Section C will access Longmeadow Road via an extension of
Keener Road and a new street to be called Foxleigh Court.Section D,which
will be submitted on another plat,will consist of 3 lots to be located
along Bonnie Briar Lane.All the roads proposed for Sections A and B will
be constructed to County standards.Section C will be the extension of an
existing County road.All proposed lots will be served by pUblic water and
sewer.
A response has been received from the County Engineer who gave his
preliminary plat approval.There are five conditions that must be addressed
prior to final approval.(1)Drainage easements and (2)site grading plans
must be attached to the final plat.(3)An agreement must be worked out
between the owner,the developer and the County to determine the sharing of
costs to improve the intersection of Route 60 and the Marsh Pike.Mr.Dull
also stated that (4)additional stormwater management may be needed and the
(5)technical design changes must be made.Water Resources Administration
submitted comments stating that a floodplain is located in the middle of
this development.They enclosed a copy of the permit application that must
be filed with Water Resources before construction begins.The Sanitary
District states that sewer service is available to the site but is reserving
its approval until the sewer line construction drawings are revised.The
Health Department gave its preliminary approval to the plat with no
conditions.The City of Hagerstown Water Department has given its
conditional approval based on revisions to technical aspects of the design.
The Longmeadow Volunteer Fire Company's comments are incorporated with the
City of Hagerstown Water Department's comments.Revisions are being made to
some fire hydrant locations.Mr.Goodrich stated that a letter has been
.received from residents in the Fountainhead area concerning additional
traffic being generated from this development,and they feel that additional
access roads are needed.
Mr.Kevin Jones,a resident of the Fountainhead area submitted a petition
from the residents of Keener Road,Cherry Tree and Briar Cliffe Roads.He
outlined the concerns of the residents noting the additional traffic problem
that would be generated from this development.They feel that additional
alternative access to this development should be provided.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary
plat approval for Sections A and B SUbject to agency conditions being met
and to withhold preliminary approval on Section C until further study can be
done by the County Engineer with regard to additional access points or
recommendations for traffic control on Keener Road,seconded by Ms.Acord.
So ordered.
Mr.Roulette suggested to the residents to get in contact with Glenn Dull,
the County Engineer,on the traffic problems on Keener Road.
variances:
John and Jeanne Martin:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for John and Jeanne Martin.The
site is located along the east side of Newcomer Road.The owners are
propcsing to subdivide two one acre lots from their 78 acre farm without the
required 25 feet of public road frontage.There are no existing buildings
on the property.The proposed lots will be served by a 30 foot right-of-way
to be retained by the Martins.In 1985,a variance was granted to create
lot #1 without public road frontage.
Mr.Martin stated that the reason he is proposing to subdivide these two
lots is because this ground is currently being used as an orchard.He has
planted semi-dwarf trees which grow to approximately 15 feet in height.He
noted that due to the fence row,it limits the amount of sunlight on the
trees which in turn,limits the amount of production.Mr.Byers stated that
in order to grant a variance the applicant must demonstrate a hardship.Mr.
Martin stated that his hardship is that he does not own part of the land
which serves the orchard and thus cannot bring the proposed road to County
standards.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the variance based on a
hardship that would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance,and if
any further subdivision occurred on this property,a road will need to be
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constructed to County standards.Dr.Johns seconded.So ordered.Mr.
Roulette noted that the County will not pay for the construction of the new
road and will be the responsibility of the developer to do so.
D:lrsey Pike:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for D:lrsey Pike.The subject site
is located along the north side of Maryland Route 77,.5 miles east of its
intersection with Maryland Route 64.The variance is being requested from
Section 405.(2)of the Subdivision Ordinance which states that the Highway
Plan requires a minimum distance of 300 feet between access points on a
Major Collector roadway.Mr.Pike is proposing to subdivide a 3 acre tract
into two parcels.Lot one has an existing driveway.Proposed lot two's
access location will be 130 feet from the existing driveway.The adjacent
lot,which is undeveloped,has 500 feet of separation between access points.
Mr.Fred Frederick,consultant for Mr.Pike,stated that their hardship is
even if Mr.Pike could obtain additional land to meet the 300 feet
separation requirement,it could not be moved to meet it in both
directions.He noted that due to poor sight distance along Route 77,it
would not be feasible to use one of the existing driveways.Dr.Johns made
a motion to grant the variance based on a hardship that would result from
strict compliance to the Ordinance,seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Rowland Brandenburg:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for Rowland Brandenburg.The site
is located on the north side of Claymont Drive in Pleasant View Heights.
Mr.Brandenburg is proposing to create a lot without the required 25 feet of
pUblic road frontage.The proposed new lot will have 12 feet of road
frontage.A 50 foot right-of-way is shown on the concept plan and if any
future development is to occur,a road will be constructed.
Mr.Brandenburg said that the reason he is requesting a variance is because
he does not want to construct a small portion of roadway at present because
it will be extended into the next parcel.He noted that when the remaining
lands are developed,a public street will be constructed to serve both
parcels.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance based on a
hardship that would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance,seconded
by Mr.Salitsky •So ordered.
Mr.Byers stated that there has been a request from the staff to add three
items to the agenda:two site plans--Family Recreation and Dr.Robert
Fischel and a preliminary consultation for Woodburn on the Potomac.Mr.
Salitsky made a motion to add the above-referenced items to the agenda,
seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Tru-Joy Homes:
Mr.Byers stepped down as Chairman and Mr.Zombro chaired the meeting for
this item.
Miss Kelly presented the preliminary plat for Tru-Joy Homes,lots 1 through
4.The site is located along the east side of Bower Avenue.The owners are
proposing to subdivide a 1.5 acre tract into four parcels which will be
developed with semi-detached residential dwellings.The four proposed lots
will be served by public water and sewer.The subject property was rezoned
in May,1986 from Agriculture to Residential Urban and a preliminary
consultation was held in November,1986.All agency approvals have been
received.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat
approval,seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Highfield RSM:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat and site
plan for a C &P building to house a remote switching module to be located
along Maryland Route 550 in Highfield.The unmaned telephone station was
granted a Special Exception by the Board of Zoning Appeals.The total area
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of the site is 1 acre.The site will be served by public water from a 6"
line in Maryland Route 550.There will be a 1,000 gallon sewage holding
tank located underground on the site.Three parking spaces are provided to
the site as well as adequate landscaping.All agency approvals have been
received.Mr.Zornbro made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat and
site plan approvaL seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Independence Woods:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for
Independence Woods,lots 1 through 3.The site is located along
Independence Road north of Route 40.It is zoned Agriculture.Lot U will
consist of 3 acres,lot #2 is 8.5 acres,and lot #3 is 15+acres.Lot #1
will have 175 feet of frontage along Independence Road.A 25 foot panhandle
will serve lots #2 and #3.The proposed lots will be served by private
wells and septic systems.All agency approvals have been received.Dr.
Johns made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approvaL seconded
by Mr.Zornbro.So ordered.
Ronald Leggett:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final sUbdivision plat for Ronald
Leggett,lots 1 through 3.The subject site is lcoated along the north side
of Monroe Road just northwest of Boonsboro.Mr.Leggett proposed to
sUbdivide five lots but due to the inadequacy of Monroe Road,the County
Engineer would only permit 3 lots to be sUbdivided.Mr.Leggett requested
that the Planning Commission override the County Engineer's decision and
allow him to sUbdivide all five lots,but the Planning Commission agreed
·with the County Engineer's recommendations.The proposed three lots will be
served by a private well and septic system.Approvals have been received
from the County Engineer and the Health Department.Mr.Iseminger made a
motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval,seconded by Mr.
Salitsky.So ordered.
Ronald Toothman:
Mr.Goodrich presented the simplified plat for Ronald Toothman for the
conveyance of a small triangular piece of property .06 of an acre in size.
The purpose of the conveyance is to accommodate a new road connection to
Edgewood Drive.He noted that the reason it was brought to the Planning
Commission is so it will be aware of possible new road connections to
Edgewood Drive and that the SUbdivision regulations,under the Design
Standards,stated that no new lots shall be divided by a municipal
boundary.The property is split with a protion in the City and a portion in
the County.
Mr.Malcolm Davis,of Davis,Renn and Shrader stated that the County
Engineer and the City Engineer felt that this access point on Edgewood Drive
was a better location than another that would have to be used if this area
was not acquired.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to approve the simplified plat,seconded by Ms.
Acord.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Burger Park,U.S.A.:
Miss Kelly presented the site plan for Burger Park,U.S.A.The site is
located along the southeast side of Massey Boulevard near the K-Mart
shopping center.The total area of the site is .6 aCJ;es and is zoned
Business General.The proposed use is for a fast food drive-thru and walk-
up restaurant.The proposed building will be 600 square feet in area and
the hours of operation are from 9:00 A.M.to 11:00 P.M.There will be a
total of 16 parking spaces and 6 employees.The site will be served by
public water and sewer.The entrance and exit will be through the K-Mart
shopping center's parking lot.All agency approvals have been received.
Mr.Salitsky made a motion to grant site plan approval,seconded by Mr.
Zornbro.So ordered.
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Family Recreation:
Mr.Hawbaker presented the site plan for Family Recreation.The site is
located at the intersection of Route 40 East and Stottlemyer Road.The
proposed use for the site will be a family recreation center to consist of
two mini-golf courses,garden shop,golf driving range and a batting range.
The proposed parking area and access will be along Stottlemyer Road.
Adequate lighting has been provided to the site.Mr.Hawbaker stated that
there are concerns with the proposed lighting infringing on the adjacent
residential development at the golf driving range.
Mr.Robert Whitesell,consultant for the owner,stated that there is a
drainage swale between the proposed development and the adjacent residential
area.There will be an l8-foot high light pole constructed on the site to
serve the golf driving range.Additional landscaping of trees and shrubs
will be planted at the top of the swale to screen the lights from the
residential development.The Commission feels that the additional screening
along the top portion of the swale will not allow an adequate buffer from
the driving range to the residential development.Mr.Whitesell noted that
his client will be willing to plant trees at the corner of the driving range
to shield the residential area.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant the site
plan as presented,seconded by Mr.Roulette.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to
amend the aforementioned motion to add additional screening to the driving
range,seconded by Mr.Salitsky •So ordered.Mr.Zombro voted no to the
amended motion.
preliminary Consultations:
Children's Village:
Mr.Michael Weller of the City of Hagerstown Fire Department presented a six
minute slide show on the concept of the Children's Village.
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the preliminary consultation for the Children's
Village was held a few weeks ago.The site is located along Robinwood Drive
and the total area of the site is 6 acres.The property will be leased from
the Washington County Board of Education for a term of 99 years.
Mr.Weller stated that the Children's Village will educate children in the
community on fire and police protection.He noted that the Children's
Village will benefit all public school children as well as disabled
children.
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the City of Hagerstown Water Department requested
revisions to the summary for the Children's Village.Instead of reading "an
application to extend the water line"it should read "an application for
water service"and instead of "approximately 200 feet to the west"in
paragraph #2,it should be "approximately 2000 feet to the west".By
concensus,the Commission will accept the corrections into the minutes.
Dr.Robert Fischel:
Miss Kelly presented the site plan for Dr.Robert Fischel on the
construction of mini-warehouses.The site is located along the east side of
Longmeadow Road.The site encompasses 2 acres and is zoned Business
General.The proposed use is a mini-warehouse for storage.The owner will
be constructing 61 10 x 20 units and 46 5 x 10 units.The proposed entrance
to the site will be through Dr.Fischel's veterinary clinic driveway.If
the parcel is sold,a panhandle must be constructed to serve the proposed
site or an easement dedicated over the existing entrance.Landscaping has
been adequately provided to the site.The staff is requesting site plan
approval based on the County Engineer's approval for adequate site
distance.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant site plan approval,seconded by
Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
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Preliminary Consultations:
Paradise Shopping Center:
Mr.Goodrich stated that the staff did not have major concerns about whether
or not the use and design requirements of the Zoning Ordinance could be met.
All Ordinance requirements must be met before approval.However,the
staff's concern is centered on the development plan that was approved along
with the approval of the rezoning to "PB"and the fact that the plan
presented now is in no way similar to the approved plan.
Since the rezoning was approved with the assumption that the property would
be developed according to the plan submitted at that time,the staff didn't
feel that a dissimilar plan should be encouraged.The site should either be
developed as proposed during the rezoning or a new concept plan should be
approved by the Planning Commission.
Mr.Malcolm Davis,consultant for the development,stated that the original
plan allowed access where the County Engineer will not allow it at this
time.Mr.Salitsky made a motion to approve the revised concept plan for
Paradise Shopping Center,seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.Mr.
Iseminger abstained.
Fountainhead North:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary consultation for Fountainhead North.
The site is located at the intersection of Paradise Church Road and
longmeadow Road.Mr.Lewis Coss is proposing to subdivide 37.91 acres into
70 single-family lots.The proposed development will be served by pUblic
water and sewer.The Hagerstown Water Department is requiring the extension
of a 12"line along Paradise Church Road to a proposed water storage tank to
serve this property and any future development in the area.The Planning
staff has a concern with the 300 foot driveway separation requirement along
Longmeadow Road and suggested to the developer that these lots be served by
the interior street system.No action was taken by the Commission.
Woodburn on the Potomac:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary consultation for Woodburn on the
Potomac.The site is located along Dam #4 Road.The owner is proposing to
create a very low density seasonal recreation use.The development will
consist of 12 small cabins and an overnight camping area with picnic shelter
and boat docks.The Health Department has placed restrictions on the well
and septic locations.No action was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Maryland State Planning Commission:
Mr.Tom Beyard with the Maryland State Planning Commission stated that
during the past six months,the Department of State Planning has been
working on the Capital Improvement Program,population projections and the
South County Study.The Department of State Planning has been visiting
Planning Commissions in the state of Maryland to find out what their
specific concerns are.Mr.Beyard stated that if the Planning Commission
has any concerns on local policies or procedures,to contact Al Feldstein or
Valerie Schwaab at the Cumberland office.
Hunter Cunningham -John R.Oliver Company:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that this is a request for a subdivision on the
simplified plat format.The land will be conveyed from Hunter Cunningham to
the John R.Oliver Company.The Subdivision Ordinance outlines the specific
types of subdivision that may be permitted on simplified plats,the
application before the Commission not falling into any of those categories.
To acquire a property to develop at some later date is not the intent of the
simplified plat process,and the consultant was notified that it did not
meet the requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance.The plan should be
submitted on a development plat so that when the land is ready to be
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developed,the Planning Commission is aware that it is a developable piece
of land.Mr.Hawbaker noted that the John R.Oliver Company is requesting
that it be done under the simplified plat process.
Mr.Taylor Oliver,of the John R.Oliver Company,stated that the zoning
line runs in the middle of the property.He noted that the reason they are
requesting the simplified plat process is because they are interested in
purchasing a strip of land as a right-of-way for access to the rear portion
of their property,and that there are no current plans for development of
the property.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Salitsky made a motion to approve the
simplified plat,seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Ag District Application -Donald Main:
Mr.Goodrich stated that an Agricultural Preservation District application
has been received from Donald and Helen Main.The property is located along
Porterstown Road and consists of 142 acres.He stated that the farm is
consistent with the Washington County Comprehensive Plan.Dr.Johns made a
motion to approve the Agricultural Preservation District application because
it is consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan,seconded by Mr.
Salitsky.So ordered.
Joint Meeting -City/County Planning Commissions:
A joint meeting of the City and County Planning Commissions will be held on
Wednesday,March 16,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the County Office Building second
floor conference room to discuss a number of items of mutual intent
including the proposed Urban Growth Area for the City and the Eastern
Boulevard/Highway Plan.
Sharpsburg Pike Development:
Mrs.Ann Seibert,a resident of the Sharpsburg Pike area,was present during
the meeting and stated her concerns on the additional traffic that will be
generated when that area of the County is developed.She suggested that the
interchanges be reviewed for potential improvement along 1-70 and the
Sharpsburg Pike.No action was taken by the Commission.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Letter from Hagerstown Junior College:
The Commission acknowledge receipt of the letter from George Elliott,Dean
of Administration at Hagerstown Junior College,regarding the parking for
the Athletic and Recreation Center.No action was taken by the Commission.
Letter from William and Mary Van Gilder:
431
The Commission acknowledge receipt of a letter from the
regarding development adjacent to Gathland State Pan<.
by the Commission.
Letter from Mayor Herr:
Van Gilders
No action was taken
The Commission acknowledge receipt of the letter from John Herr,Mayor of
Boonsboro.Mayor Herr has concerns on allowing residential development
immediately beyond the boundaries of the Town Growth Area.No action was
taken by the Commission.
Letter from Fred Papa:
A letter was received from Fred Papa,Vice-President of Fox and Associates,
in regard to the Foxleigh Meadows subdivision plat.Fox and Associates is
requesting that the preliminary plat be put on the agenda for the March 7
meeting.The Commission incorporated the letter into the preliminary
subdivision plat presentation made by the staff.
432
Letter from Christine Rales:
A letter was received from Christine Rales opposing development in the
Antietam Battlefield area.No action was taken by the Commission.
Mr.Byers stated that he received a letter from Barry Teach,County
Administrator,regarding impact fees.The County Commissioners feel that a
committee should be formed to discuss the impact fees and would like a
representative from the Planning Commission.Mr.Salitsky volunteered to be
on the committee.
Dr.Johns informed the Commission of a seminar that is being offered through
the League of Women Voters.The fee is $7 per person.He asked if there
were funds in the Planning Commission's budget to cover such seminars and
Mr.Hawbaker stated that there were.Mr.Salitsky stated that he was
interested in attending the seminar as well.Mr.Hawbaker noted that he
would take care of registering Dr.Johns and Mr.Salitsky for the seminar.
The Commission expressed concern with the number of items being added to the
agenda at the night of the meeting and asked Mr.Hawbaker if such additions
can't be prevented.He said that the Fischel site plan became ready with
agency approvals following the agenda mail-out and that the preliminary
consultation for Woodburn on the Potomac was left off the agenda through
oversight.He also explained that the last-minute additions have been made
in an effort to accommodate developers so they wouldn't have to wait an
additional month for approvals.The Commission,after discussion,
reaffirmed its adopted policy for site plans and subdivision plats being
ready with all agency approvals the Friday prior to the Wendesday when the
agenda is prepared.The Commission also ruled that all requests for
additions to the agenda after it is prepared and mailed will be reviewed by
the Commission in executive session the night of the regular meeting prior
to starting time.Mr.Hawbaker was asked by the Commission to inform all
consultants of this policy.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mr.Zornbro made a motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 11:00 P.M.,
seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So orderded.
Executive Session followed.
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Joint City-County Planning Commission Meeting
March 16,1988
A joint meeting with the City of Hagerstown Planning Commission and the
Washington County Planning Commission was held on Wednesday,March 16,1988
at 7:00 P.M.in the County Office Building second floor conference room.
Present were:County Planning Commission Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Members
Judith A.Acord and Sidney Salitsky.Staff:Executive Director,Jack S.
Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate Planners,Lisa A.
Kelly and Timothy A.Lung;Parks Planner,William V.Stachoviak,and
Secretary,Janet L.King.From the City of Hagerstown Planning Commission,
Ex-Officio Robert Schleigh,Dcug Wright,Bonnie Lewis,Sam Powell and
Executive Director Richard Kautz were in attendance.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Washington County
Planning Commission at 7:00 P.M.
Eastern Boulevard -Highway Plan:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the County's Highway Plan calls for two new roads
in the Mt.Aetna/Robinwood Drive vicinity,one of which will tie in with the
portion of Eastern Boulevard that is to be designed and built by the City
between the Dual Highway and Jefferson Boulevard.Both roads are critical
teo future development east of the City and were made part of the County's
Highway Plan when it was adopted in 1981 to provide future access between
Robinwood Drive and Eastern Boulevard.Mr.Hawbaker stated that the County
Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment on these roads and instructed the
Planning staff to proceed with developing a centerline for these roads.He
stated that it is not the Planning Commission's position to establish a
centerline but that he intends to meet with the City staff and the County
Engineer in the near future to further develop the necessary agreements on
alignment so that the County Engineer can begin establishing the
centerlines.After a brief discussion,the two Commissions agreed that a
meeting should be set between Mr.Hawbaker,Mr.Kautz,Glenn Dull and Merle
Saville to obtain more information on establishing a centerline.
New City Comprehensive Plan and Urban Growth Area:
Mr.Kautz stated that the City is not establishing a new Comprehensive Plan
but merely updating its existing Plan.The original Plan was prepared and
adopted in the mid '70s.The general policies and land use still remain
valid,but the original Plan is out dated.He noted that the Transportation
Plan,the Antietam Basin Facilities Plan and the Water and Sewerage Plan,
all of which are part of the Comprehensive Plan,need to be updated.
Mr.Kautz stated that the City Council has suggested that a group be formed,
to consist of members from both the City and the County Planning
Commissions,for a new Urban Growth Area committee.Mr.Hawbaker noted that
several years ago a Urban Growth Area committee existed and now needs to be
updated in light of ongoing changes in policy and land uses both in the City
and County.Mr.Kautz stated that three areas that need to be discussed by
the committee are 1)utilizing capacity and needs,2)transportation issues,
and 3)jointly developed annexation.After a brief discussion,Mr.Hawbaker
stated that the Urban Growth Area study for the City will be taken to the
Planning Commission in April for discussion and for appointment of a member
or members to actively participate on the committee.He suggested that two
Commission members from each Planning Commission,as well as one
representative from the Town of Funkstown and Williamsport,should serve on
the committee and that the committee should be chaired by a Commission
member.
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434
Highway Interchange Study:
Mr.Hawbaker briefly explained the purpose of the Highway Interchange Zoning
District as it currently exists and how it is intended to be replaced by a
new HI-I and HI-2 districts.He stated that the HI-I District is
established to provide for those uses allowed in the BL,BG,PB and IR
Districts and is intended to include those lands closest to the seventeen
interchanges of the interstate highways around Washington County.He noted
that all business and light industrial uses permitted in those zoning
districts should be enoouraged to utilize those lands immediately
surrounding the interchange where there is ready access to the interstate
highway sytem.The HI-2 District,which will permit limited business and
light industrial uses and a broad mix of residential uses,is intended to
serve as a transitional zone between HI-I and nearby residential areas.The
HI-2 District is intended to be compatible with both the HI-I District and
other nearby zoning districts.The uses permitted in the HI-2 District
shall be the same as those in the BT,RM,PUD,IT,RR,RS,or RU Districts.
Mr.Kautz asked if the interchange around Hagerstown could be established
first.Mr.Hawbaker stated that the interchange at Maugansville and the
State Line area will probably be first since the initial analysis has
already been done at the Showalter and Maugansville exchanges.Mr.Kautz
feels that the Hagerstown interchange should be established first because it
will be the first area to be developed.Mr.Hawbaker said that input is
needed from the Planning Commission on what areas will be established
first.He noted that he will be keeping the Hagerstown Commission informed
on the Highway Interchange progress and which interchange will be
Bstablished first.
Londontowne/Ditto Farms Park Land Swap:
Mr.Stachoviak informed the commissions that he has taken the Ditto Farms
Park concept to the Washington County Parks Board for its review.The Park
will consist of tennis courts,softball,soccer and foctball fields,a play
area,picnic pavilion and parking area.The planned road with access to the
parking lot will be off Mt.Aenta Road.The road will have access into
Section B of Londontowne.He noted that the County Commissioners are
currently negotiating with Dan Sheedy,developer of Londontowne,for the
proposed exchange of land between the park and Section C of Londontowne.
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the plan has been designed as far as it can without
knowing the exact meets and bounds of the lands to be swapped.He noted
that the office of Program Open Space stated that the funds provided for
acquisition and development of the park must be used for public facilities
and that if lands are to be swapped the State regulations for conversion
must be satisfied.At present,the State is not satisfied with the land
swap proposal made by Mr.Sheedy and is waiting for a second proposal to be
made by the developer.Mr.Hawbaker stated that Mr.Sheedy needs to provide
the necessary survey plats to the County for review by the State for the
lands proposed for swapping.
Bradenburg/Terrace Hills/Foxleigh Meadows Accesses:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commissions that the City has concerns with the
Bradenburg lands being landlocked should Terrace Hills and Foxleigh Meadows
be developed without suitable access for Mr.Brandenburg onto either
Cathedral Avenue or the Marsh Pike.There's a possibility of the
Brandenburg land being locked in with no access except onto Northern
Avenue.The City is of the opinion that Northern Avenue is not capable of
handling any additional traffic and feels that the Bradenburg property
should be permitted to access either through the Terrace Hills or Foxleigh
Meadows development.Mr.Hawbaker stated that Glenn Dull,County Engineer,
does not like to see developments interconnecting but rather is of the
opinion that they should each have individual accesses.After a brief
discussion,the Commissions decided that Mr.Hawbaker should contact Mr.
Bradenburg to discuss his intentions for developing his property and also to
try to develop with the City staff's cocperation plans for future access
locations.
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ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M •
.94~/J/4-
Jack B.BYers,'Chairman
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436
WASHINGIDN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGUIAR MEETING -APRIL 4,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on April
4,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the County
Office Building.
Members present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Ex-Officio,Richard E.
Roulette;Dr.Ray Johns,Bertrand L.Iseminger,and Sidney Salitsky.Staff:
Executive Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;
Associate Planners,Lisa A.Kelly and Timothy A.Lung;Parks Planner,
William V.Stachoviak;Deputy Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul
Prodonovich,and Secretary,Janet L.King.Absent were:Vice-Chairman,
l})nald E.Zombro and Judith A.Acord.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 7 regular
meeting.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky •So ordered.
Mr.Byers stated that the word 'County'in the first line of the first
paragraph of the Joint City/County Meeting should be omitted.Mr.Salitsky
made a motion to approve the March 16 Joint City/County meeting as amended,
.seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The Planning Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter from Fox and
Associates requesting a six month extension for both Terrace Hills and
Robert Millard.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the six month extension
for the above-mentioned subdivisions,seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
NEW BUSINESS:
Subdivisions:
Foxleigh Meadows Section C and D:
Mr.Lung stated that consideration for approval of the preliminary plat for
Section C was being carried over from the March meeting and that the
applicant is also requesting preliminary and final approval of Section D.
Mr.Lung gave the commission a brief review of the entire development and
reminded the Commission that preliminary approval was granted to Sections A
and B at the March meeting conditional upon receipt of all agency approvals
and requested revisions to the plat and construction drawings.To date,no
revisions had been made.Preliminary approval of Section C was deferred
until the County Engineer could study the traffic situation in the vicinity
of Keener Road.Mr.Lung said that the County Engineer's analysis had been
completed and a copy of his analysis and comments was enclosed in the agenda
packet.He summerized Mr.Dull's comments stating that the County Engineer
would be opposed to any additional connections onto Longmeadow Road,that
Keener Road is adequate for the traffic generated by Section C,but that
consideration should be given to improving the roadway width from Cherry
Tree to Longmeadow Road.Traffic from Section C would not require a traffic
signal at the Keener Road and Longmeadow Road intersection at this time but
may be necessary in the future due to increasing traffic on Longmeadow Road.
Every effort should be made to make the Keener Road/Cherry Tree Drive area
as safe as possible by means of signing,control of children playing,law
enforcement and possible roadway improvements.
Concerning Section D,Mr.Lung stated that this section consists of 3 lots
to be located along the east side of the existing Bonnie Briar Lane cul-de-
sac.The lots will be served by pUblic water and sewer.All agency
approvals have been received except for the Health Department.The Health
Department has stated that they have no problems and that written approval
should be forthcoming.
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Mr.Iseminger asked Mr.Steve Gilman,the developer,if he is willing to
participate in the improvement to Keener Road from Cherry Tree to Longmeadow
in accordance with the County Engineer's letter.Mr.Gilman said he would
be willing to pay for the cost of improvement but would first need to
discuss the technical aspects with Mr.Dull.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary plat approval based on the
recommendations made by the County Engineer,conditional on the consultant
working with Glenn Dull on the proposed widening of Keener Road from Cherry
Tree to Longmeadow Road and receipt of all the approving agencies.The
motion was seconded by Mr.Salitsky •So ordered.
Following the passing of Mr.Iseminger's motion,Mr.Kevin Jones,a resident
of the neighborhood,took issue to a number of items in the County
Engineer's letter concerning traffic counts and access to Longmeadow Road.
He stated that the Foxleigh Meadows subdivision should not be approved until
additional study of the traffic is done.
As a follow-up to his previous motion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion that the
County Commissioners address the traffic situation in this area,taking into
consideration Mr.Jones'comments.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval for
Section D conditional on receipt of all agency approvals.Seconded by Mr.
Salitsky.So ordered.
~r.Hawbaker will set up a meeting between Glenn Dull and Fox and Associates
on the proposed widening of Keener Road.
variances:
Washington County Sanitary District -Ostrow:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for the Sanitary District.The
site in question is located along the east side of the Sharpsburg Pike just
south of the I-70jRoute 65 interchange.The variance is being requested
from Section 405.11.B of the Subdivision Ordinance which states that all
newly created lots must have 25 feet of public road frontage.The Sanitary
District purchased .23 acres from Dr.Bernard Ostrow to build a sewage
pumping station.Access to the site will be via lands owned by Antietam
Development Limited.The applicant's hardship is that it's not feasible for
the Sanitary District to purchase a strip of land over a commercially zoned
parcel.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant the variance based on a hardship
that would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered.
Masonic Lodge:
Miss Kelly presented the variance request for the Masonic Lodge.The
sUbject site is located along the north side of Route 68,1.5 miles east of
Williamsport.The variance is being requested from Section 405.2(A)of the
Subdivision Ordinance which states that the Highway Plan requires a minimum
distance of 500 feet between access points on a Minor Arterial roadway.The
Masonic Lodge is proposing to acquire 5 acres from the John Kendle farm.
The lodge's entrance onto Maryland Route 68 will be approximately 180 feet
west of an existing residential driveway owned by Robert Gordon.The State
Highway Administration has approved the access location for this site.
Mr.William Wantz,attorney,spoke in opposition to the variance request and
said that the Subdivision Ordinance states that variance requests from the
required access distance separation may only be granted if there is a safety
hazard involved.He noted that since the State Highway Administation is
allowing this access location,it would create a safety hazard due to the
fact that the campground is directly opposite this site and Route 68 is
heavily traveled.A year ago,the lodge's proposal was submitted to the
Board of zoning Appeals (AP-1871),and the Board ruled that the use was not
principally permitted.The case was then appealed to Circuit Court and
subsequently was remanded to the Board of Appeals in December,1987 and a
public hearing was held.The Masonic Lodge dismissed the appeal before a
437
438
decision could be rendered.Several property owners in the area spoke in
opposition to the variance request stating the proposed lodge would decrease
their property values.The Chairman explained that the use was not the
subject of consideration,that only the matter of a variance request was
before the Commission.After a brief discussion,Mr.Salitsky made a motion
to table the variance request until a site inspection can be made.The
motion was seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
William Clark:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance request from William Clark.Mr.Clark
is proposing to subdivide a 21 acre tract into four lots to be conveyed to
his children.All four lots will be served by one driveway to be built in
the existing 50 foot panhandle to Mercersburg Road.Mr.Goodrich said this
proposal was before the Commission because it was the staff's opinion that
Section 405.118,which permits conveyances without public road frontage,was
designed to be used in situations where the owner had an established
residence and driveway on the property to be subdivided.The staff did not
feel that the intentional purchase of this parcel for a 4-10t subdivision on
a yet to be established private right-of-way was appropriate.
Mr.Goodrich noted that Mr.Clark was advised to try and obtain an
additional 50 foot panhandle from adjacent lands owned by family members.
There would then be enough road frontage for each of the four proposed lots.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Salitsky made a motion to grant the variance
based on a hardship that would result from strict compliance to the
Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Greenside II,Phase II,Lot 3:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final plat and site plan for
Greenside II,Phase II,Lot 3.The owner is proposing to subdivide a 3-acre
parcel for a 32-unit apartment complex to consist of four buildings with
approximately eight units per building.North Street Extended will be
extended further to its termination in a new cul-de-sac.All new roads will
be constructed to County standards.The site is located within the Highway
Interchange district,and a 75 foot buffer is required and provided along
the northern property line due to the adjacent single-family homes.The
site will be served by public water and sewer.parking and building
setbacks have been met and adequate landscaping has been provided.Agency
approvals have been received from the Health Department,County Engineer,
and the Sanitary District.The Hagerstown Water Department gave its
conditional approval upon an agreement being reached on the connection of
the 8"main in North Street to the 12"main in Main Street.Mr.Salitsky
made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat and site plan approval.
Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Site Plans:
Hagerstown Kitchens:
Miss Kelly presented the site plan for Hagerstown Kitchen.The site is
located along the east side of Pennsylvania Avenue,600 feet north of its
intersection with Maugans Avenue.The owner is proposing to expand the
existing metal building to store cabinets.Landscaping is to be added in
the front of the existing building and around the sign.The existing
screening along the northern property line will remain.The existing
lighting and sign will remain on the site.All agency approvals have been
received.Mr.Salitsy made a motion to grant site plan approval.Seconded
by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
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Preliminary Consultations:
Comfort Inn and McDonalds:
Mr.Goodrich stated that a preliminary consultation was held on March 2 to
discuss the concept plan for a Comfort Inn Motel and a McDonalds restaurant.
The site is located along the east side of Maryland Route 65 south of the
I-70 interchang,e.He noted that there were no major problems during the
consultation.The state Highway Administration has concerns about the
McDonalds restaurant access onto Route 65 and would like to see access from
the interior street system only.
Mr.Seibert,a resident of the area,expressed concerns about the current
traffic problem at this interchange and also the expected traffic that will
be generated from this development.
No action was taken by the Commission.
Virts Estates:
The preliminary consultation for the Virts Estates was presented to the
Planning Commission for its information with nothing additional being added
by the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
Jennifer Butts:
The preliminary consultation for Jennifer Butts was presented to the
Planning Commission for its information with nothing additional being added
by the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
Ditto Farms Park Recreation Area:
Mr.Stachoviak presented the preliminary consutlation for the Ditto Farms
Park Recreation Area.The recreation area is located west of the golf
course and consists of 45 acres.A planned road is being proposed with
access into Londontowne Section C,but an agreement must be reached between
the County and Mr.Dan Sheedy,developer of Londontowne,on a land swap
proposal.Public water would be available to the site if a 12-inch water
line would be constructed to connect the Mt.Aenta Road line to the
Londontowne development.The recreation area is a neighborhood park concept
to consist of ballfields,basketball and tennis courts,ice skating rink,
and picnic pavilions.No action was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Urban Growth Area Study--Committee appointment:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that several years ago an Urban Growth Area Committee
existed and the City of Hagerstown Planning Commission and the Washington
County Planning Commission feel that a new committee should be formed to
consist of two commission members from each commission.Mr.Iseminger and
Dr.Johns volunteered to serve on the UGA Committee to represent the
Washington County Planning Commission.
Rezoning Cases from March 14--Field Trip Date:
A field trip will be held on April 11 at 1:30 to view the sites from the
rezoning applications that were heard in pUblic hearing on March 14,as well
as the Masonic Lodge site.A special workshop meeting will be held after
the field trip to consider the rezoning cases and to make recommendations to
the County Commissioners.
AWOURNMENT:
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There being no further
airman
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WASHINGWN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -MAY 2,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on May 2,
1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the County Office
Building.
Members present were:Chairman,Jack B.j3yers;Vice-Chairman,Lbnald E.
Zombro;Ex-Officio;Richard E.Roulette;Dr.Ray Johns,Bertrand L.
Iseminger,Sidney Salitsky,and Judith A.Accord.Staff:Executive
Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate
Planners,Lisa A.Kelly and Timothy A.Lung;Parks Planner,William V.
Stachoviak;Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul prodonovich,and
Secretary,Suzette Hartmann.
CALL W ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Zombro made the motion that the minutes of April 4,1988 meeting be
approved.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
A motion was made by Dr.Johns to accept the Workshop minutes as written.
Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
MASONIC IODGE:
Miss Kelly provided the background for the variance request for the Masonic
Lodge.The subject site is located along the north side of Route 68,1.5
mile east of Williamspcrt.The variance is being requested from Section
405.2 (A)of the Subdivision Ordinance which by reference incorpcrates the
adopted Highway Plan.The Highway Plan requires a minimum distance of 500'
between access pcints on a Minor Arterial roadway.The Masonic Lodge
intends to acquire 5 acres from the John Kendle farm and create an entrance
onto Route 68 approximately 180'west of an existing residential driveway
owned by Mr.Robert Gordon.
Several property owners in the area spoke in opposition to the variance
request by stating that the proposed lodge will decrease property
values.The Planning Commission explored the possibility of locating the
Lodge's entrance to either the east or the west side of the Kendel house on
old Rt.68,but this proposal was objected to by the protestants who
contended that the lodge itself should not be permitted as a principle use.
Mr.William Wantz,attorney for the protestants,stated that there really
wasn't a good entrance for the property due to the volume of traffic in and
out of the Masonic Lodge when their meetings were held.He also reminded
the Commission that the Subdivision Ordinance states that a variance may be
granted only if strict compliance with the required driveway spacing will
result in a safety hazard.
Dr.Ray Johns moved that the variance be granted on the basis of hardship
associated with topcgraphy of the area noting that the slope of the land
west of the proposed entrance made a driveway impractical.Mr.Zombro
seconded the motion.Mr.Wantz told the Commission that Mr.Zombro was not
eligible to vote or to second the motion because he had not attended the
April meeting when the subject was last discussed.Mr.Zombro then withdrew
his motion.Dr.Johns stated that he made the motion with the understanding
that the State Highway Administration made the recomendation based on safety
considerations.The State Highway approval was only for an alternate
ingress and egress and not for the primary entrance as now propcsed.After
further discussion,Mr.Iseminger seconded the motion to approve the
variance.The motion was called for a vote.Mr.Iseminger &Dr.Johns
voted aye,Mr.Zombro and Mr.Roulette asbtained,and Mr.Salitsky and Mr.
Byers voted no.The motion failed.The variance therefore was not granted.
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RZ 386 Gerald Spessard:
Mr.Salitsky made the llKJtion that RZ-386 rezoning request be changed from RR
&C to BL classification.He recommended the change based upon neighborhood
population growth and the establishment of the town growth boundary.Mr.
Zombro seconded the motion.Mr.Iseminger abstained.So ordered.
Mr.Malcolm Davis,of Davis,Renn,&Shrader,Inc.,was present to request a
piece of land be added to this property to accollKJdate parking for a bank on
Route 64.He wanted to submit a simplified plat.Mr.Hawbaker explained
the purposes of a simplified plat and when submission of a simplified plat
is applicable and asked the Commission to approve submission of a simplified
plat as requested by Mr.Davis.
Motion made by Mr.Salitsky to grant authority approval for Simplified plat
submission.Mr.Zombro seconded.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
NEW BUSINESS:
William J.Hancock:
Mr.Lung stated that Mr.Hancock requested a variance from Section 405.11
(9B)of the Subdivision Ordinance which requires that all newly created lots
have a minimum of 25'of pUblic road frontage.The property is located
within the Horseshoe Bend Subdivision off of Mills Road.Mr.Hancock's
request is to create five 3-acre lots without the required pUblic road
frontage.The property is part of the Horseshoe Bend Subdivision and access
to the new lots will be provided by the private road system that serves
Horseshoe Bend.
There are approximately 26 existing lots in the Horseshoe Bend Subdivision
and 12 existing dwellings.The condition of the road serving this portion
of the development varies in quality,but is basically a one lane gravel
road wi th steep grades and sharp curves.Maintenance of the road is
provided by the Horseshoe Bend Homeowner's Association.Snow rellKJval is
contracted for on a seasonal basis.
Mr.Salitsky made the llKJtion to approve the variance based on the hardship
as outlined in Mr.Hancock's letter submitted with the variance request and
with the condition which must be placed in writing on the plat that the
County is absolved from any responsibility for acceptance or maintenance of
the private road.Mr.Zombro seconded.So ordered.
SUBDIVISIONS:
J.Preston Shupp:
Ms.Kelly discussed the proposal consisting of lots 11 and 12.The County
Engineer recommended that lot 11 not be approved until Gruber Road is
improved to a minimum paved width of 16'.
Mr.Iseminger made the motion for approval with the stipulation that no
additional lots on Gruber Road be approved until the road is widened to
16'.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Crest Valley (Play Areas):
Mr.Lung explained that when Crest Valley was developed it contained five
play areas within the subdivision.These play areas range in size from .61
Ac.to .46 Ac.and were to be owned and maintained by a Homeowner's
Association.The Homeowner's Association was never formed and the play
areas were never developed
The developer of Crest Valley still owns these play lots and is proposing to
eliminate them by combining them with the adjacent residential lots via the
a simplified plat process.Since the Subdivision was approved by the
Planning Commission with play lots,the Planning Commission should review
the proposal to remove them.Mr.Lung noted that the county has no
regUlations requiring Play lots in single family developments.
Mr.Salitsky made a motion to approve the removal of the play lots with the
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stipulation that the consultant revise the record plat for sections A,B &C
of Crest Valley showing the deletion of the play areas.Motion seconded by
Dr.Johns.So ordered.
TERRACE HILLS-Sections B &C:
Mr.Lung reviewed,with the Planning Commission,a Preliminary and Final
plat for Terrace Hills Sections B &C.Terrace Hills is located north of
Oak Hill Ave.extended and Cathedral Avenue on land owned by Mr.Rowland
Brandenburg.The plat as revised shows Lance Circle ending with a cul-de-
sac and Kimberley ddve extending beyond Lance Circle to a stub end.If Mr.
Brandenburg decides to further develop the remaining land,he could elect to
use Kimberley Drive as an access point thereby increasing traffic through
Terrace Hills.This was pointed out by the County Engineer who recommended
that Kimberley Drive should not be allowed to serve more than 3 to 5
additional lots.
Mr.Lung requested that the Planning Commission comment on whether it
appropriate to place a note on the plat stating that further subdivisions of
remaining lands with access onto Kimberley Drive be limited to a miximum of
3 to 5 lots.
Mr.Salitsky made the motion that the plat be approved conditioned upon
receipt of all agency approvals and that a statement should be placed on the
final plat limiting additional lots using Kimberley Drive.Seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered •
.Hagerstown Washington Co.Industrial Foundation/Londontown Corporation
Mr.Lung presented a subdivision plat and site plan for the Hagerstown
Washington Co.Industrial Foundation/Londontown Corporation.The proposed
building to be developed by the Bowman Group will be located on 22.21 acres,
located along the north side of Industrial Lane in the Interstate Industrial
Park zoned PI.The proposed use is a manufacturing office and warehouse
facility.Access to the site will be via Industrial Lane and Ferguson
Lane.The site plan meets all of the requirements of the PI zoning
district.All agencies have approved the SUbdivision plat and site plan.
Mr.Lung stated that the applicant is requesting the Planning Commission
approval of the subdivision and site plan.Mr.Roulette made the motion to
approve the preliminary and final SUbdivision plat and site plan.Seconded
by Mr.Zombro.Mr.Iseminger abstained.So ordered.
County Commissioners/Bowman Distribution Terminal
Ms.Kelly provided background information relative to the proposed project.
A manufacturing/office warehouse will be constructed and be located
southwest of Tandy Drive in the Washington County Businesss Park.The
parcel encompasses approximately 8.3 acres and has the zoning classification
of Industrial General.The warehouse will be used as an unmanned
distribution center for Radio Shack.Access will be onto Tandy Drive.
Freight and delivery requirements will be four (4)trips per day.
Landscaping will be placed along one-half of the northern property line and
around the entrance.All required approvals have been received.Miss Kelly
requested approval of the preliminary/final and site plan by the Planning
Commission.
Mr.Salitsky made the motion for approval and Mr.Zombro seconded.So
ordered.
SITE PLANS:Children's Village
Ms.Kelly presented the site plan for Children's Village located on the
north side of Mt.Aetna Road,500'west of its intersection with Robinwood
Drive.Children's Village will provide safety education facilities for
Children of elementary school age.All agencies have responded with
approvals.
Mr.Salitsky made the motion to approve the site plan.Mr.Iseminger
seconded the motion.So ordered.
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Grease Monkey--Revision
Mr.Lung informed the Ccmnission that at its February 1,1988 meeting the
Planning Commission approval a Site Plan for Mr.Tom Shank to construct an
Auto Lubrication Center called Grease Monkey,located on the west side of
Route 11 north of Hagerstown.Following apPfoval of the Site Plan by the
Planning Ccmnission,the applicant filed fora variance with the Board of
Zoning Appeals to reduce the number of parking spaces from 11 to 5 (AP-
2047).The variance was approved.The applicant has revised the Site Plan
to reflect the variance and has also eliminated some landscaping to the rear
of the site due to changes in the grading.
The applicant is requesting Planning Commission approval of the revised Site
Plan.Mr.Lung noted that the revised plan should reference the variance
and that the site data table should be amended to indicate the reduced
number of parking spaces.Dr.Johns motioned to approve the revised Site
Plan.Mr.Salitsky seconded.So ordered.
Brightwood Acres,Inc.--Revision:
Mr.Goodrich informed the Planning Ccmnission of a situation which occurs
from time to time where a site is not developed in accordance with the
approved site plan.The purpose was to make the Commission aware of the
situation and to solicit its ideas on how to prevent future problems of
this sort.The site is on East Oak Ridge Drive just west of Flohr Pools.
Mr.Prodonovich made a field inspection of the site Brightwood Acres,Inc.
and found that the site had not been developed in accordance with the
approved plans.The discrepancies include the parking access lane,handicap
parking,driveway relocation,nose down curb,landscaping and undersized
parking.Mr.Prodonovich notified the contractor and they are in the
process of correcting the problems.Corrections are to be completed before
May 25,1988 per the contractor's letter.
No action was taken by the Commission.
Daubs Woods concept plan:
Bill Stachoviak,Parks Planner,presented the Daub's Wood County Park master
plan and improvement schedule for the Commission's information.Recommended
improvements include new parking areas,paved pathways,a restroom,storage
building,and road upgrading.No action was taken by the Commission.
Prliminary Consultations:
J.Preston Shupp:
The preliminary Consultation for J.Preston Shupp was presented to the
Commission for information only and nothing was added by the staff.No
action was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
AgriCUltural Preservation District APplication--Anna Louise Rowland
Mr.Goodrich pointed out to the ccmnission that the 700-acre Rowland farm is
located in the Rural/Agricultural area of the county,outside of the Urban
Growth Area.It meets the soil requirements of 50%in Agricultural
Capability Units Growth Area I,II and III.These soils are identified on
the Agricultural Inventory map as Prime Long Term,Productive Long Term and
Productive Capability.
Mr.Goodrich pointed out to the Ccmnission that a good portion of the farm
is wooded.Large amounts of woodlands are acceptable in AgriCUlture
Preservation Districts;they can often be productive farmland as well.Mr.
Hawbaker stated that the Planning Commission was being asked to certify that
the Ag.District Application is in conformance with the County comprehensive
Plan.
A motion was made to that effect by Mr.Zombro.Seconded by Ms.Accord.So
ordered.
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HANCOCK GROWTH AREA STATUS:
Mr.Goodrich informed the Planning Cormnission that the first meeting was
held with the Growth Area cormnittee.He went over the concept,showed some
of the products of the study and what the Growth Area report might contain.
The town's biggest concern seems to be the possibility of becoming locked
into something too binding or loosing its authority.Mr.Goodrich assured
the Mayor and Council that the report would be a series of recommendations
that the town mayor may not chose to follow.The next meeting has been
scheduled for May 18th.The Planning Commission had no questions for Mr.
Goodrich.
Bruce N.Hoffman:
The plats for lots owned by Bruce N.Hoffman were originaly approved in
February and April 1985,but were not recorded among the Washington County
Land Records within the two-year period as required by the Subdivision
Ordinance.Mr.Hoffman would like to convey these lots;however,the plat
must be recertified by the Planning Commission before it can be recorded.
Mr.Hawbaker requested the Planning Commission give him authority to
recertify the Hoffman plat with the condition they record it within 30
days.He also asked that the Commission give him the authority to recertify
future plats in this category without bringing them back to the Commission.
The motion to give Mr.Hawbaker the authority to approve future similar
plats was made by Ms.Accord with the understanding that each plat would be
.review to assure that the original site conditions are unchanged.Seconded
by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
University of Wisconsin Seminar--Information:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that Mr.Goodrich would be attending a
planning seminar at the University of Wisconsin,at Madison.
The seminar topics include airport zoning,preservation of agriculture
lands,and other topics which will benefit Washington County Planning.
Towson University:
Mr.Hawbaker spoke about his recent meeting he attended at Towson
University.The University is investigating the feasibility of offering a
new curriculum in "Suburban Studies"and the needs for suburban planning.
The University officials asked Mr.Hawbaker if he would work with them in
the future.
Mr.Hawbaker agreed to work with the University to assist them in the
establishment of the new curriculum.Graduates from this course will
provide an employment resource for county planning departments.
16'Road Subject Status:
Mr.Hawbaker presented the Commission with a list of county roads that were
16'feet or wider as previously requested.A list of roads that were under
16'wide could not be provided without additional research.The roads that
are 16'or wider was obtained from the 1985 list of roads that were
painted.After some discussion,the Commission asked Mr.Hawbaker to inform
all the engineering consulting and surveying firms that in the future it
will support Mr.Dull in his request to limit new subdivisions on roads of
16 feet and less and that the Commission will make a critical review of all
plat submittals on such roads.No further action taken at this time.
Work Program:
Mr.Hawbaker presented a list of 11 proposed SUbjects and wanted the
Planning Commission's input as,for the 1988 work program.The eleven shown
on the list are in priority.Mr.Hawbaker requested the Commission's ideas
on each of the items.
It was decided to discuss the work program at a future a workshop.
workshop will be held on Monday,May 23,at 3:00 p.m.in the third
conference room.
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New Urban Growth Area Study:
A meeting to discuss the new Urban Growth Area Study for the city of
Hagerstown will be held On May 9,at 7:00 P.M.in the Planning Commission
Conference Room.Mr.Iseminger and Dr.Johns will be representing the
County's Planning commission.
Biennial Solid Waste Management Plan Status:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Planning Commission that he will brief the County
Commissioners on the Solid Waste Management Plan.The briefing will be
conducted on May 17th at 9:30 A.M.and the Planning Commission is invited to
attend.
Rezoning Text Amendments--June 13 Public Hearing
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Planning Commission that he will be preparing text
amendments to the zoning Ordinance for boat docks,truck stops,travelers'
plazas,truck repair garages,and the standard 200'setback.This hearing
will be held on June 13,at 7:00 P.M.in the Court Room.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M
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Washington County Planning Commission
Regular Meeting -June 6,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on June
6,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the County
Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,D:mald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Dr.Ray Johns,Judith A.Acord,Sidney
Salitsky,and Bertrand L.Iseminger.Staff:Executive Director,Jack S.
Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate Planner,Timothy A.
Lung;Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich;and Secretary,
Janet L.King.Absent was Associate Planner,Lisa A.Kelly.
Mr.Byers stated that there has been a request to add the preliminary plat
for Highland Manor,Phase 2,Lots 71 through 78 to the agenda.Dr.Johns
made a motion to add Highland Manor to the agenda.Seconded by Ms.Acord.
So ordered.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to .order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger stated that the May minutes should be amended to reflect that
he abstained from voting on the Greenside Apartments project during the
-April meeting and also to reflect that he abstained from voting on the
Bcwman Distribution Terminal project.Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve
the May 2 minutes as amended.Seconded by Mr.Sali tsky.So ordered.
Dr.Johns stated that the May
to add him as being present.
workshop meeting as amended.
NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
Harold and Pearl Snively:
23 workshop meeting minutes should be amended
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the May 23
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Harold and Pearl Snively.The
site consists of 203 acres and is located along the west side of Rockdale
Road.The variance is being requested from Section 405.llb of the
Subdivision Ordinance which requires that all newly created lots must have
at least 25 feet of public road frontage.An existing house and farm
buildings are in the center of the property.The Snivelys are proposing to
subdivide the house with approximately 5 acres as one parcel,approximately
2 acres along Spickler Road as another parcel,with the remaining 197 acres
to be conveyed to an adjacent property owner.To meet the requirements of
the Subdivision Ordinance,a 25 foot panhandle,.33 miles long,to Rockdale
Road must be provided.The applicant stated that it would be a hardship to
provide a panhandle .33 miles long.This variance request is to create a
lot without fee simple road frontage and with access provided by a deeded
right-of-way.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant the variance request based
on a hardship which would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.
Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Gcldy B.Lorshbaugh Metz:
Mr.Goodrich presented a variance request for Goldy Lorshbaugh Metz.The
property is located at the intersection of North Street and Stouffer Avenue
in Maugansville.The applicants are proposing to subdivide a .3 acre parcel
into two lots.Parcel A has an existing house and Parcel B is the proposed
new lot.Dedication of future right-of-way along Stouffer Avenue and North
Street is required.The variance is requested to reduce the required 25
feet of dedication to 15 feet which is equivalent to the existing right-of-
way.The applicant is requesting that no additional right-of-way be
required.The required right-of-way dedication and the building setbacks
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does not leave sufficient area to place the proposed dwelling on Parcel
B.The Board of Appeals granted a variance on the required lot size and
building setbacks so that the rear yard would be 32 feet instead of the
required 40 feet.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance request
based or a hardship that would result from strict compliance with the
Ordinance.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Ibnald E.Davis:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance request for Ibnald Davis.The site is
located along a portion of Old Route 67,south of B=nsboro.The 1.5 acre
parcel contains two dwellings:a stick built home and a mobile home.The
applicant is proposing to subdivide a parcel to contain the mobile home and
convey it to an immediate family member.The variance is being requested
from Section 405.ll(b)which requires that all new lots have 25 feet of
pUblic road frontage.Mr.Davis is proposing to create the new lot with
only 24 feet of road frontage since an existing garage is located at the
front property line and permits a panhandle to the rear parcel of only 24
feet.Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the variance based on the hardship
that would result if the existing building had to be removed to provide the
required frontage.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered •
Subdivisions:
Robert Millard:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary plat for the Millard Subdivision,Section
1,Lots 3 through 10.The proposed development consists of an 8 lot
residential subdivision on 27.3 acres and is located between Townsend and
Gapland Roads.Lot sizes range from 3.1 acres to 3.8 acres.Lots 1 and 2
were previously subdivided under the simplified plat process,not for
development,and will be replatted for development under this subdivision.
This will create a total of 10 lots for development.Four of the lots have
frontage along Gapland Road,and six have frontage along Townsend Road.All
of the proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems.
The Health Department requested that a hydrogeologic study and water
sampling be performed.Test wells were drilled on lots 3 and 6.Both had
good test results.The Health Department has approved the subdivision
plat.All other agency approvals have been received.Mr.Iseminger made a
motion to approve the preliminary plat.seconded by Mr.Salitsky •So
ordered.
Eugene Thomas:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final plat for Eugene Thomas,
lots 1 through 4.The site is located along Hicksville Road near Clear
Spring.The four proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic
systems.The Health Department has approved the well and septic locations.
The County Engineer has disapproved the preliminary and final plat since
Hicksville Road is less than 16 feet in width,consistent with a previous
policy statement.After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to
table the preliminary and final plat until the July meeting so the
Commission can view the site on a field trip.Seconded by Ms.Acord.·So
ordered.
F T &K,Inc.:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final plat for F.T.and K.,Inc.,
Lot 1.The site is located along Smoketown Road.Mr.Goodrich said that
the County Engineer has not taken a position on whether to approve or
disapprove the plat.Smoketown Road,in the vicinity of this lot,is only
12 feet wide and unpaved buth the County Engineer has also considered the
fact that the lot is to be conveyed to an immediate family member.
Mr.Fred Frederick,consultant for the applicant,stated that the first 1200
feet of Smoketown Road is adequately paved and that there were only two
other dwellings located on the road.
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After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary
and final plat approval based on the conveyance to an immediate family
member and also that no further subdivision be permitted on the substandard
portion of Smoketown Road.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.The plat was approved
with the understanding that the conveyance of lot #1 would be restricted to
family member ownership for a period of 5 years.Mr.Byers abstained.So
ordered.
Meadow View Mennonite Church:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Meadow View Mennonite
Church.The site consists of 3 acres located on the south side of Wrench
Road.The proposed lot is the site for a church,which is a principal
permitted use in the Agricultural district.A variance was granted by the
Board of Appeals in April,1988 to allow for a decrease in the front yard
setback from 100 feet to 50 feet.A private well and septic system is
proposed.The Health Department has given its approval with half of the
10,000 square foot septic reserve area to be located on an adjacent parcel.
Approval from the County Engineer has also been received.Mr.Salitsky made
a motion to approve the preliminary and final plat.Seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered.
Brightwood Square:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Brightwood Square,
Lots 2 through 15.Lot 1 was previously approved.The site is located
along the north side of Mt.Aetna Road adjacent to the Elks Club.Two
·public roads,Staley and Whitney Drive,are being proposed and will be
dedicated to the County.Public water service has been approved by the
Hagerstown Water Department.Approval has also been received from the
County Engineer.Individual on-site septic systems are being proposed for
the development.The Health Department has given verbal approval.Dr.
Johns made a motion to grant preliminary and final approval contingent upon
receipt of written Health Department approval.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.
So ordered.
Robert Nitzell -New School of Ballet:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat and site plan
for Robert Nitzells,New School of Ballet,lot #1.The applicant is
proposing to subdivide a .38 acre parcel,located on the south side of
Crestwood Drive,to use as a ballet school.The site will consist of a
3,050 square foot building with two proposed entrances onto Crestwood
Drive.Landscaping is provided along the front and side of the proposed
building.Screening is provided along the west property line for the
adjacent residence.Two building mounted lights are to be located on the
east side of the building adjacent to the parking lot.All agency approvals
have been received.Mr.Salitsky made a motion to grant preliminary and
final subdivision plat and site plan approval.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.
Mr.Iseminer abstained.So ordered.
Highland Manor:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary plat for Highland Manor,Phase 2,Lots 71
through 78.The site is located along the west side of Route 63,.5 miles
south of Huyetts Crossroads.A preliminary consulation was held for the
entire mobile home subdivision,which consists of 228 lots on approximately
52 acres.In January,1988,the Planning Commission approved Phase 1,Lots
1 through 70 located in the northeast portion of the site.The development
will be served by pUblic water and package treatment plant to handle the
sewage.Approvals have been received from the Hagerstown Water Department
and the Sanitary District.The County Engineer has requested some revisions
to the stormwater management design.The plan has been revised and
submitted for the County Engineer's review.Approval has been received from
the State Highway Administration.Verbal approval has been received from
the Health Department,written approval is forthcoming.Mr.Salitsky made a
motion to grant preliminary plat approval contingent on receipt of approvals
from the Health Department and the County Engineer.Seconded by Mr.
Roulette.So ordered.
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Site Plans:
McLbnalds:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for McLbnalds,located on the east side of
Route 65,just south of the 1-70 interchange.In March,a preliminary
consultation was held on the McLbnald's Restuarant and the Comfort Inn
motel.The site currently contains 3 single-family dwellings to be
removed.A 4900 square foot building will be constructed including a drive-
thru facility.Forty-one parking spaces are required,McLbnalds is
providing a total of 94 spaces.An area is reserved to the rear of the site
for future truck parking.Access to the restuarant will be via a private
access road along the southern property line which will also serve the
Comfort Inn site.An exit for north bound traffic only will be located at
the north end of the site.The entrance locations have been approved by the
State Highway Administration.McLbnalds will be required to widen Route 65
to a width of 24 feet from the centerline and make modifications to the
drainage system.The Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance from the
required 75 foot buffer requirement to 27 feet along the southern property
line.A variance was also granted by the Appeals Board for the sign
height.Adequate landscaping is provided around the proposed building as
well as screening along the south property line.Stormwater management is
provided to the rear of the site and approval has been received from the
County Engineer.The site will be served by pUblic water and sewer.Mr.
Zombro made a motion to grant site plan approval.Seconded by Ms.Acord.
So ordered.
Design Works:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Design Works.The site is located in
the Earley Business Park along Route 65.A 10,000 square foot building will
be constructed to be used as a metal cabinet manufacturing plant.The site
will be served by public water and a private septic system.Parking is
provided on the north side of the building and an area is reserved for
loading along the south side of the building.At the request of the
Planning staff,revisions need to be made to the plan to show a)a tree
buffer along the western property line,b)indicate the usage of signs,c)
specify the location of the 10 x 45 foot loading area,and d)note the type
of exterior lighting to be used on-site.The consultant indicated that they
would be willing to make those changes.All agency approvals have been
received accept for the Health Department.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant
site plan approval contingent upon receipt of Health Department approval and
all suggested revisions being made to the plan.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.
Mr.Iseminger abstained.So ordered.
Keepsakes by Vicki:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Keepsakes by Vicki,located along the
northside of Edgewood Drive.The site will consist of an addition to the
existing warehouse and 3 proposed rental garages.The site is served by
pUblic water and sewer.Access to the proposed site will be via a new
pUblic street called Langley Drive as well as an existing entrance onto
Edgewood Drive.All agency approvals have been received accept for the
Water Department.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant site plan approval
contingent on receipt of Hagerstown Water Department approval.Seconded by
Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
B &B Auto Glass -Revised:
Mr.Paul Prodonovich stated that during the May meeting,the Planning
Commission had a concern about a utility pole in the right-of-way.He noted
that the site has been developed in accordance with the approved plan accept
for the removal of the utility pole.Mr.Prodonovich said that he spoke
with Mr.Nelson at B &B Auto Glass and informed him that it is his
responsibility for the relocation of the utility pole.No action was taken
by the Commission.
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High Tech Leasing -Revised:
Mr.Prcdonovich stated that the site plan for High Tech Leasing was not
developed as the approved site plan was submitted.Revised drawings were
submitted to the Permit Office and seemed to meet the criteria outlined in
the Zoning Ordinance.When the width of the parking lot was measured on,-
site,it was not incompliance with the Zoning Ordinance.After a brief
discussion,by concensus,High Tech Leasing will be tabled until the July
meeting so the Planning Commission can review the revised plan.So ordered.
Hagerstown Produce -Revised:
Mr.Prcdonovich again stated that Hagerstown Prcduce was not developed as
the approved site plan was submitted.He noted that the driveway was
shifted 25 feet and the parking area is now located adjacent to the building
instead of at the front of the building.Additional employee parking was
added next to the road.Additional landscaping was provided around the sign
to the entrance of the industrial park.Revised drawings have been
submitted and there are no problems with the revised plan.Ms.Acord made a
motion to approve the revised plan for Hagerstown Prcduce.Seconded by Mr.
Roulette.So ordered.
preliminary Consultations:
Lime Kiln Estates:
Mr.Gocdrich stated that during the preliminary consultation for Lime Kiln
Estates,the County Engineer had concerns about the adequacy of Niccdemous
"Farm Road.Mr.Dull stated that the two existing bridges on Niccdemous Farm
Road have the weight limitations and could not stand the additional traffic
generated by this development.He recommended that this development be
pcstpcned until after the bridges are replaced.No action was taken by the
Commission.
Curtis Ausherman:
The preliminary consultation for Curtis Ausherman was presented to the
Commission for its information only.Nothing was added by the staff.No
action was taken by the Commission.
Trustees of the Presbytery of Baltimore Church:
The preliminary consultation for the Trustess of the Presbytery of the
Baltimore Church was presented to the Commission for its information only.
Nothing was added by the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Election of Officers:
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to nominate Mr.Byers as Chairman of the
Planning Commission.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion to nominate Mr.Zombro as Vice-Chairman of the
Planning Commission.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Fire Hydrant Locations on Site Plans:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that Jeff Ringer,Chief of Halfway Volunteer Fire
Company,has concerns on the installation of fire hydrants in industrial
parks.The site plan for Teleflex showed that a fire hydrant would be
installed on the site but after construction,there was a question as to
whether the hydrant would be installed.Mr.Hawbaker asked the Commission
who enforces the installation of fire hydrants on the site since hydrants
are not Zoning Ordinance criterion.By concensus,the Commission stated
that what the Planning Commission approves on the submitted site plan should
be constructed on the site and is enforceable.
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Joint Planning Commission/Airport Commission Meeting:
A joint meeting of the Planning Commission and the Airport Commission will
be held on Thursday,June 9 at 3:00 P.M.to be held in the second floor
conference room of the County Office Building.
The Planning Commission will attend a field trip On Thursday,June 9 at 1:30
P.M.to leave from the rear of the County Office Building.
Driveway Committee:
The Driveway Committee,consisting of Ibnald Zombro and Judith Acord,
expressed their concerns On the access separ~tion requirements.They
suggested that the County Engineer should set the distance separation
requirements for arterial and collector roadways.Mr.Hawbaker said that
there is a danger in delegating such decisions to one individual,that the
standards currently in the Highway Plan were developed for the purpcse of
having consistent driveway separation criteria.He also told the Commission
that the County Engineer is not responsible for the separation requirements
on state highways.After a brief discussion,by concensus,the Driveway
Committee will meet with the County Engineer to get his opinions On the
driveway distance seperation requirements.
ADJOURNMENT :
There being nO further business,the meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
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WASHINGWN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGUIl\R MEETING -JULY 11,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on July
11,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the County
Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Ibnald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr.Ray Johns,Sidney
Salitsky,and Judith A.Acord.Staff:Executive Director,Jack S.
Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate Planners,Lisa
Kelly Pietro and Timothy A.Lung,and Secretary,Janet L.King.
CALL 1'0 ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
Mr.Hawbaker introduced Richard Parks,Director of Planning and Review,to
the Planning Commission.
Mr.Byers stated that there has been a request to add the Comfort Inn site
plan to the agenda.By concensus,the Commission decided that the above-
referenced site plan will not be added to the agenda because of the
insufficient time for staff review and because of lack of agency approvals.
MINUTES:
Mr.Salitsky made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 6 regular
meeting as submitted.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 9 workshop
meeting as submitted.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Eugene Thomas:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that during the June meeting a 4 lot residential
subdivision was submitted for approval by Eugene Thomas.The site is
located along Hicksville Road near Clear Spring.The County Engineer
disapproved the preliminary and final plat since Hicksville Road is less
than 16 feet in width.As a result of the disapproval,the Commission took
a field trip to view this site.
Mr.Iseminger noted that he again viewed the site and does not consider the
road to be substandard.He feels that it has adequate site distance and
creates no safety hazard.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Salitsky made a rrotion to approve the
preliminary and final plat for Eugene Thomas.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.
So ordered.
Hi-Tech Leasing:
Mr.Lung stated that during the June meeting,Mr.Prodonovich informed the
Commission that the above-referenced site was not developed as submitted on
the site plan.The site for Hi-Tech Leasing is located at the intersection
of Robinwood Drive and Route 64.Mr.Lung stated that the main concern was
the parking area not meeting the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Since the last meeting,a revised site plan has been submitted which
addresses the concerns outlined by the Director of Permits and Insepctions
and reflects the actual field conditions.The revised plan appears to meets
all the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.Mr.Lung added that the
revised plan utilizes angle parking instead of 90 degree parking and also
increases the amount of landscaping.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the revised site plan for Hi-Tech
Leasing.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
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NEW BUSINESS:
variances:
Krause/Strohecker:
Mr.Goodrich presented the Krause/Strohecker variance request.He noted
that Krause is the current owner and Strohecker is the contract purchaser.
The subject site is located along the south side of Route 40 in the Indian
Springs/Big Pool area.The site to be conveyed is 5.8 acres and was
subdivided by the simplified plat process in 1976.No development was
intended and therefore no review was made for access provisions.The
Strohecker's wish to build a home on the site causing the need for a
development plan which will impose the Highway Plan's restrictions.The
variance is being requested to create a new driveway with less than the
required 300 feet of access spacing as required by the County's Highway
Plan.To maintain the 300 feet of separation required,a new driveway would
have to be located at the eastern end of the site which has very poor sight
distance.The chosen location,within 50 to 75 feet of an adjacent
driveway,has the best sight distance for the site.Mr.Roulette made a
motion to grant the variance based on a topographical hardship that would
result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
Randy Cohen:
.Mr.Goodrich presented the variance request for Randy Cohen.The SUbject
site is located north of Cole Road and west of the Valley Mall parking lot.
The site consists of approximately 10 acres and is zoned Highway
Interchange.A preliminary consultation was held recently on the proposal
to subdivide this site into 3 parcels to consist of parcel #1,an auto
service center;parcel #2,mini warehouses;and parcel #3,rental office
space and small storage space.The variance is being requested to create
two new lots without the required 25 feet of public road frontage as
required by Section 405.11B of the Subdivision Ordinance.The proposed
development is to access onto Cole Road.Parcel 1 will have road frontage
but parcels 2 and 3 will be served by a right-of-way.
The County Engineer has concerns about the condition of Cole Road and its
ability to serve the proposed development.Mr.full suggested that the
developer contact the owners of the Valley Mall to obtain access via the
parking lot behind Montgomery Wards.
Mr.Cohen stated that the site is approximately 10 to 15 feet lower than the
mall parking lot.He noted that previous owners have tried to obtain a
right-of-way via the parking lot and the owners of the Mall have turned them
down.He said he will not ask for access because he feels he will be turned
down as well.
The Commission asked Mr.Cohen if he would be able to cooperate in upgrading
Cole Road to County standards.Mr.Cohen replied that he would.
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After a brief discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion
request until the August meeting so Mr.Cohen can
gain access to a public road for all three lots •
Roulette.So ordered.
Neal Gladhill:
to table the variance
redesign the site so as to
Seconded by Mr.
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Neal Gladhill.The subject site
is located on the east side of Cove Road,.5 miles south of Clear Spring.
The variance is being requested to creat a two lot subdivision with the
remaining land having no public road frontage.Access to the remaining
lands is to be provided by a private right-of-way.
Mr.Gladhill is proposing to subdivide the subject property into 2 building
lots with 1.37 acres of remaining land.A variance was granted by the Board
of Appeals to allow for a reduction in lot width from 300 feet to 265 feet
for lot 1 and 280 feet for lot 2 and also to allow for the remaining lands
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to be less than 3 acres.Mr.Gladhill has no intention of conveying the
remaining lands and does not wish to include the immediate family member
statement on the plat in order to allow for the creation of the remaining
land without public road frontage.The Health Department has stated that
they cannot approve the creation of the remaining lands of less than 3 acres
without a perc test.
Mr.Fred Frederick,consultant for Mr.Gladhill,informed the Planning
Commission that Mr.Gladhill's hardship would be a financial one.He noted
that Mr.Gladhill is desabled and his wife has been admitted to a nursing
home.He does not want to put the immediate family member statement on the
plat in case the remaining lands need to be sold in a hurry.
After a brief
request based
Mr.Salitsky.
discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to deny the
upon there being no bona fide hardship proven.
So ordered.
variance
Seconded by
COMMUNICATIONS:
Bernard Henson/Gerald Malloy:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that this is request is to create a new lot along Gruber
Road.Gruber Road is less than 16 feet in width,and when the previous plat
was sutmitted the County Engineer disapproved the plat due to inadequate
sight distance.
Mr.Fred Frederick,consultant for the Malloys,stated that in January,
1988,a one lot subdivision plat was submitted for Mr.Henson (the Malloy's
"grandfather).The County Engineer disapproved the plat because of
inadequate sight distance.He noted that if the bank along the front
portion of the Henson's property was removed,adequate sight distance could
be obtained and the plat would be approved.Mr.Frederick said the Malloys
spoke with Mr.full and informed him that the bank will be removed.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant approval of the plan.Seconded by Dr.
Johns.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Terry &Christine Randall:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for Terry
and Christine Randall,lots 1 through 8.The site is located in the
southwest quadrant of Route 144 and Hump Road.The site is currently owned
by Mr.Randall and the Board of County Commissioners.Mr.Randall is
purchasing additional lands from the County to enlarge his lot to 15 acres.
Mr.Randall is proposing to subdivide this parcel into eight commercial
lots.The proposed lots will be served by a new public road to be called
McRand Court.The site will be served by public water and sewer.All
agency approvals have been received.A variance was granted by the Board of
Appeals from the required 200 foot distance from a residence to 50 feet.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval.
Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Beard Farm:
Mr.Lung presented the 2 lot preliminary and final subdivision plat for the
Beard Farm.The site is located along the north side of Mill Point Road.
The proposed lots will consist of 5 acres each with remaining lands of
approximately 150 acres.A shared access will serve the proposed lots.Lot
#2 will be conveyed to an immediate family member.The County Engineer
disapproved the subdivision plat due to inadequate sight distance.Mr.Dull
feels that the average speed along this portion of Mill Point Road could be
in excess of 40 mph,therefore,the minimum sight distance required would be
275 to 300 feet.The actual sight distance at the proposed entrance is 240
feet.Sight distance based on a posted speed limit of 35 mph is 200 to 235
feet.
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Mr.Rob Holmes,consultant for the developer,feels there is adequate sight
distance at the proposed entrance.He noted that coming east from Route 68,
there is a bend in Mill Point Road which causes traffic to slow down well
below 40 mph and that sight distance to the east toward Rout 40A is
unlimited.For those reasons,he feels that the sight distance at the
proposed entrance location is adequate.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
George Bachtell:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for George
Bachtell.The County Engineer disapproved the plat since Waltz Road is less
than 16 feet in width.Mr.Goodrich noted that the Roads I:epartment was
contacted and the County does own and maintain Waltz Road to the railroad
crossing.Health I:epartment approval has been received.Mr.Iseminger made
a motion to grant preliminary and final plat approval overiding the County
Engineer's disapproval.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Maple Tree Resort:
Mr.Goodrich presented a 1 lot subdivision for Maple Tree Resort.He noted
that this subdivision plat falls into the category of a commercial
development.The subject site is located along the north side of Townsend
Road.The proposed use for the site is to be a recreation area,which is a
permitted use in the Conservation zone.The SUbject site is 7.5 acres in
size.A private well and septic system are proposed.The County Engineer
has approved the subdivision plat but will require a site development plan
with details about grading and stormwater management before any building
activity.The Health I:epartment has approved the subdivision plat.The
Zoning Administrator has approved the plat with the condition that when
building permits are requested,site plan drawings must be submitted to
ensure all zoning requirements have been met.Dr.Johns made a motion to
approve the preliminary and final subdivision plat conditional upon a
detailed site plan be submitted to the Planning Commission before any
construction begins.Seconded by ~1r.Roulette.So ordered.
Preliminary Consultation:
Rick Willis:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary consultation for Rick Willis.The
site is located along Mills Road.Mr.Willis is proposing to subdivide this
75 acre parcel into 34 single-family building lots.The proposed lots will
consist of approximately 2 to 5 acres.The Health I:epartment advised the
developer of the perc tests that are required and identified the soil types
that are on site.There is some floodplain on the site.The County
Engineer sent written comments stating that the development is too ambitious
and that the design in contrary to the intent and purpose of panhandle
lots.The site layout creates 11 entrances that are in excess of 1200 feet
long and 12 entrances in excess of 600 feet long.
Mr.Goodrich stated that during the consultation the Planning staff informed
the developer that the site is classified as prime long-term agricultural
land.He suggested that the developer cluster the development on a small
portion of the parcel and keep the remaining lands in agricultural use.
Mill Point Road is classified as a local road by the County's Highway Plan
with no access spacing requirements.Sight distance will be checked in the
field for each individual entrance location.
Several residents of the area expressed concerns about the proposed access
locations for the site,the proposed size of the lots,and the inadequacy of
Mills Road to handle to additional traffic that would be generated from this
development.Their concerns also centered on the increased density that
would result from all the new homes and the reSUlting adverse impact on the
character of the area.
After a brief discussion,the Chairman informed the public that the
consultation results were presented for the Commission's information and
that no action was required by the Commission.
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Subdivisions:
Potomac Manor,Section F:
Mr.Byers stepped down as Chairman due to an interest in this project and
Mr.Zombro chaired the meeting at this time.
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary plat for Potomac Manor,Section F.
The subject site is located northeast of Hagerstown.Sections D and E have
been previously approved and developed.Section F will consist of 62
residential lots with new streets to be built to County standards.The
proposed development will be served by pUblic water and sewer.The proposed
lots will range in size from 9,000 square feet to 14,000 square feet.
Approvals have been received from the Hagerstown Water Department and the
County Engineer.Verbal approval has been received from Water Pollution
Control.Health Department approval is outstanding.There is floodplain in
the area which was determined through a detailed watershed study required by
WRA before development of Section E.No response from Water Resources
Administration has been received yet.Several lots will be restricted in
Section F due to the floodplain.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant
preliminary plat approval.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Bud Ihhbura:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary plat/site plan for Bud Dahbura.The
subject site is located in Maugansville along the south side of Martin Road
.and is adjacent to the existing Hub Labels building.The site consists of
5.5 acres and is zoned Highway Interchange.The owner is proposing to
dedicate a 60 foot right-of-way for the construction of a road to be built
to County specifications to serve the remaining lands.The proposed
development contains a 30,000 square foot building to be used as warehouse
space and will be served by public water and sewer from Martin Road.
Parking for this development is figured as one parking space per employee.
There will be 35 employees,but 106 spaces are provided.Mr.Goodrich
expressed concern on the actual use of the building and noted that the
developer appears to have altered his original plans for developing the
site.Current information indicated that the plan will not be developed as
submitted but the subdivision will still occur.The County Engineer has,in
the past,expressed concern about the intersection and the additional
traffic that will be generated from development in this area.Written
comments have not been received from the County Engineer at this time.
Written comments have been received from the Sanitary District and the
Hagerstown Water Department.Screening and landscaping is sufficient.Mr.
Zombro made a motion to grant the staff the authority to issue final
approval conditional on receipt of all agency approvals and that if there
are any problems the plan needs to come back to the Commission.Seconded by
Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Site Plans:
Nibble Quick Convenience Store:
Mrs.Pietro presented the site plan for Nibble Quick Convenience Store.The
site is located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection MD Route 68
and MD Route 65.The total site area consists of 3.7 acres and is zoned
Agricultural.A 2,000 square foot building will be constructed for the
convenience store and gas pumps and a 3,400 square foot building will be
constructed for future retail space.Landscaping and parking is adequate.
The site will be served by a private well and septic system.A combined
entrance and exit is proposed along Route 68 and Route 65.All agency
approvals have been received except for the Health Department and State
Highway Administration.
Mrs.Pietro stated that the existing
room for the proposed parking area.
had an historic nature.
building will be taken down to make
Concerns arose whether this building
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the site plan contingent upon receipt of
all agency approvals.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.
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Mr.Roulette made a motion to amend the aforementioned motion to include
that the Planning staff check to see if the existing building is controlled
by any preservation regulatory agency other than the County's Historic Sites
Survey and to make sure that spot lighting does not effect the adjacent
residential properties.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Thompson Gas &Electric:
Mrs.Pietro presented the site plan for Thompson Gas and Electric.The site
is located at the intersection of Alternate 40 and Route 67.This site was
the subject of a rezoning approximately two years ago and is currently zoned
Business Local.The site consists of 1.6 acres.The proposed use will be a
combination of retail,warehouse and office space.The proposed landscaping
is adequate.The site will be served by public water and a private septic
system.There will be a total of 8 employees and approximately 20 customers
per day.A combined entrance and exit will be off of Alternate 40.All
agency approvals have been received.Mr.Salitsky made a motion to grant
site plan approval.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Huyett Business Park:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Huyett Business Park,located along the
west side of MD Route 63 just north of the 1-70 interchange.The owner is
proposing to construct a 60 x 120 foot office building to be located on a
1.6 acre leased parcel.The total acreage of the site is 46 acres.The
proposed setbacks and screening meet the requirements of the Highway
.Interchange district.There is an existing dwelling to the north of the
site and a 75 foot buffer is provided.A 50 foot buffer is provided along
Route 63.Access to the site is via a 24 foot entrance road to be
constructed to County standards for possible future dedication.Parking is
to be located to the front of the building with a loading area to the rear.
Lighting will be building mounted.The site will be served by public water
and a private septic system.All agency approvals have been received by the
Permits and Inspections D9partment.
Mr.Lung added that it appears that the owner may be contemplating future
subdivision.If so,a subdivision plat will need to be submitted for
approval by the Planning Commission before any lots are sold.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant site plan approval.Seconded by Ms.
Acord.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Fedder-Davis Office:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Fedder-Davis Office,located along Day
Road.The owner is proposing to construct a 50 x 80 foot building on 1.3
acres to be used for offices.The proposed access location is off of Day
Road.A 75 foot buffer and screen is provided along the northern property
line and a 50 foot buffer is provided along the eastern property line.A
variance was granted by the Board of Appeals to reduce the buffer along the
southern property line to 8 feet with screening being provided by trees and
a fence.Parking is to be located along the south side of the building with
adequate landscaping provided.There is a total of 27 parking spaces
provided.Verbal approval has been received from the Health D9partment.
All other agency approvals have been received.Mr.Zombro made a motion to
grant site plan approval contingent upon receipt of all agency approvals.
Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Fountain Head Plaza:
Mr.Goodrich presented the site plan for Fountain Head Plaza.The SUbject
site is located along the west side of U.S.Route 11,The owner is
proposing to construct a 54,000 square foot building for a food store and a
23,400 square foot building for small retail stores.The entire development
will include over 110,000 square foot of building space.The site is served
by pUblic water and sewer.The parking area will contain 433 spaces.
Access to the site will be via Route 11.The Planning staff has suggested
to the developer that the parking area be broken up to include some
landscaped islands.Additional landscaping is needed at the front but the
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staff suggested waiting until the final phase of development to add this
section of landscaping.Dr.Johns made a motion to grant site plan
approval.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.The motion was approved with the
understanding that the staff and consultant would come to an agreement on
some additional tree planting to enhance the existing trees along the rear
property line.So ordered.
Preliminary Consutlations:
Thomas Fath:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary consultation for Thomas Fath.The
owner is proposing to subdivide 22 residential lots along Breathedsville
Road.A previous consultation was held in October,1987 consisting of 11
residential lots with access off of Route 68.
During the consultation,the County Engineer stated that Breathedsville Road
is on the borderline for adequacy since it's 17 feet in width and that the
sight distance is marginal due to the vegetation in the summertime.
Several residents of the area attended the Planning Commission meeting and
expressed concerns on the adequacy of Breathedsville Road and the additional
traffic that will be generated by this development.
Mr.&Mrs.May,adjacent property owners,stated that the proposed entrance
onto Brea.thedsville Road comes across their property.Mr.William Teach,
consultant for Mr.Fath,noted that since the consultation,the site has
been resurveyed and it was determined that the proposed access location does
run through the May's property.
The Commission asked Mr.Teach why the access location is proposed for
Breathedsville Road and not Route 68 as previously submitted.Mr.Teach
stated that due to the State Highway Administration requirements,it would
be too costly to create an entrance.He also stated that a variance would
be needed from the access spacing requirement for the entrance to be located
along Route 68.
Due to the length of the proposed cul-de-sac and the problem with road
frontage along Breathedsville Road,by concensus,the Commission granted a
variance from the required 500 feet of separation requirement to allow
access onto Route 68.So ordered.
Randy Cohen:
Mr.GJodrich presented the preliminary consultation for Randy Cohen.He
again stated that the site is located north of Cole Road and west of the
Valley Mall parking lot.The site is zoned Highway Interchange.Due to the
existing residences along Cole Road,a 75 foot buffer is required in the HI
district.The staff is asking if the Planning Commission will be requiring
more than the required 75 feet of buffer for the Cole Road residences.By
concensus,the Commission decided that the buffer did not need to be more
than the 75 feet.
Hendershot Heights:
The preliminary consultation for Hendershot Heights was presented to the
Commission for its information only and nothing additional to be added by
the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Hog Farms:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that he has received several calls on the nuisance of
hog farms throughout Washington County.The residents of the area have
expressed concerns that the hog farms are a devaluation of their property.
Mr.Hawbaker suggested to the Commission that the Zoning Ordinance be
amended.
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Mr.Roulette said that the issue has been brought to the Commissioners
attention and they are looking for remedies to the situation by working
through the State delegation.One concern,he said,is that many farmers
view any attempt to control an agricultural permitted use is an intrusion in
the agricultural community.The Commissioners will be setting up a
committee for hog farm cases in the interest of finding a solution to odor
control.
Comfort Inn
Mr.Roulette stated that on behalf of the County Commissioners,he feels
that Mr.Malcolm Davis should be able to speak his case regarding the
proposed Comfort Inn along the Sharpsburg Pike.
Mr.Davis stated that the site plan for McDonald's was approved during the
June meeting with the entrance location on property not owned by
McDonald's.He stated that he has been working with the Comfort Inn and
McDonalds developers for over two years and wants to get this problem
resolved.
Mr.Hawbaker added that the reason the site plan was not added to the agenda
was because comments were not received in time when the agenda was put
together.A revised plan was received after 4:00 P.M.and the staff did not
have time to review it before the meeting.
Mr.Salitsky recommended that the Commission not review the site plan since
it was not ready in time for the regular agenda.He advised the consultant
that the obligation for accomodating the development in a timely fashion
~irst lay with the developer and his consultant and not with the Planning
Commission and that while the Commission would do what is necessary to
facilitate the developer,there must be sufficient time allowed for the
detailed review.
By concensus,the Planning Commission agreed to reconvene on Thursday,July
14 at 1:00 P.M.in the third floor conference room of the County Office
Building to oontinue the remaining July agenda items at which time it will
consider the Comfort Inn plans provided the staff has time to review the
plans and that the plans comply with all the Ordinance requirements.
ADJOURNMENT :
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING -JULY l4,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a Special Workshop Meeting on
Thursday,July 14 at 1:00 P.M.in the third floor conference room of the
County Office Building to address items of Other Business not heard during
the Regular Meeting of July 11.
Present were:Chainnan,Jack B.Byers;Ex-Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Dr.
Ray Johns,Bertrand L.Iseminger,Judith A.Acord and Sidney Salitsky.
Staff:Executive Director,Jack S.Hawbaker;Senior Planner,Stephen T.
Goodrich;Associate Planners,Lisa Kelly Pietro and Timothy A.Lung;Parks
Planner,William V.Stachoviak,and Secretary,Janet L.King.Vice-Chainnan
Donald E.Zombro was absent.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:00 P.M.
COMMUNICATIONS:
County Ccmnissioners/Richard Keely:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that a letter was received from the
County Ccmnissioners to Richard Keely regarding the PUD rezoning of the
Diller tract.Mr.Hawbaker stated that Mr.Schraeder,an adjacent property
owner,is considering constructing lot-cost housing on his property.Mr.
Diller cannot develop his parcel without the cooperation of Mr.Schraeder in
the sharing of the cost of constructing a public roadway.
Mr.Hawbaker noted that the parcel was rezoned in March,1988 and Mr.Diller
has six months to submit a development plan.If a development plan is not
submitted within that time frame,the parcel loses the PUD classification
and reverts back to the Agricultural zoning classification unless Mr.Diller
requests an extension of time from the Planning Commission.No action was
taken by the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Reserve Area Requirements:
Mr.Hawbaker informed the Commission that the Health Department has been
permitting the septic reserve area to be located on the remaining lands
instead of the parcel that is to be subdivided.If an adequate perc test
cannot be obtained,the Health Department is allowing the septic reserve
area to be located on the remaining lands with access via an easement.Mr.
Hawbaker noted that the an-Site Sewage Disposal Ordinance clearly states
that septic systems shall be located on the lowest part of the premises and
the 10,000 square foot area must be located each individual lot.Mr.
Hawbaker suggested that the Commission grant him the authority to write a
letter to Dr.Neil expressing the Commission's concerns on this matter.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Salitsky made a motion to grant the authority
to Mr.Hawbaker to write a letter to Dr.Neil stating that the approvals
issued by the Health Department are in violation of the an-Site Sewage
Disposal Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Annual Report Status:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that he had to defer putting the Annual Report together
so it would coincide with the County's fiscal year.He noted that the
Annual Report will contain infonnation beginning with January,1987 through
June 30,1988.The 1987-88 Annual Report will be issued within the next few
weeks.
Comfort Inn:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that Tim Lung and he met with Mac Davis to review the
revised Comfort Inn site plan.He noted that McDonalds purchased a lot of
record and Antietam Development purchased a lot of record to construct the
Comfort Inn motel.No subdivision will occur.
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Mr.Lung stated that the Comfort Inn site is located on 10.2 acres.The Inn
will consist of 128 rooms with access along a private right-of-way to Route
68.McDonalds will maintain the access to their last entrance and Antietam
Development will maintain the roadway.A planted screen will be located
along the northern property line and will be done by McDonalds.
The entrance has been approved by the State Highway Administration but the
entrance permit has not been issued.The State Highway Administration is
still working with McDonalds for curbing and guttering requirements for the
entrance.
Parking is provided around the building with one space per motel unit.One
hundred twenty-eight parking spaces are required but 133 spaces are
provided.Mr.Lung stated that the revised plan addresses all the comments
outlined by the staff.
Mr.Lung informed the Commission that the developer will be requesting a
variance from the Board of Appeals on the height requirement for the signs.
A 75 foot buffer is required along the Colvin property to the south.
Antietam Levelopment has a contract to purchase this property and the
existing building will be raised.If this purchase occurs,this will
eliminate the need for the 75 foot buffer.Additional landscaping has been
added along the front of the building.The plan needed to show the location
of the dumpster and that it would be screened by a fence.
Mr.Lung stated that a statement needed to be added to the plan stating
ownership and maintanence of the stormwater management area.A note has
been added to the plan.Mr.Lung added that due to the amount of remaining
land,it appears that some type of subdivision may occur in the future.Any
SUbdivision will have to meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance on
the existing development and the proposed development.
All agency approvals have been received except for Sanitary District.They
are requiring technical revisions to the construction drawings before
submitting approvaL The Planning staff is satisfied with the revised plan.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant approval on the revised site plan for
Comfort Inn.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Hancock Growth Area Status:
Mr.Goodrich stated that the Hancock Growth Area meeting was last held on
June 15.The next meeting will be held on July 20.During the meeting the
limits of the water and sewer systems were established.During the July
meeting,the Committee will be looking at the slope and areas located in the
floodplain.Mr.Goodrich noted that a tentative boundary may be drawn for
the Growth Area itself.No action was taken by the Commission.
Mr.Hawbaker added that the staff is still trying to contact the TOwn of
Clear Spring to see if the elected officials want to establish a TOwn Growth
Areafuuooary.
Urban Growth Area Status:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the Urban Growth Area committee will be meeting
later this month.The main thrust of this revived Growth Area analysis is
to study those factors that have changed since the original Growth Area
boundary and its polices were adopted several years ago.The Committee thus
far has focused on transportation,water and sewer,and parks.Particular
attention will be given to Eastern Boulevard and tie-in with other roads in
the Robinwood/Junior College area as proposed on the adopted Highway Plan.
Mr.Roulette suggested that the Committee,once some progress has been made,
brief the County Commissioners on the status of the Urban Growth Area Study.
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Parks Planning Status:
Mr.Stachoviak informed the Commission of the different Park projects he has
been working on.The Neighborhood Park,a 45-acre site on the western
portion of the 3ll-acre Washington County Regional Park,is still being
worked on in the concept phase.The Commissioners were recently briefed on
the concept plan and gave their tentative approval.Mr.Hawbaker informed
the Commission of the status of the proposed land swap between Mr.Sheedy,
developer of L:::mdontowne,and the County Commissioners whereby the County
would obtain 13 acres in exchange for 13 acres on the western edge of the
neighborhood park.The swap,awaiting State approval,is needed in order
for Mr.Sheedy to construct a public road from Section "C"of Londontowne to
Mt.Aetna road and thereby take the traffic burden from the Landis/Day Road
area.Mr.Hawbaker told the Commission that he had recommended that the
Commissioners consider the possibility of constructing a pedestrian bridge
over Mt.Aetna Road for pedestrial access to the park.
Mr.Stachoviak stated he is also working on the expansion of the Doubs Woods
parking area located along the Downsville Pike.He noted that the State
Highway Administration has reviewed the plans and will need to approve a
request for right-of-way to be used as part of the parking lot.
Mr.Stachoviak is also looking for a site for the proposed Ag Expo Center
which would also to house the Ag Extension Office.An Ag Committee has
been coordinated by Mr.Diefenderfer at the Extension Office.
Mr.Stachoviak is also assisting in the design for a veterans'Memorial
_Garden to be located at the Halfway Park,consisting of a small memorial and
garden.Mr.Iseminger suggested to contact the Town of Funkstown because
they will be relocating their memorial.
Directional Signs:
Mr.Roulette stated that the Washington County Tourism department has
discussed with the City of Hagerstown the idea of installing directional
signs for tourists indicating way to the different tourist sites.He added
that Bob O'Connor is designing the project.
Mr.Roulette suggested to the Commissioners that a member of the County
Planning staff and a member of the City Planning staff be involved in
getting this project started.He volunteered Bill Stachoviak to be part of
the program.The Planning Commission suggested that Ralph Devore be
involved in the program because of his experience in such design..The
Commission also suggested that signs be developed to show the tourists how
to get to 1-81 and 1-70 from downtown Hagerstown.Mr.Hawbaker said that
this would be made a part of the work program.
Sixteen foot Road Standard:
Dr.Johns asked Mr.Roulette his opinion on the 16 foot road standard that
was developed by Mr.Glenn Dlll,the County Engineer.Mr.Roulette stated
that the Commissioners are aware of the standard and they need to take a
formal position on the standard.He noted that the Commissioners are
waiting until the results of the impact fee study to take any action.Mr.
Hawbaker told the Commission that he had sent a letter to the County
Administrator,pursuant to the Commission's request,asking that the County
Attorney advise the best way to formally adopt such standards.Mr.Teach
responded that it was the Commissioners'intent that this road standard now
be incorporated into a new Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance at such time
as Mr.Hawbaker can put one together.
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Rezoning Cases:
RZ-388 through RZ-392 --Text Amendment--Truck Terminals &Travelers'Plazas
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Dr.Johns made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this Text Amendment regarding truck terminals and
travelers'plazas be approved as proposed based on the findings of fact in
the Staff Report and Analysis and the Staff Reoommendation.The motion
included the addition of travelers'plazas or truck stops as a special
exception in the current HI district as a part of RZ-388.The motion was
seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
RZ-393 -Text Amendment Buffer Yards
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Ms.Aoord made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this Text Amendment regarding buffer yards should be
approved with the first word of the last sentence should be "Any"in place
of "A".Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
RZ-394--Text Amendment--Boat Docks
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this Text Amendment regarding boat docks should be tabled
until further study can be completed.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So
ordered.
RZ-395--Text Amendment--Setback for Landfills
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Dr.Johns made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this Text Amendment regarding setbacks for the landfill
be approved.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.Mr.Iseminger voted no.So
ordered.
RZ-396--Text Amendment--Zone the Potomac River to Conservation
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Ms.Aoord made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this Text Amendment regarding the zoning of the Potomac
River to Conservation be approved.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Boonsboro Town Growth Area:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that he received a letter from the Town of Boonsboro
regarding subdivision being approved outside the Growth Area Boundary for
Boonsboro.He suggested that a meeting be setup between the Town officials
of Boonsboro and the Planning Commission to discuss this concern.By
ooncensus,a meeting should be setup with the Town of Boonsboro.
Driveway Committee Status:
Ms.Acord stated that she had a meeting with Glenn Dull regarding the access
separation requirements of the Highway Plan.She stated that Mr.Dull is in
support of a change in the system and offered the following comments:1)
when he reviews for an access location,he takes into consideration the
capability of the road and the safety factors,2)he offered to evaluate
each case by writing a written recommendation to the Planning staff,and 3)
questioned what is the Commission's liability on the roadway if there is an
accident because of the decrease in access spacing.Ms.Acord stated that
after her meeting,she feels confident with the requirements.
Dr.Johns said that in order to reduce the number of variance requests on
access spacing,it is necessary to reduce the access spacing requirement.
He suggested to change the current standards of 100,300 and 500 feet to
100,200 and 300 feet.Mr.Goodrich stated that if the access separation
requirement is reduced,there will be a driveway every 300 feet instead of
every 500 feet and that this will result in more traffic conflict,will slow
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the speed on that roadway,and will increase the likelihood of accidents.
Mr.Hawbaker said it was his position that a desire to reduce variance
requests was not a valid reason for amending standards adopted by the County
commissioners,that the standards were in the Highway Plan for legitimate
reasons,namely to control points of access so as to maximize safety and
minimize the potential for safety problems.He said that regular
considerations of variance requests is an expected function of the
Commission and that such requests,to be considered on a one-to-one basis,
is the best way to administer the Highway Plan rather than to refer such
requests to the County Engineer.After a brief discussion,no action was
taken by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the
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WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING Ca1MISSION
REGULAR MEETING -AUGUST I,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on August
I,1988 at 7:00 p.m.in the second floor conference room of the County
Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,D:mald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr.Ray Johns,and
Judith A.Accord.Staff:Director of the Division of Planning &Review,
Richard Parks;Executive Director,Jack S.Hawbaker,Senior Planner,Stephen
T.Goodrich;Associate Planners,Lisa Kelly Pietro and Timothy A.Lung,and
Secretary,Suzette Hartmann.Sidney Salitsky was absent.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m.
MINUTES:
Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 11 regular
meeting as submitted.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the special workshop minutes of July 14
as submitted.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Randy Cohen
Mr.Goodrich discussed the variance requested by Mr.Cohen.Last month,Mr.
Cohen came before the Planning Commission and requested a variance to create
two new lots near the Valley Mall without public road frontage.The
Commission tabled the request for further investigation,to determine what
improvements were needed to Cole Road for property access and if the Valley
Mall parking lot could be used for access.Mr.Cohen's consultant stated
that after the County Engineer's field inspection it was recommended that
the width of Cole Road be increased to twenty-two feet from its average
width of sixteen feet and that minor improvements to the sight distance be
made.The County Engineer did not require road shoulders or drainage
improvements.Mr.Cohen agreed to make the improvements
When questioned about access from the Valley Mall,the consultant stated
that if access were obtainable from the Valley Mall parking lot a variance
would still be required since the public road would not access the
property.He further stated that the Valley Mall access has a severe grade
separation problem.When asked if an attempt was made to negotiate for
access with the Valley Mall,the Consultant replied no,and there were still
problems with a previous agreement with the Valley Mall supplying water to
the property from an existing water line.Mr.Roulette asked if Mr.Cohen
agreed to road improvements from the end of the Milcar property to the
Interstate?The Consultant replied yes.Mr.Byers asked if they are still
proposing one entrance with a right of way for the other parcels?The
Consultant replied yes.The consultant was asked if the buffer and
screening was addressed and is adequate between the property and the five
houses on the adjacent lot?Mr.Brill,the consultant,replied that this
requirement will be reviewed prior to site plan submittal.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to approve the variance based upon a topographic
hardship with the condition that the County Engineers recommendations for
improvements to Cole Road be included as conditions for development.
Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
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Bud Dahbura:
Mr.Goodrich stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting,the site
plan was approved with the condition that all agencies would concur with the
site plan.After the meeting,a written memo was received from the County
Engineer which disapproved the site plan for several reasons.This item was
placed on the agenda for the Commissions information.After reading the
County Engineer's memo ,Mr.Byers stated that it will be the developers
responsibility to resolve the site plan problem areas.No action was taken
by the Commission
NEW BUSINESS:
Variances
George Stotler
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance request for George Stotler.The property
is located along the west side of Sharpsburg Pike,Maryland Route 65,south
of Tilghmanton.The variance requested is from the requirement that a
minimum distance separation of 500 feet be between entrance points on a
minor arterial highway.Mr.Stotler is proposing to subdivide his two acre
lot into two lots.Proposed lot two has an existing driveway while lot one
does not.The entrance to lot one will be approximately ninety feet from
the existing driveway to lot two and seventy feet from the entrance to Mr.
Stotler's property to the north.
The Consultant was asked if there was any reason why the two driveways could
.not be placed adjacent to each other?The developer stated that regardless
of how he positioned the entrance,that a variance would be required because
of the lack of usable road frontage.
Mr.Roulette made a motion that the variance be granted based upon a
hardship since additional land cannot be purchased to meet the entrance
separation requirements.Seconded by Ms.Acord.
After further discussion the motion was voted upon.Three members
approved.Ms.Acord,Mr.Roulette and Mr.Zombro,two members opposed,Mr.
Iseminger and Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Thomas T.Litton:
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance request for Thomas T.Litton.The
property is located along the east side of St.Paul's Church Road,about a
mile north of its intersection with Route 40.The property is zoned
agriculture.Mr.Litton previously requested a variance for inadequate
spacing for lot four.Mr.Litton is now requesting a variance from the
minimum distance separation requirement between entrances along a major
collector roadway.Mr.Litton is proposing to create lots 6,7 and 8.lot
8 will have an entrance onto the existing farmland.Proposed lots 6 and 7
will have a shared access.'This entrance will be within 450 feet of the
entrance to lot four.The developer stated that there is a requirement of
300'and that they presently have approximately 275 feet.
After discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to grant the variance based upon a
hardship because additional land cannot be acquired to obtain the IT,([uimd
separation distance.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Thomas Fath:
Mrs.Pietro stated that at last months meeting,Mr.Fath wanted to create
twenty-three new lots on the south side of Maryland Route 68.All traffic
generated by this subdivision would exit onto Breathedsville Road.The
County Engineer disapproved the concept because of inadequate road width and
poor sight distance along the subject road.Mr.Fath has since changed his
plans and now intends to bring the traffic out onto Maryland Route 68,about
one-half mile south of Lappans Crossroads.Mr.Fath is requesting a variance
from the Subdivision Ordinance which requires a minimum separation distance
of 500 feet between access points on a minor arterial roadway.The new
access will be located approximately 420 feet from an existing driveway to
the southwest and 280 feet from another to the northwest.Sight distances
are adequate.
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After discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the variance based
upon a hardship,because additional land was unobtainable to meet the
separation distance.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Robert Hose:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance request for Robert F.Hose.The Hose
property is located on the southwest side of Maryland Route 68,west of its
intersection with Maryland Route 65 (Lappans Crossroads).Mr.Hose proposes
to locate a new dwelling on a parcel of land which when subdivided will have
no public road frontage.For access,Mr.Hose proposes to utilize an
existing driveway for which he has a deeded right of way.Subdivision
Ordinance Section 405.11B requires that all new lots have a minimum of
twenty-five feet of public road frontage.Mr.Hose requests a variance be
granted to create a new lot without public road frontage.Mr.Iseminger was
concerned that this may be the beginning of a subdivision with a series of
houses on a road that was never meant to be.Mr.Hose understood that any
future subdivision would require the right of way to be upgraded and County
approval procedures followed.
Mr.Zembro made a motion to grant a variance on the condition that Mr.Hose
use the existing driveway.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Melvin Reiff,Sr.:
Mr.Goodrich presented the variance request for Melvin Reiff,Sr.Mr.Reiff
owns a parcel of land on the southside of US Route 40,east of Clear
Spring.The parcel contains approximately 2 1/2 acres and Mr.Reiff
proposes to subdivide a lot off the rear of his property with panhandle
access out to Route 40.The problem is the required separation distance of
500 feet between access points on Route 40.The separation distance between
an existing driveway,on the Reiff property,and the existing driveway on
the adjacent property is about 200 feet.The proposed new point of access
will be 150 feet from the existing Reiff driveway and approximately 50 feet
from the adjacent property's driveway.The existing access driveway is
just over the crest of a hill.Since there is an existing access point it
was recommended by Mr.Goodrich that Mr.Reiff use this access for the rear
property lot.The sight distance is considered poor at the existing access
location.The proposed access point improves sight distance,however it may
not comply with State Highway Department Standards.Additional land is
unavailable,further down the hill for the access without being on another
persons property.The variance request is to create a new lot with 100 feet
of distance separation between access points.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance besed upon a hardship
because of the unobtainability of additional land and with the condition
that State Highway Administration approval be obtained.Seconded by Ms.
Acord.So ordered.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Subdivisions:
Paul Fiedler:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the County Engineer disapproved the plat because of
the inadequate fourteen foot width of Garrison Hollow Road.Some large
trees along the front of lot two also restrict the sight distance for lot
access.
After discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the SUbdivision,with
conditions that those trees blocking sight distance are removed.Seconded
by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
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Robert Meyers:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the County Engineer disapproved the Robert Meyers
plat because of the inadequate width of Millers Sawmill Road.This plat
proposes a three lot subdivision.The consultant for Mr.Meyers discussed
the width of the road at various points,i.e.,the width of the curve at the
northeast end of the property is 20 feet and the road narrows from 15 1/2
and 16 1/2 feet along the property frontage.There are no sight distance
problems and the road has adequate shoulders.Mr.Roulette made a motion to
approve the subdivision without exceptions.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
Joseph Scott:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the subdivision consists of one lot and the width of
Natural Well Road varies between 14-1/2 and 15 feet.Mr.Scott was asked,
how far his lot was from the nearest wider road?Mr.Scott replied,
approximately 1500 feet.Mr.Scott stated that he does not intend to
subdivide the last lot and agreed to widen the road shoulders at the
entrance to his property.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant subdivision approval for Mr.Scott.
Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Scott Kline:
Mr.Hawbaker explained that Mr.Kline has an option to purchase property
consisting of approximately 7-1/2 acres on Clevelandtown Road.The property
.is being sold as a subdividable parcel and is zoned agricultural.The land
consists of two parcels,one parcel contains 2.2 acres and is improved with
a log cabin while the second parcel contains 5.24 acres.Mr.Kline's
intentions are to subdivide the second parcel into three lots and would
panhandle the rear lots out to Clevelandtown Road.Mr.Kline discussed the
concept with the County Engineer and was informed that Clevelandtown Road is
sub-standard and does not comply with the 16 foot width requirements.Mr.
Hawbaker said this is not a subdivision application and Mr.Kline wants to
only obtain the Commissioners opinions or rulings be prior to purchasing the
property.Mr.Kline wanted to know if he will be allowed to subdivide on a
road which is less than the required 16 feet width.
After discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to continue this request in a
special meeting after completion of a field trip to visit the site.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Martin Company -Preliminary and Final Site Plan:
Mr.Lung presented a preliminary and final subdivision plat and site plan
for the Martin Company.The site is located on Pennsylvania Avenue just
north of its intersection with Maugans Avenue.The parcel consists of .49
acres and is located on the old Martin grocery store parking lot.The
property is zoned business general and the developer is planning to
construct a Big "A"Auto parts store.In 1986 the Planning Commission
approved a subdivision plat which subdivided the Martin property into three
parcels.Parcel one included the old Martins grocery store,parcel two the
remaining land and parcel three the site of the Sheetz store.In 1987 the
plat was revised to include notes concerning access onto Route 11 for
parcels one and two and notes concerning the development of parcel one and
two.
The subject subdivision plat creates a new lot designated as lot 4.Access
will be provided by a 45 foot right of way at the existing entrance to Route
11.The access location was approved by the State Highway Administration.
The site plan calls for a 80 x 50 foot single story building to be used as a
wholesale auto parts store.There are eight parking spaces provided along
the south side of the building,a 10 x 45 foot loading area to the rear,
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handicap entrances and landscaping is provided in the front and sides.An
island between the parking lot and the access road will be landscaped.
There will be 56%impervious site coverage.The site is served by public
water and sewer.Written approvals have been received from all agencies
except for the State Highway Administration.Verbal contact with State
Highway Administration indicates they will require curbs and gutters along
the entire Martin Company property frontage and a tie-in-with the existing
curbs and gutters at the Sheetz store.The State Highway Administration
also stated that some changes to the entrance may be required because of
the existing power pole.It will be necessary for the developer to revise
the plan to accommodate the State Highway Administration's concerns.
The staff recommended that a note be added on the Subdivision plat stating
that any further development of parcels one and two would require site plan
approval.
Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve the subdivision plat and site plan
contingent upon resoulution of the State Highway Administration and Planning
staff comments.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Fountainhead North,Phase I -Preliminary:
Mr.Goodrich stated that the property is located on the northwest corner of
Paradise Church Road and IDngmeadow Road opposite the Rolling Hills
subdivision.The subdivision will consist of ten residential lots along
Paradise Church Road.The lots sizes ranges from about 36,000 square feet
to 18,000 square feet.Zoning is residential suburban which requires a
.minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet.All lots will be served by public
water and sewer.Approvals have been received from the City Water
Department,verbal approval from the County Engineer,Sanitry District and
Health Department with written comments to be provided.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary approval SUbject to receipt of
all written approvals.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Sanitary District -Preliminary and Final:
Mr.Goodrich stated that this is a one lot subdivision and the site is
located on Harpers Ferry Road,south of Sharpsburg.This is the site
proposed for the new sewerage treatment plant to service Sharpsburg,
Keedysville and surrounding areas.The site is a little over 4-1/2 acres
and zoned agriCUltural.There are no proposed on site health facilities.
Approvals have been received from the Health Department and the County
Engineer.
After discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary and final
approval.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Site Plans:
V.&R.Mini Warehouses:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for V.&R.Mini Warehouses.The site is
located on the north side of Beaver Creek Road one half mile west of its
intersection with u.S.Route 40,just east of the I-'70/Route 40
interchange.The six acre parcel is zoned highway interchange.Mini
warehouses will be placed on the back half of the property,the front half
is reserved for possible future development.Buffer yards with screening is
provided along all property lines which are adjacent to residences per the
HI zoning requirements.The plan is to construct approximately 212 mini
warehouses,of varying sizes,in ten separate buildings.A small office
building will also be included on the site.A twenty-five foot wide crushed
stone access road around the warehouses is provided and a fence will be
constructed to enclose the warehouse area.The site will will have a
private well and septic system.Public water and sewer is not available.
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All agency approvals have been received by the Pennits Lepartment,however,
the Planning staff had some concerns to be addressed before approval.The
present Plan shows two lights mounted on twenty-five foot poles near the
front of the site,additional security lighting is needed at the rear of the
site.There are no provisions for storage or collection of solid wastes.
Interior landscaping should be added to increase the overall appearance of
the site.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to approve the site plan contingent upon the
developer addressing the security lighting,solid waste disposal and
landscaping concerns.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Valley West:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Valley West a proposed shopping center,
office and warehouse building to be located at the southwest corner of the
Valley Mall and Cole Road.The property is zoned HI and consists of 1.8
acres.
Mr.Lung said that in 1986,a preliminary consultation was held for a
somewhat smaller scale proposal than what is being considered now.At that
time,the concept plan showed a loading area on the west side of the
building,which required Planning Commission approval due to its
infringement upon the 75 foot buffer yard.The Ccmmission approved the plan
to allow loading only and no parking within the buffer yard.All screening
requirements were met,Subsequently,the developer went before the Board of
Zoning Appeals and requested a variance from the Planning Commission's
decision,that would allow employee parking in the buffer zone.The Board
of Appeals granted the.variance with conditions that the buffer yard be used
for employee parking only,a chain link fence be provided at the entrance to
the parking area and that it be closed during non-business hours.They also
required that there be no public access to/from any of the basement level
businesses to the western parking lot.
The submitted site plan calls for 21,980 square feet of retail shopping area
consisting of twelve stores on the ground floor,9,250 square feet of
offices and 2,530 square feet of warehouse area located on the basement
level.The total building area is 33,753 square feet.
Access to the basement level businesses will be via an inside hallway,with
access to the front.Customer parking for the entire site is provided on
the east side and there will be sidewalks around the building to access the
hallway inside the building.Landscaping is provided and there are islands
within the parking lot to meet the 5%green space requirement.To meet the
buffer requirements the developer is providing a wooden fence along the
entire western property line.
All agency approvals have been received,however,the Planning and
Permits Lepartments had some concerns on some items which have been
addressed by the Consultant.Mr.Lung noted that the number of parking spaces
provided are adequate,however,if the developer were to combine some of the
retail floor space into larger stores,the parking space requirements may
not be able to be met.The developer said he is aware of the limitations on
retail floor space due to the limited amount of parking available.
After a discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to approve the site plan for
Valley west.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Menno Martin Car Wash:
Mrs.Pietro presented the site plan for the Menno Martin eight bay car
wash.The project site is located on the south side of Maugans Avenue
approximately three-quarters of a mile from the intersection of Maugans and
Pennsylvania Avenue.Total property acreage is 9.7 acres with the car wash
occuping one acre.The car wash entrance will connect with an access road
owned and maintained by Mr.Martin and which connects with Maugans Avenue.
Public water and sewer will be used and the car wash operating hours are six
days a week,twenty-four hours per day.Adequate landscaping will be
located along the southern and western property lines.
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A variance was granted by the Board of Appeals allowing Mr.Martin to
relocate the car wash back to within thirty feet of his property line
instead of the required seventy-five feet.This was allowed because of a
bypass road that would have affected his property.All approval agencies
have responded and the only suggestion is that additional landscaping be
considered after the location of the bypass road is finalized.
Mr.Zornbro made a motion to approve the site plan.Seconded by Ms.Acord.
So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Maple Tree Resort:
Mr.Goodrich presented the site plan for Maple Tree Resort.At the last
meeting ·the preliminary and final subdivision plat was approved,conditional
upon summittal of a site plan prior to any site development.The site is
located in a Conservation Zone.
Refering to the plan,Mr.Goodrich said that there will be a single access
from Townsend Road and parking will be along the access road which leads to
the lodge.The lodge will have six guest rooms,and a dining facility.The
road continues to a small guest house with another parking area.
Recreational facilities are provided and the entire site wooded.Trees will
be removed only in the construction areas.
Presented for the Commission's information and no action is required.
Preliminary Consultations:
Laurel Grove:
Mr.Lung explained,the preliminary consultation was held on July 27 and
that the written summary will be available at a later date.
The proposed apartment complex will be located on approximately ten acres at
the southwest corner of Landis and Day Roads.The major concern expressed
at the consultation was the capacity of Landis and Day Roads to accomodate
the additional estimated 1,000 cars that would be generated by the new
development.There were also concerns on future development of H-l zoned
land behind this development and what its impact would be on the road.
The developers of the project requested that the Planning Commission give
them some indication of what requirements for road improvement would be
imposed on them in order to proceed with the project.••Some improvements
were recently made to Day Road,but right of way could not be obtained to
completly improve the road to the necessary standards.Mr.Parks,Director
of Planning and Review,submitted a memo with suggestions on how the
problems could be resolved which the developer stated were reasonable and
fair.
Mr.Parks recommendations were as follows:require the developer to improve
Landis Road to County Standards for the full frontage of the property.
Require the developer to contribute an equitable share of the costs involved
to improve Day Road between Dual Highway and the subject site.Consider
limiting the number of dwelling units constructed during anyone year and
recommended to the County Commissioners that improvements to Day Road be
programmed in the 1990 C.I.P.
After a considerable discussion,the Commission requested the County
Engineer review the situation and provide the Commission with his
recommendation.
Arthur T.Litton:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the summary report was for the Preliminary
Consultation for Arthur T.Litton.The Commission had no questions.Provided
for information only,no action required by the Commission.
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Roy Bennett:
Mr.Hawbaker stated that the summary report was for the Preliminary
Consultation for Roy Bennett.The Commission had no questions and no action
was required.
Route 68 By-pass:
Bill Stachoviak,Park Planner briefed the Commission on the State Highway
Administration Design Public Hearing for the bridges on Maryland 68 at the
Antietam and Beaver Creeks held on Julyl 20 in Boonsboro.The concensus of
remarks at the hearing was that new bridges are not needed and would impact
the historic and scenic character of the area.Following discussion of the
the project,the commissioner's requested more information on the
alternatives.Mr.Stachoviak stated he would have the members placed on the
project mailing list and send them additional information.
Highway Interchange Study:
A special workshop meeting of the Washington County Planning Commission and
the Washington County Airport Commission was held on June 9,1988.As a
result of the meeting,the Airport Commission was concerned that the H-2
land zoning designation would allow residential areas to be developed around
the airport and would conflict with future airport expansion.These and
other concerns were included in the minutes of the June 9th meeting.
After discussion,it was agreed a workshop session would be held for a final
review of the study before presentation to the County Commissioners.A copy
of the June 9 minutes will be forwarded to the Airport Commission for their
review and that the minutes accurately reflect their concerns.They are to
notify the planning staff if they have different or additional concerns.
The workshop meeting will be held on August 8,1988 at 1:00 p.m.in the
third floor conference room of the County Office Building.
Youngstown,Section II:
Mr.Hawbaker explained that Mr.Bill Sheedy and his consultant were present
to request direction from the Commission regarding the concept plan for
Youngstown Section II.The land was zoned PUD when the Zoning Ordinance was
amended in 1984.The developer proposes nine single family lots would to be
served by an on-site sewerage disposal systems.The Ordinance requires PUD
zoned property be served by public sewer.The developer is requesting
direction from the Commission on whether or not to proceed with single
family homes in light of the restrictive language in the PUD Ordinance.
After discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion that a note be added to the plat
to waive the pUblic sewer requirements on a temporary basis and with
agreement from the owner to connect to the public sewer system when the
remaining sites are developed.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
arHER BUSINESS:
Dr.Johns made a motion to have the planning staff prepare a draft revision
to County Highway Plan regulations which will address the reasons for
granting a variance and to give equal consideration to both safety and
topographical hardships.Seconded by Ms.Accord.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion that,within the next twelve months,there be a
workshop review and training session regarding the County Highway plan.The
meeting would include staff presentations and information from other
agencies that are impacted by/or have concerns with our highway plans.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
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Prior to adjournment,Mr.Byers thanked Mr.Hawbaker for his dedicated
service to the County and wished him well in his future endeavors on behalf
of the Planning Commission.
AJOURNMENT :
There being no further business,the meeting adjuourned at 10:30 P.M.
The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on September 12,1988 at
7:00 P.M.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -SEPTEMBER 12,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on
September 12,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the
County Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers,Vice-Chairman,D:mald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette,Dr.Ray Johns,Judith A.Acord and Bertrand L.
Iseminger.Staff:Director,James P.Brittain,Senior Planner,Stephen T.
Goodrich,Associate Planners,Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro,Parks
Planner,William V.Stachoviak,Director of Planning and Review,Richard
Parks,Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich,and Secretary,
Janet L.King.Sidney Salitsky was absent.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger stated that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 1
should be amended to read that he abstained from voting on the V &R Mini
Warehouses.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 1 meeting as
.amended.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 8 meeting as
submitted.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
NEW BUSINESS:
variances:
Julia E.Farrie:
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance for Julia E.Farrie.The sUbject site is
located along the west side of Alternate Route 40,approximatley 1,000 feet
north of Roxbury Road.The variance is being requested from Section
405.2(A)of the Subdivision Ordinance which requires a minimum distance of
500 feet between access points on a Minor Arterial roadway.Mrs.Farrie is
proposing to subdivide a 5 acre parcel and convey 1.5 acres to her
daughter.The proposed entrance location is 425 feet south and 260 feet
north of existing entrances.The proposed access location is situated at
the best possible location for sight distance purposes due to the crest in
the hill.The State Highway Administration feels that sight distance is
adequate at this location.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the
variance based on a hardship that would result from strict compliance to the
Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Rouletee.So ordered.
Ernest and Phyllis Barr:
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance request for Ernest and Phyllis Barr.The
subject site is located along the south side of Route 68,.2 miles east of
its intersection with the Downsville Pike.The variance is being requested
from Section 405.2(A)of the Subdivision Ordinance which requires a minimum
distance of 500 feet between access points on a Minor Arterial roadway.The
Barrs are proposing to subdivide a 3 acre parcel with the proposed driveway
400 feet from an existing driveway to the west and 100 feet from an existing
driveway to the east.The State Highway PKhninistration feels that this
access point is the best possible location for adequate sight distance.Dr.
Johns made a motion to grant the variance based on a hardship that would
result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.
So ordered.
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Frank Kretzer:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Frank Kretzer.The subject site
is located along the east side of Mills Road and is zoned Conservation.The
variance is being requested from Section 405.11(B)of the Subdivision
Ordinance which states all new lots must have 25 feet of public road
frontage.In 1975,a subdivision plat was approved to create a 6.28 acre
building lot along Mills Road (Sherry Glenn,lot #6).In August 1979,the
Planning Commission granted Sherry Glenn a variance to create two,3 acre
lots from the remaining 6 acres located to the rear of lot 6 without public
road frontage.Variances were also granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals
in July 1982 to reduce the 300 foct lot width requirement to 274 feet for
lots 6 and 6-A.The subdivision plat to create lots 6-A and 6-B was
approved in 1984.Mr.Kretzer has purchased lot 6 and wishes to subdivide
it into 2 lots consisting of 3 acres each.A new lot will be created to the
rear without road frontage with a proposed access over the panhandle to lot
6-B.Mr.Tim Franquist,ownerof lot 6-B,stated that he would not permit
Mr.Kretzer to use the panhandle owned by him as a right-of-way for the
proposed lot.Mr.Kretzer claimed that his deed states that a 25 foot
right-of-way is granted from the south of Mills Road to be used as access to
his property.After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to table
the variance until the issue of the right-of-way is resolved between the two
parties.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Charles May:
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance request for Charles May.The SUbject
site is located along the east side of the Sharpsburg Pike,600 feet north
of Lappans Crossroads.The variance is being requested from Section
405.2(A)of the Subdivision Ordinance which states a minimum distance of 500
feet is required between access points on a Minor Arterial roadway.Mr.May
is proposing to purchase a 1.5 acre parcel from Mr.John Weller.The
proposed new drive will be in the middle of the proposed lot and will be
approximately 438 feet from an existing driveway located to the north and
the south.
Mrs.Pietro noted that Mr.Weller owns approximately 2600 feet of road
frontage along Route 68.A proposed access point for Mr.May could be
relocated along this roadway to conform with the 500 foot access spacing
requirements.Mr.May stated that he had a problem in the past trying to
purchase land from Mr.Weller.He noted that most of Mr.Weller's land is
being used for farming purposes and he would not sell his land at this
time.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance request based on a
hardship that would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
James Tritapoe:
Mrs.Pietro presented the variance request for James Tritapoe.The subject
site is located along the west side of Route 67,700 feet south of Trego
Road.The variance is being requested from Section 405.2(A)of the
Subdivision Ordinance which requires a minimum distance of 500 feet between
access points on a Minor Arterial roadway.Mr.Tritapoe is proposing to
create a 1 acre lot off of Howard Marker's 196 acre farm located along Route
67.The lot will be served by a new entrance that will access onto Route
67.This driveway,however,will be located approximately 130 feet northof
an existing right-of-way that serves an adjacent residence.Mr.Tritapoe
stated that he could not move his proposed access location to the north due
to the location of the septic reserve area.Mr.Zombro made a motion to
grant the variance based on a hardship that would result from strict
compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Katherine Milburn/Gerald Spessard/F &M Bank:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request and a preliminary and final
subdivision plat for Katherine Milburn/Gerald Spessard/F &M Bank.The
SUbject property is located on the southwest corner of Routes 64 and 77 and
will be to house the future site of a new F &M Bank.The variance is being
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requested fran Section 405.2(A)of the Subdivision Ordinance which requires
a minimum distance of 500 feet between access points on a Minor Arterial
roadway.In order to create adequate land area for the bank,it's necessary
for Mr.Spessard to obtain an additional .246 acres from Ms.Milburn to add
to the existing .74 acre lot owned by Mr.Spessard.The need for this
subdivision was discovered after a site plan had been submitted for
approval.
Access to the site is onto Maryland Route 64.The Highway Plan classifies
Route 64 as a Minor Arterial roadway with a 500 foot separation
requirement.The site plan for the bank provides for a one-way circular
traffic flow through the bank with two access points onto Route 64
approximately 220 feet apart.The location and design of the entrances have
been approved by the State Highway Administration.
The site plan for the proposed bank calls for a 55 x 35 foot building with 3
drive-thru lanes and 1 automat ice teller machine lane.Six parking spaces
are required and 15 are being provided including 1 handicap space.
landscaping is provided around the side and front of the building.
Stormwater management is provided by 2 drywells to be located at the
northwest and northeast corners of the property.Two curbed and channelized
entrances are provided onto Route 64 with a paved accel and decel lane.
State Highway Administration have requested that the existing decel lane on
the south side of Route 64 be extended further west past the western most
entrance to the bank to serve as a by-pass lane.The site will be served by
pUblic water and sewer from the Town of Smithsburg.All agency approvals
have been received.Mr.Rouletee made a motion to grant the variance based
pn the design of the access being the safest as approved by the State
Highway Administration.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.Dr.Johns made
a motion to grant preliminary/final subdivision plat approval.Seconded by
Mr.Zombro.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained on both the variance and
the preliminary/final plat approvals.
Moser Estates:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary subdivision plat for Moser Estates,
lots 1 through 13.The subject site is located along the east and west side
of Moser Road,.4 miles south of Alternate Route 40.Mr.Ausherman is
proposing to subdivide approximately 89 acres into 13 residential lots •.The
13 proposed lots will range in size from 3 to 18 acres.The lots to be
subdivided are undeveloped except for #13 which includes a farm house and
outbuildings.The property will be served by individual wells and septic
systems.All agency approvals have been received.Mrs.Pietro added that a
note is being placed on the plat stating that no further subdivision will be
permitted.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary plat approval.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Washington County Sanitary District:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary/final subdivision plat for the
Washington County Sanitary District.The subject site is located along the
east side of Route 63,.5 miles north of the Town of Williamsport.The
Sanitary District is proposing to subdivide .25 acres from Mr.Shank's 11
acre parcel to construct a pumping station to serve the Cloverton/Greenlawn
area.Access to the site will be via Route 63.All agency approvals have
been received.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary/final plat
approval.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Boyd Roads:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary/final subdivision plat for Boyd Roads,
lots 1 through 9.The subject site is located along the west side of Boyd
Road just north of Route 56.Mr.Boyd is proposing to subdivide his 32 acre
parcel into 9 residential lots.Lot sizes will be from 3 to 5 acres each.
The site will be served by private wells and septic systems.All proposed
lots are undeveloped except for lot #6 which has an existing house on it.
Access to the proposed lots will be Boyd and Cove Roads.No access is
permitted via Route 56.A note is being added to the plat stating no access
is permitted from Route 56.All agency approvals have been received.Mr.
Zombro made a motion to grant preliminary/final plat approval.Seconded by
Dr.Johns.So ordered.
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Arthur Litton:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary/final subdivision plat for Arthur
Litton.The sUbject site is located along the east side of St.Paul Church
Road.Mr.Litton is proposing to create 3 lots from his 165 acre farm.Lot
sizes will consist from 1.5 acres to 4.5 acres.Lots 4 and 5 were
previously approved and a variance was previously approved to create lots 6
and 7.Lot 8 will have its access via an existing farm lane.The sUbject
site will be served by private wells and septic system.All agency
approvals have been received.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant
preliminary/final plat approval.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Taylors Orchard:
Mr.Lung presented the the preliminary/final subdivision plat for Taylors
Orchard,lot 5 through 8.The SUbject site is location along the northeast
side of Dry Run Road and Mercersburg Road.Lots 1 through 4 were previously
approved.Lot sizes for this proposed subdivision range from 1.4 acres to
3.8 acres.The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic
systems.The Health Department has given its conditional approval.The
well location for lot #7 must be relocated in order to meet the Health
Department's minimum isolation requirements.The County Engineer has
approved the subdivision.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant
preliminary/final plat approval conditional upon receipt of Health
Department approval.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Mountain Meadow Estates:
Mr.Lung presented the 15 lot preliminary subdivision plat for Mountain
Meadow Estates.The subject site is located along Route 40 east of
Hagerstown and east of Beaver Creek.Lot sizes for this proposed
development range from .92 acres to 3.08 acres,and 24.8 acres of remaining
land.The proposed lots will front along a proposed new County road to be
called Mountain Meadow Drive.The road design also involves the relocation
of the Beaver Creek Road/Route 40 intersection.The proposed development
will be served by private wells and septic systems.Approvals have been
received from the County Engineer,State Highway Administration,and the
Health Department.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary plat
approval.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Rick Willis:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary/final subdivision plat for Rick Willis,
lots 1 through 4.The subject site is located along the west side of Mills
Road and north of Harpers Ferry Road.Lot sizes range from 1.46 acres to
1.75 acres.A total of 34 lots were being proposed during a preliminary
consultation which was held in July,1988.The County Engineer has approved
the proposed access locations along Mills Road.The site will be served by
private wells and septic systems.Verbal approval has been received from
the Health Department.The plat needs to be revised to show an existing
septic system adjacent to this property before written approval is
received.
After a brief discussion,it was noted that the Planning Commission at a
previous meeting expressed its dissatisfaction with the design of the 34 lot
subdivision and that these 4 lots appear to be following that design.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant preliminary/final plat approval with the
condition that before any more lots are subdivided,the Planning Commission
will require a revised concept plan to be submitted for the entire property
for its approval.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.After the motion was made,Mr.
Zombro,Mr.Roulette and Ms.Acord voted 'aye'and Mr.Iseminger and Dr.
Johns voted 'nay'.The motioned passed.So ordered.
Hendershot Heights:
Mr.Lung presented the 7 lot preliminary/final subdivision for Hendershot
Heights.The subject site is located along the west side of Broadfording
Church Road,approximately .3 miles north Broadfording Road.Lot sizes for
this proposed development are from .63 acres to 1.5 acres.The proposed
development will be served by public water and approvals have been received
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from the Sanitary District and the Hagerstown Water Department.The County
Engineer has approved the plat with the condition that a note be added
concerning grading of lots 1,2,and 6.Health Department approval is
outstanding due to slow perc times requiring greater lot widths.Lots 1
through 4 cannot meet this requirement.This requirement is being appealed
and a decision should be rendered shortly.If the appeal is not granted,
the lots will have to be reconfigured to meet the State Health Department
requirements.The consultant is requesting that the Planning Commission
give the staff the authority to approve the subdivision with the condition
that approval of the appeal is rendered or the plat be revised to the meet
the requirements.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant the staff the authority
to give preliminary/final subdivision approval as conditioned above.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Valentine Electric:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary plat and site plan for Valentine
Electric.The subject site is located in the Washington County Business
Park along the east side of Western Maryland Parkway.The proposed lot is
approximately 2.5 acres in size and will be the future site of Valentine
Electric Company's construction office and warehouse and additional
warehouse rental space.Approximately 7,300 square feet of the 161 x 80
foot building will be for Valentine Electric and the remaining 5,520 square
feet will be made available as rental warehouse space.A total of 59
parking spaces are provided along both sides and to the rear of the proposed
building.Loading areas are provided to the rear.Landscaping is provided
along the front and sides of the building.Public water is available to the
site and approval has been received from the Hagerstown Water Department.A
.fire hydrant is proposed at the northeast corner of the site.Public sewer
service is available and verbal approval from Water Pollution Control has
been recieved.The Health Department is waiting for written approval from
Water Pollution Control before issuing its written approval.
A 138 x 80'future building is shown to the rear of the property.Details
for this proposed building are not shown on the site plan and an additional
site plan will be required for this building prior to the issuance of a
building permit.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant conditional preliminary
plat and site plan approval based on receipt of Water Pollution Control and
Health Department approval.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Stonefields:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary subdivision plat for Stonefields,lots
2 through 6.The subject site is located along the west side of the
Sharpsburg Pike just north of the Town of Sharpsburg.The owner is
proposing to create 5 residential lots ranging in size from 7 and 12 acres.
The proposed development will be served by public water and individual
septic system.The County's Water and Sewerage Plan will need to be amended
in order to show pUblic service to the proposed site.This will need to be
accomplished before final approval can be given to the proposed subdivision.
All agency approvals are verbal at this time.Mr.Iseminger made a motion
to grant preliminary plat approval conditional on written receipt from the
Health Department and the Sanitary District.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.Dr.
Johns voted 'nay'.So ordered.
16 Foot Roads:
Northwoods Estates:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary/final subdivision plat for Ncrthwoods
Estates,lots 1 through 4.The subject site is located along the east side
of Fairplay Road and is zoned Agriculture.A preliminary consultation was
held in October 1987 for a proposed 27 residential lot subdivision.The
County Engineer disapproved of the development at the time the consultation
was held since Fairplay Road is inadequate.In November 1987,Mr.Frey
asked the Planning Commission how many lots he would be permitted to
subdivide without upgrading Fairplay Road and the Planning Commission
approved a maximum of 5 lots.The Planning Commission also granted a
variance to create 2 lots without pUblic road frontage with access to
Fairplay Road across a right-of-way reserved for a future street.
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The proposed 4 lots will range in size from 1.24 acres to 2.01 acres.The
site will be served by private wells and septic systems.Written approval
has been received from the Health Department.The County Engineer has
disapproved the subdivision because of Fairplay Road being less than 16 feet
in width.A note has been placed on the plat stating only 5 lots are
permitted to be subdivided until improvements are made to Fairplay Road.
Mr.Townsley,consultant for Mr.Frey,stated that although the County
Engineer disapproved the subdivision due to the inadequacy of Fairplay Road,
he did review the plat for the design of the future road and the driveway
locations onto Fairplay Road.Mr.Townsley added that everything has been
approved.Mr.Townsley noted that the 5th lot will be submitted for
approval at a later date.Mr.Lung stated that if the 5th lot does not have
frontage onto Fairplay Road,another variance will be necessary.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary/final plat approval
conditional on receipt of the County Engineer's written approval of the
access locations.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
John Eshelman:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the County Engineer disapproved this one lot
subdivision for Mr.Eshelman due to Reid Road being less than 16 feet in
width.Mrs.Pietro added that this lot would be conveyed to Mr.Eshelman's
daughter and the site has adequate sight distance.Dr.Johns made a motion
to grant approval of this subdivision.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Site Plans:
Huyetts Business Park:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary site plan for the Huyetts Business
Park located along the west side of Route 63 and just north if 1-70.No
proposed use has been described on the plat.All required preliminary
information has been shown on the plat.The site will be served by public
water and a private septic system.Access to the site will be via a right-
of-way owned by the owners of the business park and will connect with
Maryland Route 63.A note should be placed on the plat stating ownership of
the private right-of-way.Approvals are needed from the State Highway
Administration,the Sanitary District and the Health Department.Dr.Johns
made a motion to grant preliminary site plan approval.Seconded by Mr.
Zombro.So ordered.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Preliminary Consultations:
Greenfield Business Park:
Mr.Goodrich presented a summary of the preliminary consultation for the
Greenfield Business Park located along the east side of Hopewell Road
between Halfway Boulevard and Maryland Route 144.The site consists of
approximately 123 acres.There is floodplain area located through the
middle of the site.The State Highway Administration does not permit the
use of existing culverts under 1-81 for utilities to the site.The
developer is proposing new roads and individuals lots.The proposal
includes a frontage road the length of the 1-81 frontage (approximately 5000
feet).The Subdivision Ordinance,at one time,restricted the length of a
cul-de-sac to 600 feet.The Planning Commission must now decide whether the
length should be reduced or remain as proposed.After a brief discussion,
the Commission feels that the turn arounds are adequate between the
development and the end of the roadways but an emergency access should be
added to the proposed development.
Maugans Meadows:
Mrs.Pietro presented a summary of the preliminary consultation for Maugans
Meadows to the Commission.She noted that the Washington County Water and
Sewerage Plan must be amended since the developer is proposing the use of
pUblic facilities.The site is located within the Urban Growth Area and is
zoned Agricultural.After a brief discussion,the Planning Commission
decided that the,the Airport Commission should be sent a copy of the
summary and the plan for its information and comments.
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Cedar Hills East:
Mrs.Pietro presented a summary of the preliminary consultation for Cedar
Hills East.The subject site is located along Old Forge Road near its
intersection with Clopper Road.The concept plan calls for a proposed
residential development consisting of 110 lots on approximately 240 acres.
Individual wells and septic systems are proposed to serve the site.Minimum
lot size is one acre.Public streets are proposed with one major access
onto Old Forge Road.Rock outcrops are located throughout the property
which the Health Department had concerns about.Some floodplain is also
located on the site.The County Engineer has concerns with the one lane
bridges along Old Forge Road and their capacity to handle the large increase
in traffic that will be generated by this proposed development.Mr.Mac
Davis,consultant for the developer,stated that when the subdivision plat
is submitted,it will be changed considerably due to inadequate perculation
areas.The Commission noted that if the plan changes considerably,another
preliminary consultation should be scheduled.
After a brief discussion,no action was taken by the Commission.
aTHER BUSINESS:
Hog Farm Task Force:
Mr.Roulette informed the Planning Commission that the Hog Farm Task Force
is developing an Ordinance to address animal waste management and animal
husbandry operations.This will include setback requirements in the Zoning
.Ordinance for various sizes of operations.The Waste Management Ordinance
will address storage and utilization of animal wastes.The Ordinance will
be presented to the Planning Commission in the future for its comments.No
action was taken by the Commission.
Garrison Hollow Road:
Mr.William Teach submitted a proposal to re-subdivide two existing lots on
Garrison Hollow Road into three lots.Considering the County Engineer's
policy on subdivision on inadequate roads (less than 16 feet wide)Mr.Teach
is requesting the Planning Commission's position prior to plat submittal.
Mr.Goodrich stated that the County Engineer has responded to his request
for comments stating that there was no reason to change his previous
position and therefore,would not approve the subdivision.By consensus,
the Planning Commission will over-ride the County Engineer's recommendation
on disapproval of permitting one additional lot to be subdivided along
Garrison Hollow Road.
Boonsboro Infrastructure Meeting:
Mr.Lung stated that a meeting with Judy Chambers,Town Manager of
Boonsbcro,Skip Kaufman,Mayor,Jim Bealer,Utilities Commission Chairman,
Richard Parks,Lee Downey and himself was held regarding the provision of
infrastructure to the Town Growth Area.The Town is interested in
implimenting a policy for the financing of utility extensions and system
improvements to serve development within the Growth Area bcundary.Mr.Lung
stated that the group will be meeting again within the next few months and
that the Planning Commission will be kept informed.No action was taken by
the Commission.
Robinwood Court Building Setback Lines:
Mr.William Teach,consultant for the developer of Robinwood Court,came
before the Commission and requested that the building setback lines for a
proposed building in a PUD be reduced due to rock outcroppings on the site.
Mr.Teach added that the County Engineer approved the grading and the
stormwater management drainage area for the site.The Commission suggested
that the developer could reduce the size or change the shape of the proposed
building.Mr.Teach again emphasized that the proposed location is the best
logical location due to the rock outcrops.After a brief discussion,Dr.
Johns made a motion to deny the request to change the front building setback
lines.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
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HI Study/Airport Commission:
Mr.Lung stated that after the joint meeting with the Planning Commission
and the Airport Commission to discuss the Highway Interchange study,the
Airport Commission decided to review the minutes and make comments.The
minutes were sent to Ron Meyers,Chairman of the Airport Commission.Mr.
Meyers was contacted to determine their concerns and he stated that the
Airport Commission had not yet meet to discuss the issue.Mr.Lung stated
that he will contact Mr.Meyers shortly to determine the Airport Commissions
comments.No action was taken by the Commission.
Washington CountY/Boonsboro Planning Commission Joint Meeting:
Mr.Lung stated that the Boonsboro Planning Commission would like to hold a
joint meeting with the Washington County Planning Commission to discuss new
development occuring close to the Boonsboro Town Growth Area.After a brief
discussion,the date of OCtober 17,1988 at 7:30 p.m.was set to meeting
with the Boonsboro Planning Commission in the Boonsboro Town Hall.Mr.Lung
stated that he would contact the Town of Boonsboro to confirm date.
Ag Preservation Districts:
Mr.Goodrich stated that the Planning Commission needs to review these Ag
District applications to determine if they are consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.He noted that the Agricultural Advisory Board also
reviews the applications before going to the County Commissioners.Mr.
Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners that AD-88-
.3 (Corcoran)and AD-88-4 (Ritchie)are consistent with the County's
Comprehensive Plan and should be approved.Seconded by Mr.Zombor.So
ordered.
Ag Center Study:
Mr.Stachoviak,Parks Planner,briefed the Commission on the status of the
AgriCUltural Center Site Study.He explained the rating and scoring system
used to rank 16 possible sites evaulated in the Study and reported that the
Center is planned as the site of Cooperative Extension Service Office,as
well as the annual Agricultural Expo.The Study results will be presented
to the County Commissioners on September 20.
Staff Recommendation for RZ-388:
Mr.Lung presented to the Planning Commission the staff's recommendation for
the rezoning text amendment of RZ-388 be approved.This text amendment will
make truck stops and travelers plazas Special Exception Uses in the HI
zoning district.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that RZ-388 be approved as advertised.Seconded by Ms.Acord.
So ordered.CORRESPONDENCE:
Hagerstown Planning Commission:
Mr.Goodrich stated that a letter was received from the Hagerstown Planning
Department regarding the update to the City's Comprehensive Plan.He noted
that there is one copy of the updated Plan in the office for the Planning
Commission's review.By concensus,the staff should review the updated Plan
and send comments to the City of Hagerstown Planning Department.Comments
should be received by the City of Hagerstown by OCtober 26 (the date of the
pUblic hearing).
Johns S.Neill,M.D.:
Mr.Goodrich stated that several months ago,Mr.Hawbaker sent a letter to
Dr.Neill stating his concern with septic areas being located within
easements of other lands (not included within the boundaries of new lots).
The staff received a letter from Dr.Neill stating that the Health
Department does approve this sort of thing as a last resort but if there is
any way to keep the reserve area within the boundary of the subdivision,the
Health Department will try to do so.The Commission suggested to send a
letter to Dr.Neill thanking him for his response on this matter.
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Zelda M.virts:
Mr.Goodrich stated that a letter was received from Zelda Virts regarding
her concerns with water quality in the Knoxville area.Mr.Goodrich added
that water quality falls within the jurisdiction of the Health Department.
By concensus,the Commission asked Mr.Brittain to send a letter should be
sent to Mrs.Virts stating that this matter is not in the jurisdiction of
the Planning Commission but should be handled by the Health Department.
ornER BUSINESS:
Seminars:
The Planning Commission acknowledged receipt of the seminar information and
suggested that someone should attend the seminar on Strategic Planning for
Washington County.No action was taken by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT :
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
An Executive Session was held following the Regular Meeting.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGUr~MEETING -OCTOBER 3,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on
October 3,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the
County Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Donald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Judith A.Acord,and
Dr.Ray Johns.Staff:Director,James P.Brittain;Senior Planner,Stephen
T.Goodrich;Associate Planners Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro;
Director of Planning &Review,Richard Parks;and Secretary,Janet L.King.
Absent were Sidney Salitsky and Paul Prodonovich.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the minutes of the September regular
meeting as presented.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Brightwood Acres East,Se~tion C:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary plat for Brightwood Acres East,
Section C.This site is located along the east side of Mt.Aetna Road.
Sections A and B were previously approved.The proposed development
consists of 33 single-family lots averaging .5 acres each.Public water is
available as well as a low pressure sewer system.The proposed roads will
be constructed to County standards with in 50 foot rights-of-way.
Conditional approval has been received from the City of Hagerstown Water
Department upon adhereance to the agreement to provide water service to the
Shaool property and the County golf course.Conditional approval was also
received from the Hagerstown Water Pollution Control stating that very
limited sewer capacity is available to this site.The County Engineer has
given his conditional approval upon design changes .being made to the public
road system.Health Department approval is expected in the near future.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Reulette moved to grant preliminary approval
of the plat with the condition that adequate sewer capacity is available to
the site and receipt of Health Department and County Engineer approval and
all other conditions met.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Quail Ridge:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Quail Ridge located
along Brown Road.A preliminary consultation was held in December of 1987.·
The proposed development consists of 8 residential lots on approximately 33
acres.Lot sizes range from 3.2 acres to 6 acres with approximately 115
acres of remaining lands.The proposed street system will be constructed to
County standards and dedicated to the County for maintenance purposes.Each
lot will be served by a private well and septic system.Health Department
approval has been received.
The access to the site is via Brown Road which is dirt and gravel for
approximately 750 feet.Based on an agreement being made between the
developer and the County following the preliminary consultation,the
developer is to bare the cost of improving 750 feet of Brown Read.The work
is to be done by the County Roads Department.
483
484
Mr.Lung noted that the County Engineer would not approve the subdivision
until the required improvements are made to Brown Road.Mr.Roger Wolfe,
developer,stated that due to the uncertainty as to when the road work can
be done,he is requesting subdivision approval prior to the improvements
being made.He stated that he is willing to place the funds needed to
improve Brown Road into an escrow account until the County Roads Department
is able to do the work.After a brief discussion,Ms.Acord mad",a motion to
give the staff the authority to grant preliminary and final plat approval
upon receipt of notification from the County Administrator that an agreement
had been reached between the County and Mr.Wolfe as to the timing and
payment for the improvements to Brown Road.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So
ordered.NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
Unger/Moats:
/1r.G:>odrich presented the variance request for Unger and Moats,located
south of Corner Road.Under the simplified plat process,the original
subdivision plat divided 120 acres of land without public road frontage into
4 lots to be conveyed to heirs of Howard Weller.The family members were to
use a 12 foot private right-of-way to access the lots.
When the 4 lots were originally subdivided,a statement was added to the
plat stating that these lots were to be conveyed to immediate family melruJers
only,for a period of 5 years.Due to a financial hardship,the family
members wish to sell lots 4 and 5 to someone who is not an imrnediate family
lnember.The applicant is requesting that the Commission remove the 5 year
restriction from the plat to enable them to sell the lots.
Mr.Q:>cdrich again reminded the Commission that when these lots were
.originally subdivided,it was for transfer of ownership only and not for
development.He noted that if the owner wishes to develop these lots,they
mlst submit a subdivision plat for approval by the Planning Commission •
.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant the variance and remove the 5 year clause
fnom the subdivision plat based on a hardship that would result from strict
compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Subdivisions:
Bruce Hoffman:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Bruce Hoffman lots I
through 3.The site is located along the east side of MD Route 63 north of
Broadfording Road and is zoned AgriculturaL Each lot will be L5 acres in
size.There are 98.6 acres of remaining lands.The lots will be served by
individual on-site septic systems and pUblic water fran the Martin
Crossroads system.Approvals have been received from the Health Department,
Water Department and the Sanitary District.Approval from the County
Engineer has been received.Approval has been received from the State
Highway Administration with the condition that the bank at lot 3 be graded
to improve sight distance for the entrances to lots I and 2.
Mr.Lung stated that the staff recommends that the grading be done and sight
distance approved by the State Highway Administration before the plat is
approved.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant preliminary and final approval
contingent upon the bank at lot 3 being graded to allow for adequate sight
distance for lots I and 2.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
PSP Limited -I-70 Auto Mall:
Mr.Goodrich presented the preliminary and final plat and site plan for the
PSP Auto Mall,located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of 1-70
and Route 40.
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The proposed auto sales park consists of 10 acres with the total site being
30 acres in size.At this time,pUblic water and sewer is not available to
the site.The 10 acre parcel will be developed in two phases.
The development of this site will include the reconstruction of the Beaver
Creek Road/Route 40 intersection and the re-arrangement of access locations
for the Mt.Aetna Body Works shop and the Hagerstown Bible Church.
The County Engineer has given his preliminary approval subject to final
drawings being revised and the final approval conditional on State Highway
Administration approval on the reconstruction of the intersection.Comments
have been received from the Sanitary District and the Water Department
stating that service to the site is not available.Comments have also been
received from the State Highway Administration stating that there are no
problems with the arrangements of the Beaver Creek Road/Route 40
intersection.A detailed review must be done by the State Highway
Administration on the construction of the intersection and a hydraulic study
must be done on the roadway.
Due to the limited time available for review of the proposal,the Planning
staff had few comments at this time,reserving the right to make further
COWffi3nts and requests for changes after a complete review.The staff did
note two conCerns based on its limited review of the plans.1)The
developer,present and future,should be aware of the need for site plan
approval prior to development of the r€maining lots of the subdivision and
2)substantial lighting is proposed for the perimeter along the entrance
ramp and 1-70.Care should be taken to direct this lighting so it will not
adversely affect the highway.
Dr.Johns made a motion to grant preliminary approval conditional upon
receipt of agency approvals.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.Mr.
Iseminger abstained.
Site Plans:
Dr.Eli Roza:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Dr.Eli Roza located along the west
side of MD Route '60,north of the TJ)ngmeadow Shopping Center.This site
plan is for a doctors office to be located on lot 1 as designated on the
preliminary plat/site plan for the Washington County Hospital Association.
The property is zoned Planned Business.Design of the site has changed from
what was on the preliminary plat/site plan approved in May,1986.The
shared access between lots 1 and 2 has been eliminated.Two access
locations are now being proposed for lot 1.Parking has been changed from
one lot at the front of the building to two lots located along the sides of
the building.The landscape berm along Oak Hill Avenue designed to shield
headlights from Terrace Hills has been removed due to the relocation of the
parking lot.The County Engineer hasapproved the new access locations but
has not approved the site plan due to details to be worked out concerning
the storwmater management area.The site will be served by public water and
sewer with approvals received from the Hagerstown Water Department and Water
Pollution Control.
Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the changes from the previously approved
plan and to grant site plan approval conditional upon receipt of the County
Engineer's approval.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
OTHER BUSINESS:- -
16 Foot Roads:
Paul Loveless:
Mrs.Pietro informed the Commission that Mr.Loveless is requesting to
subdivide one lot along Smith Road.Smith Road is approximately 12 to 14
feet in width therefore the County Engineer will not approve this
subdivision since Smith Road is less than 16 feet in width.Mr.Loveless is
proposing to create 2 lots.Lot 1 (or the remaining lands)will consist of
67 acres.Mr.Loveless has no future plans for subdividing this acreage.
Lot 2 will consist of 3 to 4 acres.
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After a brief discussion,Mr.Zombro made a motion to over-ride the County
Engineer's decision and to approve this one lot subdivision with the
understanding that no further subdivision will be permitted until Smith Road
is improved to current County road standards or until the road is judged
adequate under the proposed Public Facility Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered.
Keith Marshall:
Mrs.Pietro stated that Mr.Marshall is requesting to subdivide one lot
along Limekiln Road.There will be approximately 250 acres of remaining
lands and the proposed lot will consist of 3 acres to be conveyed to Mr.
Marshall's daughter.
Limekiln Road is approximately 13 1/2 feet in width.The County Engineer
disapproves this subdivision since Limekiln Road is less that 16 feet in
width.Mr.Marshall has no future plans for subdivision.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the one lot
subdivision since it is being conveyed to a family member but with the
condition that no further subdivision be permitted until Limekiln Road is
improved to current County road standards or until the road is judged
adequate under the proposed Public Facility Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.
Zombro.So ordered.
Clinton Rutherford:
Mrs.Pietro stated that Mr.Rutherford is proposing to subdivide one lot
along Dam #5 Road.The proposed lot will consist of 14 acres with an
existing house.The County Engineer has disapproved the subdivision due to
inadequate sight distance and also since Dam #5 Road is less than 16 feet in
width.The proposed entrance has been relocated to obtain adequate sight
distance.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the
subdivision with the condition that no further subdivision will be permitted
until Dam jf5 Road is improved to current County road standards or until the
road is jUdged adequate under the proposed Public Facility Ordinance.
Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
P!eliminary Consultations:
Cedar Hills East:
Mrs.Pietro stated that during the October regular lneeting,she informed the
Commission of the proposed development for Cedar Hills East located along
the Old Forge Road.During the preliminary consultation,the County
Engineer had concerns with sight distance and the two one-lane bridges in
the vicinity of the site.The Health Department had concerns with rock
outcrops which cause shallow soil coverage for an inadequate septic system.
A new concept plan may need to be submitted if the property is to be
developed because the design may change dramtically after testing occurs.
Several residents of the area spoke in opposition to the proposed
development.Their concerns addressed additional traffic and the residents'
safety for those utilizing the bridges.The Commission suggested that the
residents contact the County Engineer about their concerns on the additional
traffic and the safety aspects from the one-lane bridges.
Robinwood Court:
Mr.Goodrich stated that during the October regular meeting,William Teach,
consultant for Robinwood Court,requested that the building setback line be
moved to avoid rock outcrops,and severe topography.He reminded the
Commission that they denied this request.
This month Mr.Teach is requesting that the previOUSly approved right-of-way
dedication of 75 feet,as shown on the approved development plan,be changed
to 40 feet as required by the County's Highway Plan.No comments have been
received from the County Engineer on this request.
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After a brief discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to deny the request to
change the right-of-way dedication to 40 feet.This motion died for lack of
a seconded.
Mr.Zombro made a motion to table the request until comments are received
from the County Engineer.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from the Town of Boonsboro:
The Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Town of Boonsboro
regarding development outside the Boonsboro Growth Area boundary.Mr.
Brittain reminded the Commission of the joint meeting with the Planning
Commission and the Boonsboro Planning Commission on October 17 at 7:30 P.M.
at the Town Hall in Boonsboro.No action was taken by the Commission.
Letter from the He.?lth Department:
Mr.Brittain stated that the letter from the Health Department is regarding
topics that the Commission has recently discussed;ie.replatting of
subdivisions,approving plats with ,the septic reserve area on the remaining
lands,etc.No action was taken by the Commission.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Hog Farm Task Force:
Mr.Lung stated that prior to the last meeting of the Hog Farm Task Force
committee,a draft was prepared by the Planning Department and the Director
of Permits and Inspections for the text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
and the Soil Conservation District prepared the draft for the Waste
Management Plan.A public hearing will be held on October 18 at 7:30 P.M.
in Court Room No.1,Court House to discuss the text amendment and the
proposed Waste Management Plan.
HI Study/Airport Commission:
Mr.Lung stated that the Chairwan of the Airport Commission contacted him
recently to let him know that the Airport Commission's concerns regarding
the Highway Interchange zoning changes were correct in the minutes of the
joint meeting of the Planning Commission and ,the Airport Commission held
several months ago.The Airport Commission does not want any land zoned
that would permit residential developments around the Airport because of
noise and safety considerations.After a brief discussion,by concensus,
the Commission feels that the staff should continue revie"ing the Highway
Interchange zoning changes and later hold a workshop session to discuss the
proposed changes.
Ag Center Study:
Mr.Brittain stated that the Ag Center Site Study that was presented to the
Commission during the October regular meeting was recently presented to the
County Commissioners for its information.1\1l0 parcels have been singled out
to determine if the prop=rty owners would be interested in selling their
properties for the future Ag Center site.No action was taken by the
Commission.
MD 68 at Devil's Backbone:
Mr.Brittain informed the Commission that there was a meeting with the staff
members of the Maryland Department of Transportation in their pre-tour visit
with the local officials.At that meeting,one of the projects identified
was the bridge replacement study at the Devil's Backbone area on MD Route
68.At this time,only monies have been designated for planning purposes
and that the report identified no specific plan at this time.
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488
RZ-356:
Mr.Brittain stated that as a condition on the approval of RZ-356 for
portable signs,the Commission was to review the text amendment one year
after the approval by the County Commissioners.There are no major problems
with portable signs to date.After a brief discussion,the Commission feels
that if there are no major problems,the portable sign issue should remain
as it was approved on April 21,1987.
Preliminary Consultations:
Triad Proeerties:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary consultation for Triad Properties,171
unit townhouse development located along Robinwood Drive on 20 acres and
zoned Residential Multi-family.The proposed development will include 30
clusters with each individual townhouse to be sold.A public street system
is proposed to serve the site.
Mr.[)Jng said that the concept plan shows many of the townhouse units
fronting on parking areas.He noted that in order for subdivision to occur,
each individual townhouse lot must front on a public street.The County
Engineer will not accept parking areas into the County's street system.
Play areas have been provided in the proposed development,but walkways to
serve the play areas and a bus waiting area must also be provided.
Mr.Lung suggested that the Planning Commission may want to consider
requiring the developer to assist in providing means for pedestrian access
·off site to the new Washington County Regional Park and to Robinwood Court
commercial area and the fmgerstown Junior College.
Following a discussion,the Commission determined that the following items
should be addressed by the developer:Another play area should be provi'ded
near the center of the development.Sidewalks along all streets will be
required.The first cul-de-sac off of the main street may be too close to
the intersection with Robinwood Drive.From a safety standpoint,the design
of the development Ivith the townhouse lots fronting on parking areas in.stead
of directly onto public streets is preferable.The Commission would look
favorably at a variance request to allow this design.
0Fchard Ridge:
The preliminary consultation for Orchard Ridge was presented to the Planning
Commission for its information only and nothing additional was added by the
staff.No action was taken by the commission.
Western Commercial Funding:
The preliminary consultation for Western Commercial Funding was presented to
the Commission for its information only and nothing additional was added by
the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
Hig~land ~iew Living Center:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary consultation for Highland View Living
Center,a proposed retirement community,to be located along Mt.Aetna
Road.The developer is proposing to construct 58 buildings consisting of 1,
2,4,and 8 unit buildings plus a recreation building with 50 units.The
total development will consist of 198 units with a private street systan
being proposed.During the consultation,the County Engineer expressed
concerns with the inadequacy of Mt.Aetna Road.He said that Mt.Aetna Road
would have to be improved,either by phasing with the development or
improved all at once.The developer is considering various alternatives for
providing water to the project.A package treatment plant will provide
sewage disposal to the site.The Health Department has concerns regarding
the water supply and the package treatment plant noting the point of
discharge would be into a trout stream.After a brief discussion,no action
was taken by the Commission.
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orREn.BUSINESS:
Water and Sewerage Plan Amendment:
Mr.Goodrich stated that the Planning Commission office has received a
request from the Sanitary District for an amendment to the Water and
Sewerage Plan fqr 3 proposed treatment plants.The Planning Commission must
determine if this amendment will be consistent with the County's
Comprehensive Plan.After a discussion,it was decided that when the
workshop meeting is held to discuss the rezoning cases from the September 19
public hearing,a decision will be made on this amendment to the Water and
Sewerag'3 Plan.
Rezoning Cases from September 19,1988 Public Hearing:
A field trip will be held on October 13,1988 to visit the sites of the
rezoning cases held on September 19,1988 with a workshop session
immediately following the field trip.
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Washington County Floodplain Ordinance:
Mr.Brittain stated that the Commission received a copy of the proposed
Floodplain Ordinance in the agenda packet.He noted that this proposed
Ordinance is the result of a mandate from the State of Maryland.Mr.
Richard Parks,Director of Planning and Review gave a brief presentation to
the Commission regarding what is and is not permitted within the floodplain
and how the proposed Floodplain Ordinance would work if adopted by the
.County Commissioners.No action was taken by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT:--
~.i/d;;~ack B'B•ye s,Chairman
There being no further business to discl1"1s,the meeting adjourned at 11:00
P.M.
490
WASHINGTON COUNTY PlANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING -NOVEMBER 7,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a workshop meeting to
consider-r-ezoning cases hear-d in public hearing on September 19,1988 and
also on October 10,1988.The meeting was held in Court Room No.1 of the
Court House,Hagerstown,Maryland.
Members present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,D::>nald E.
ZoOOro;Ex-Officio,Richard E."Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr".Ray
Johns,and Judith A.Acord.'itaff:Director,James P.Brittain,Associate
Planners Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro,Assistant Planner,John
Gudmundson,Dir-ector of Planning and Review,Richard Parks,and Secretary,
Janet L.King.Absent were:Sidney Salitsky and Senior Planner,Stephen T.
Goodrich.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 P.M.
RZ-366 (REMAND)Richard G.Wolfinger Estate
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Mr.ZoOOro made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map amendment be approved based on a change in the
char-acter of the neighborhood.Seconded by Dr".Johns.Mr.Iseminger
"abstained.So ordered.
RZ-387 -Patricia Ford
This rezoning request has been withdrawn by the applicant.
RZ-397 Gotthard Sekula
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testilnony from the
public hearing,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map amendment be denied based on the findings of
fact in the Staff Report and Analysis and the Staff Recommendation.This
motion died for lack of a second.
Dr".Johns made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners that this
map amendment be approved based on a change in the character of the
neighborhood.Seconded by I1r.Zombro.I1r.Iseminger voted no.So ordered.
RZ-398 -John Jamison and Charles Rouzer
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Mr.ZoOOro made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map amendment be approved based on a change in the
char-acter of the neighborhood.Seconded by Dr".Johns.Mr.Iseminger
abstained.So ordered.
RZ-399 James B.Adams
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony fran the
public hearing,Dr".Johns made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map amendment be denied based on the Staff Report
and Analysis and the Staff Report and Recommendation.Seconded by Ms.
Acord.Mr.Iseminger abstained.So ordered.
RZ-400 Estate of Irene Fulton,et_.a1.
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony fran the
public hearing,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map ~nendment be denied based on the findings of
fact of the Staff Report and Analysis and the Staff Recommendation.
Seconded by Mr.ZoOOro.Dc.Johns and Mr.Roulette abstained.So ordered.
By concensus,the Planning Commission also recow~ended the denial of John
Urner's request (attorney for the applicant)for partial withdrawl of the
property to be rezoned based on the opinion of the County Attorney,David K.
Poole,Jr.So ordered.
RZ-40l -Adna Fulton---
After a thorough discussion and consideration of the testimony from the
public hearing,Mr.Zombro made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners that this map amendment be approved based on a change in the
chacacter of the neighborhood.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So 'ordered.
RZ-402 -Text Amendment -Section 22.4
The Commission recommends that RZ-402,a text amendment to Section 22.4,be
approved as advertised.In addition,the Commission voted to recommend the
adoption of the Washington County Floodplain Management Ordinance,as
amended,and its incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance be reference.
491
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B;Byers,rChal.rman
WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING -NOVEMBER 7,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting on
November 7,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in Court Room No.3 of the Court House,
Hagerstown,Maryland.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,[bnald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Dr.Ray Johns,Bertrand L.Iseminger,and
Judith A.Acord.Staff:Director,James P.Brittain;Associate Planners,
Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro;Associate Planner,John Gudmundson;
Secretary,Janet L.King;Direc'tor of Planning and Review,Richard Parks,
and Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich.Absent were:
Sidney Salitsky and Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
Mr.Zombro made a motion to approve the minutes of the October regular
meeting as presented.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
Alex M.Gagarine:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Alex Gagarine.The subject site
is located along the east side of Alternate U.S.40.The variance is being
requested from Section 405.1l(B)of the Subdivision Ordinance which requires
that all new lots have 25 feet of public road frontage.The applicant is
proposing to subdivide a 2.08 acre parcel to be conveyed to Mr.Bowen,an
adjacent property owner.Access to the proposed lot will be via an existing
lane across the remaining lands of Gagarine onto Route 40.An existing
dwelling on the proposed lot is currently using this lane.After a brief
discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance based on a
hardship which would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.
Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
Johnna Maravelis:
Mr.Gudmundson presented the variance request for Johnna Maravelis.The
sUbject site is located north of Williamsport on Old Route 63.The variance
is being requested from Section 405.llB of the Subdivision Ordinance which
requires that all new lots have at least 25 feet of pUblic road frontage.
The applicant is proposing to subdivide a 1 acre lot to be conveyed to her
neice.The proposed lot was platted,but never recorded prior to the
adoption of the Subdivision Ordinance.Access to the proposed lot will be
via a driveway which currently serves two existing houses and any future
development on three other lots.The remaining lands would include a 50
foot frontage lot on Old Route 63.The dwelling and improvements on this
portion prevent it from being used for access to lot 1 or 2.Dr.Johns made
a motion to grant the variance request based on a topographic hardship and
also with the condition that no conveyance of the lot will be made to anyone
not a member of the immediate family for a period of five (5)years \'1ithout
the approval of the Planning Commission except as may be required to satisfy
a mortgagee in case of loan foreclosure.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
1
Triad Properties:
Mr.Lung presented the variance requests for Triad Properties.The site is
located along the east side of Robinwood Drive.During its October Ineeting,
the Planning Commission reviewed the preliminary consultation for Triad
Properties.The Commission had concerns with some of the proposed townhouse
units not fronting on a public roadway and they also felt that sidewalks
should be constructed along all proposed public streets within the
development.
The first variance request is from Section 405.llB of the Subdivision
Ordinance which requires that all new lots have at least 25 feet of pUblic
road frontage.The Commission thought that from a safety standpoint,the
design of the development with the townhouse lots fronting on parking areas
instead of directly onto public streets is preferable.The County Engineer
has approved of the design.After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a
motion to grant tl1e variance to create townhouse lots within the Triad
development without public road frontage.The affected townhouse lots are
to front on parking areas to be owned and maintained by the developer.
Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
The second variance request is from Section 508.1 of the Subdivision
Ordinance which gives the Planning Commission the authority to require
sidewalks along public roadways. During the October meeting,the Commission
stated that sidewalks will be required along all public streets within the
Triad townhouse development.Mr.Weikert,consultant for the developer,
~tated that sidewalks along open section streets not only cause design and
drainage problems but serve no useful purpose.After a brief discussion,
Dr.Johns made a motion to table the variance until an alternative design
for pedestrian circulation can be reviewed prior to or during subdivision
and site plan review.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
It was noted by the staff that during the preliminary consultation,it was
discussed that pedestrian access to Robinwood Court,Brightwood Acres East
and the new County park should be added to this proposed development.The
Commission feels that it would not be feasible to require the developer to
construct pedestrian walkways to existing developments,however,the
developer should provide an easement for a walkway to connect to any future
development to the south for possible pedestrian access to the County park.
This easement should be shown on the subdivision plat.It was also noted
that the developer has,at the Planning Commission's request,provided an
additional play near the center of the development.
Patricia Holland:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Patricia Holland.The site is
located along the west side of MD Route 65,just north of Sharpsburg.The
variance is being requested f~om the Highway Plan which requires 500 feet of
separation between access points onto a Minor Arterial highway.Lot 1 was
recently approved for Thomas Low and Gretchen VanHyning consisting of 14
acres.Lots 2 through 6 were approved to the north of this site for a
development to be called Stonefields.Ms.Holland has purchased lot 1 and
is proposing to subdivide it into 9 lots with approximately 2 acres of
remaining lands.The applicant is proposing to create seven lots with
panhandles directly adjacent to each other and less than 500 feet from
existing accesses to both tl1e north and south.She is also proposing to
create a single panhandle for an eighth lot less than 500 feet from an
existing access to the north and the other proposed accesses to the south.
The ninth lot will be conveyed to an immediate family member without public
road frontage.Comments were received from the State Highway Administration
stating that sight distance is adequate.S.H.A.would prefer the use of a
single access for all the lots.The entrance must be constructed to State
Highway Administration commercial entrance standards which S.H.A.may
involve curbing,accel and decel lands,and a by-pass lane.
Mr.Lung stated that the applicant's hardship is that the topography of the
site would not allow for nine individual access locations onto Route 65.
After a brief discussion,the Commission stated that the proposed design is
not acceptable and that a public street should be constructed to serve the
proposed nine lots.Mr.Zombro made a motion to deny the variance request.
Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
2
Bruce Hoffman and Sons:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Bruce Hoffman and 80ns.The
sUbject site is located along the east side of Route 63,approximately .5
miles north of Broadfording Road.The variance j.s being requested from the
Highway Plan which requires a minimum of 300 feet of separation between
access points along a Major Collector highway.The applicant is proposing
to create a new access point for a proposed lot 250 feet from a second
proposed acceSS to the south.Access location for a third lot meets all
requirements.A subdivision plat for lots 1,2,and 3 was given conditional
approval by the Planning Commission on October 2,1988.Original access
locations meet the Highway Plan 300 foot separation,however,grading of a
bank along Route 63 would be required in order to obtain adequate sight
distance for 10t-3.Due to location and depth of an existing water main
along Route 63,sufficient grading of the bank is not possible without
lowering the water line.Shifting the access point for lot 3 approximately
50 feet to the south will provide good sight distance with only minimal
grading.Sight distance for lots 1 and 2 is adequate without any additional
work.The State Highway Administration has approved all entrance
locations.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant the variance based on the
hardship which would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance due to
the topography of the site.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
16 Foot Road Width:
Mary Trumpower:
Mrs.Pietro presented the request for Mary Trumpower to create three lots
along Barnhart Road.Barnhart Road is currently 15 feet in width and the
County Engineer feels that no subdivision should occur on roads less than 16
feet in width.Barnhart Road has adequate sight distance and is not heavily
traveled.The applicant is requesting a waiver from the 16 foot requirement
to 15 feet.No subdivision plat has been submitted and no comments have
been received from the County Engineer.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to lift
the 16 foot road width requirement for these three lots only.No further
subdivision will be permitted along Barnhart Road until it is brought up to
County road width standards.
Subdivisions:
Randy Cohen:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary and final plat for Randy Cohen.The site
is located along the east side of 1-81 near Halfway Boulevard and west of
the Valley Mall.Access to the site is via Cole Road.Mr.Cohen is
proposing to create three parcels.A variance was granted in August to
create two lots without pUblic road frontage.Parcell will consist of 2.01
acres and will house a mini-warehouse with a manager's apartment.Parcel 2
will consist of 1.44 acres to house an auto service center.Parcel 3 will
consist of 3.93 acres to house an office warehouse and rental facility.
Approvals have been received from the Hagerstown Water Department,Sanitary
District and the Health Department.The County Engineer has given his
conditional approval with improvements to Cole Road to be shown on the
plat.The plat has been revised to address comments from the Permits Office
concerning landscaping and screening.The Planning staff requested
additional time to review the revised plat to assure that the landscaping
and screening is sufficient.Mr.Roulette made a motion to grant
preliminary plat and site plan approval conditional on the staff reviewing
the revised plat.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Robert Bur9.~ssor:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for Robert
Burgessor,lots 2 through 4.The site is located along the south side of
Shinham Road.Mr.Burgessor is proposing to subdivide three residential
lots to consist of 1 acre each.There are no existing structures on the
site.The proposed three lots will be served by individual wells and septic
systems.The County Engineer has disapproved the subdivision because of the
inadequate width of Shinham Road.8hinham Road is approximately 13 feet
wide.All other agency approvals have been received.The sight distance is
adequate and an existing fence row will be cleared.
3
4
The Commission asked Mr.Burgessor if he would be willing to share in the
cost of improving Shinham Road and Mr.Burgessor replied yes.The
Commission suggested that Mr.Burgessor meet with the County Engineer to
work out an agreement on the improvements to Shinham Road.
After a discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant relief from the 16
foot road width requirement.The condition to this approval is that an
agreement should be worked out etween the developer and the County Engineer
regarding the upgrading of Shinham Road be improved along Mr.Burgesser's
property.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
4-K Retreat Subdivision:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for 4-K
Retreat,lots 1 through 3.The site is located along the northeast side of
Independence Road and is zoned Agricultural.The owner is proposing to
subdivide three lots to consist of 4 acres each.LDts 1 and 2 have an
existing dwelling on them.A proposed new dwelling will be constructed on
lot 3.The proposed lots will be served by an individual well and septic
system.All agency approvals have been received.Dr.Johns made a motion
to grant preliminary and final subdivision plat approval.Seconded by Mr.
Zombro.So ordered.
George Burt~er:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat for George
Burtner,lots 5 through 8.The site is located in the southeast quadrant of
Broadfording Road and Rockdale Road.The proposed lots will consist of 1 to
2 acres each and will be served by individual wells and septic systems.All
agency approvals have been received.Verbal approval has been granted by
the Health Department.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant preliminary and
final subdivision plat.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Foun.tainheadhead North,Phase II:
t1rs.Pietro presented the preliminary plat for Fountainhead North,Phase
II.The subject site is located at the intersection of Paradise Church Road
and LDngmeadow Road.A total of 63 residential lots are proposed for Phase
II.Ten lots were previously approved in August and October for Phase I.
The proposed lots will consist of 10,000 square feet and will be served by
public water and sewer.A total of four new roads will be constructed to
county standards to serve this development.Comments have been received
from Water Pollution Control stating that there are no adequate facilities
available to serve this development.Health Department approval is
outstanding pending on the receipt of availability letters from the City of
Hagerstown Water Department and the Sanitary District.All other agency
approvals have been received.Mr.Zombro made a motion to grant preliminary
plat approval.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
Ronnie McAllister:
Mrs.Pietro presented the preliminary and final subdivision plat and site
plan for Ronnie McAllister,lot 3.The site is located along the southeast
side of Governor Lane Boulevard.The owner is proposing to subdivide a 2
acre lot for a taxidermy shop.Entrance and exit for the site will be off
Govenor Lane Boulevard with 4 parking spaces being proposed.Landscaping is
provided along the northern property line and around the building and
parking area.Public sewer is being proposed to serve the site.The
Washington County Water and Sewerage Plan classifies this property as W-l
meaning that pUblic water is available.Mr.McAllister is propsing to serve
the site with a well.A variance must be granted by the Health Department
in order for the well to be approved in a W-l classified area.All agency
approvals have been received except for the Health Department.Mr.
Iseminger made a motion to grant preliminary and final subdivision plat and
site plan approval conditional on receipt of Health Department approval.
Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
5
Site Plans:
Teleflex,Inc._~Revised:
Mr.Lung presented the revised site plan for Teleflex located in the
Washington County Business Park.In November,1987,the Planning Commission
approved the preliminary plat and site plan for Teleflex.A building permit
and a temporary use and occupancy permit was issued in February,1988.In
August,1988,a revised preliminary plat and site plan was submitted which
showed changes made to the design of the rear of the building to enclose a
loading area,minor changes were made to the parking areas and also the
width of the access road.A revised landscape plan was submitted to show
planting to occur in three phases and also to eliminate the proposed screen
planting at the rear of the building.The revised landscape plan indicated
that phase 1 will be planted immediately and phase 2 and 3 will be done in
the future.The revised plan did not show any dates as to when the planting
would occur.The staff informed the Planning Commission that the
landscaping shown as phase 1 has not yet been completed.
Mr.Roulette made a motion to approve the revised site plan with landscaping
shown as phase 1 to be completed and also include additional landscaping
between the shipping and receiving areas to the rear of the building.Any
future landscaping which is not definite at this time should not be included
on the landscaping plan.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.Mr.Iseminger abstained.
Building Systems '-
Mrs.Pietro presented the site plan for Building Systems,located along the
west side of Blake Road,just off of Hopewell Road.The applicant will be
leasing a 1 acre parcel from Mr.William Dutton for a construction company
office.Any further subdivision of this parcel will require a variance due
to the site not having public road frontage.The proposed new lot will be
served by a private well and septic system.Landscaping is being provided
around the building and the entrance to the site.A total of 36 parking
spaces are being proposed.Mr.Dutton has made a request to the Board of
Appeals for a special exception to establish a contractor's equipment and
storage yard on the subject site.In addition,he has requested a variance
from the required 25 foot setback from the street right-of-way to 15 feet
for the placement of a freestanding business sign.D'Jpending on the
decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals,a revised site plan may have to be
submitted.Ms.Acord made a motion to grant site plan approvaL Seconded
by Mr.Zombro.Mr.Iseminger abstained.So ordered.
Preliminary Consultations:
D9m No.4 Landing -Agricultural/Conservation:
Mr.Lung presented the preliminary consultation for Dam No.4 Landing -
Agricultural/Conservation.The site is located along both sides of Dam No.
4 Road.Mr.Lung stated that the consultant is reviewing the plan to
address the comments expressed by the County Engineer during the
consultation regarding the traffic along Dam No.4 Road.The Health
D'Jpartment expressed concerns regarding the suitability of some of the lots
for septic systems.No action was taken by the Commission.
Western Commercial Funding:
The preliminary consultation for Western Commercial Funding was presented to
the Planning Commission for its information only and nothing additional was
added by the staff.No action was taken by the Commission.
Clear Spring Associat~s:
Mr.Brittain stated that the verbal presentation and the written staff
report will be presented to the CDmmission during the D'Jcember meeting.
Jack Merritt:
The preliminary consultation for Jack Merritt was presented to the Planning
Commission for its information only and nothing to be added by the staff.
6
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Animal Husbandry Task Force:
Mr.Lung stated that the moratorium has been extended to February 12,1989.
He added that there will not be any action taken on the proposal which was
submitted during the pUblic hearing on October 18..Revisions to the Animal
Waste Management Plan and the Zoning Ordinance text amendment are being
worked on by the Ad Hoc Committee and will be taken to another public
hearing in the future.
Roy Diller PUD 6 month Extension:
Mr.Lung stated that the County Commissioners approved the Roy Diller PUD
rezoning in April,1988.He noted that under the PUD requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance,a concept plan must be submitted within six months of the
rezoning approval.The consultant for Mr.Diller is requesting a six month
extension.After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant a
six month extension of time to April 19,1989 to enable Mr.Diller to submit
a preliminary concept plan.Seconded by Mr.Roulette.So ordered.
Site Plan Enforcement:
Mr.Brittain informed the Commission that when Towne Oak Village was
developed,sidewalks were never constructed as stated on the approved site
plan.He noted that Paul Prodonovich sent a letter to Mr.Paul Crampton,
developer of Towne Oak Village,stating that the sidewalks need to be
constructed.
Mr.Prodonovich stated that the sidewalks were never installed on the site.
He noted that Mr.Crampton may not have any intention of installing the
sidewalks on his fee-simple property.When the letter was sent to Mr.
Crampton,a new phase of Towne Oak Village was constructed.Sidewalks were
not installed in the new phase either.
After a brief discussion,by concensus,the Commission feels that Mr.
Crampton should be notified to inform him that his use and occupancy permit
will not be issued for the new section of Towne Oak Village until the
sidewalks are constructed in the existing section.
ADJOURNMENT :
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
An Executive Session immediately followed the Regular Meeting.
)./~/~~~d~~~/~-
Jack B;Byers,aTrman
7
WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING -DECEMBER 5,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a workshop meeting on
December 5 in the second floor conference room of the County Office
Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Denald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr.Ray Johns,Sidney
Salitsky and Judith A.Acord.Staff:Planning Director,James P.Brittain,
Associate Planners,Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro;Director of
Plannign and Review,Richard Parks;Director of Permits and Inspections,
Paul Prodonovich,and Secretary,Janet L.King.Absent was Senior Planner,
Stephen T.Goodrich.
CALL 'TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 6:30 P.M.
The workshop session was held so the Planning Commission could review the
Commission's Report and Recommendations for rezoning cases RZ-366 (REMAND),
RZ-397,RZ-398,RZ-399, RZ-400,and RZ-40l and also to consider a request to
add Sterling oaks Mobile Home Park to the agenda.
Mr.Byers noted that on page 3 of the Planning Commission Report and
Recommendation for RZ-366 (REMAND),the third paragraph should be changed
from 'RS'zone to 'RR'zone.
Mr.Byers also noted that in the first sentence of the Report and
Recommendation for RZ-40l,the word 'approve'should be changed to
'recommend approval'.
By concensus,the Commission approved the Report and Recommendations for the
above-referenced cases and informed the staff to forward them to the County
Commissioners.
ADDITION 'TO THE AGENDA:
St~rling oaks Mobile ~ome Park:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the staff reviewed the site plan for Sterling Oaks
Mobile Home Park and revisions were requested.A revised site plan was
submitted to the Planning Office 3:50 P.M.on December 5.The Planning
staff did not have an opportunity to review the revisions at this time.A
response from the County Engineer has been received by the Permits Office.
Paul Prodonovich has also commented on the plan.The Hagerstown Water
Department,Soil Conservation District,Health Department,and Fire and
Rescue have not responded to the site plan request.
Mr.Merle Holsinger,engineering consultant for the development,stated that
Soil Conservation signed the plan and verbal approval has been received from
the Water Department.The revisions were made to the plan per Planning
staff and Permit Office comments.Mr.Holsinger stated that the site plan
is ready for conditional approval based on the comments received from the
approving agencies.Mr.Holsinger stated that the revised plan shows the
setback requirements for each lot and the location of the bus waiting area.
Landscaping is provided along Sterling Road.
Mrs.Pietro stated that the revised plan does not show the additional play
lot that is required or the requested screening between the proposed parl(ing
area and Van !:ear Manor.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a .motion to deny adding
Sterling Oaks to the agenda.Seconded by Mr.Salitsky •So ordered.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
)/J//)~/j//_-O~-Ja~~
8
9
WASHINGTON COUNTY PlANNING COMMISSION
REGUlAR MEETING -DECEMBER 5,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held its regular meeting of
December 5,1988 at 7:00 P.M.in the second floor conference room of the
County Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Denald E.Z(Jrnbro;Ex-
Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Dr.Ray Johns,Sidney
Salitsky,and Judith A.Acord.Staff:Director,James P.Brittain,
Associate Planners,Timothy A.Lung and Lisa Kelly Pietro;Assistant
Planner,John Gudmundson;Director of Planning and Review,Richard Parks;
Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich;and Secretary,Janet
L.King.Absent was Senior Planner,Stephen T.Gccdrich.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES:
The minutes of the November 7 workshop meeting should be amended to change
the location from Court Room No.1 to Court Room No.3.Mr.Iseminger made
a motion to approve the amended minutes.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So
ordered.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to approve the minutes of the November regular
meeting.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Milcar Construction:
The Planning Commission acknowledged receipt of the letter from Milcar
Construction regarding insurance liability that would be required when
developers are required to construct tot lots.No action was taken by the
Commission.
NEW BUSINESS:
Variances:
Robinwood Court:
Mr.Brittain presented the request to replat Robinwood Court,Section I to
the Commission.He noted that this request is to reduce the setback as
platted from 75 feet to 40 feet and was previously presented to the
Commission during the November meeting.,During that meeting,the COlTImission
stated that the County Engineer should review the request and comment on the
reduction of the dedicated right-of-way.The County Engineer had no
objection to the request.Mr.Roulette made a motion that the request be
granted based on a hardship that would result from strict compliance to the
previous dedication of the right-of-way.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So
ordered.
Triad ?roperties:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Triad Properties.At its
November 7,1988 meeting,the Commission required the developer to install
sidewalks along both sides of the interior streets.The developer argued
that sidewalks along all of the streets are not practical because of the
open section design of the streets and the numerous driveways onto the
streets.The Planning Commission indicated that they would consider
alternatives to their original request.The developer presented a revised
concept plan showing a sidewalk system utilizing a mixture of interior
sidewalks and sidewalks along the street in areas where there are no
driveways.The staff recommended some additions to the proposed system as
indicated in red on the concept plan.The developer did not object to the
staff's additions.After a brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion to
10
grant the variance from the requirement for sidewalks along all of the
interior streets and to accep the developer's alternative proposal as
revised by the staff based on the hardship presented by the multitude of
driveways and the increase in safety provided by the alternative proposal.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Highland Manor:
Mr.Lung presented the variance request for Highland Manor,Lot #69.The
variance is being requested to reduce the utility easement along the rear
property line of lot #69 from the required 8 foot width to 5 feet.The
utility companies has been contacted and have no objections to the reduction
in width.
Merle Holsinger,Engineering Consultant for the developer,stated that there
is a discrepancy between the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance
on the setback requirements and utility easements in mobile home
developments.He stated that either the Subdivision Ordinance or the Zoning
Ordinance should be amended to correct this discrepancy.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the variance based on a hardship that
would result from strict compliance to the Ordinance.Seconded by Mr.
Zombro.So ordered.
16 Foot Road Width:
Paul Schoonmaker:
Mrs.Pietro presented the request of Paul Schoonmaker to subdivide four lots
along Barnhart Road which is only 15 feet in width.During the November
meeting,three lots were requested for development along Barnhart Road.The
Planning Commission denied that request until Barnhart Road is brought up to
current County road width standards.Dr.Johns made a motion to reaffirm
its statement that no development will be permitted along Barnhart Road
until its brought up to current County road standards.Seconded by Mr.
Iseminger.So ordered.
Jerry Coates:
Mrs.Pietro stated that a preliminary consultation was held on November 9
for Jerry Coates to subdivide six lots for residential use along Dam #5
Road.Darn #5 Road is currently 14.5 feet to 15 feet in width and the County
Engineer has a problem with approving the subdivision due to the road's
inadequate width.
Mr.William Wantz,attorney for the developer,presented pictures to the
Commission showing the decent of the highway from the proposed development
site.He noted that the inadequate portion of Dam #5 Road is straight and
has good sight distance.
The Commission suggested that the developer widen the road to County
standards.Mr.Wantz stated that due to the scenic easement,it would not
be possible to widen the road unless the Park Service gave its approval on
the widening.The Commission also suggested that the shoulder in front of
the proposed development be widened to satisfy the County Engineer.Mr.
Wantz feels that it would not be econornically feasible to widen the
shoulder.The Commission stated that the County Engineer should review this
proposed development to determine what type of road upgrading would be
required before the variance could be approved.Any development of the
remaining lands will not be pennitted until Dam #5 Road is brought up to
current County road width standards.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to table the request
until the January meeting so the County Engineer can review and comment on
the proposed subdivision.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
11
Rezoning Cases:
~-409,RZ-410,RZ-411 and S-5:
Mr.Brittain stated that the staff feels that the Planning Commission
withhold any action until the proposed amendment can be re-reviewed by the
County Commissioners and the South County Citizens Advisory Committee.
Mr.Roulette stated that the County Commissioners have discussed these
amendments and,by consensus,feel that the zoning change from Agriculture
to Conservation be delayed until further study of the area can take place.
The Commissioners feels that the overlay zones for the Battlefield and Red
Hill areas should be implemented.
After a brief discussion,the Commission,by consensus,will discuss these
rezoning text amendments during a future workshop meeting.So ordered.
RZ-412:
Mr.Brittain stated that during the lO-day comment period following the
public hearing,140 letters were received regarding the proposed mobile home
text amendment to permit mobile home developments in the Agriculture
district.Mr.Brittain noted that all letters received were in support of
the proposed amendment.The Planning staff recommends that the special
exception is appropriate requiring Board of Appeals authorization when a
tract of land is proposed to be developed into a mobile home subdivision or
park when said tract abuts lands zoned 'RU','RS','RR',or 'A'.In the
case when the land is zoned 'A',the proposed development is only effected
when the abutting parcel has an existing or platted residential
subidivision.Maximum density is to be established by the Zoning Appeals
Board and should be set by the density of adjacent tracts or the density of
the existing zoning classification of that tract.
After a brief discussion,the Commission,by consensus,will take action on
RZ-412 at a future workshop meeting.So ordered.
Field Tcip and Workshop Meeting:
The Commission will hold a field trip with a workshop meeting immediately
following on December 12,1988 at 1:15 P.M.
RZ-413:
Mr.Brittain stated that a public hearing has been scheduled for December
13,1988 at 11:15 A.M.in the County Commissioners meeting room to discuss
the proposed text amendment regarding the Board of Zoning Appeals guidelines
established for the consideration of variance requests.No action was taken
by the Commission.
Rezoning Schedule:
The Commission,by consensus,adopted the rezoning public hearing schedule
for 1989.
Site Plans:
Laurel Grove:
Mr.Lung presented the site plan for Laurel Grove which is located on 9.9
acres,zoned HI,at the intersection of Landis and Day Roads.A preliminary
consultation was held in August.The proposed development will consist of
138 apartment units in 12 buildings.The existing tree line will be used as
a buffer from the existing residences in the area,but if the existing tree
line is not sufficient,additional trees will be provided.A total of 276
parking spaces are provided to serve the development.Landscaping and
lighting are being provided in the parking area.The development will be
served by pUblic water and sewer and has been approved by the Water
Pollution Control Office and the Hagerstown Water Department.Access to the
development will be via Landis Road from each parking area.The County
Engineer had concerns on the condition of Landis and Day Roads and its
12
ability to handle the additional traffic.An agreement has been reached
between the developer and the County concerning right-of-way acquisition and
cost sharing of upgrading Landis and Day Roads.Play lots are being
provided to serve the development.The developer is requesting that the
Commission permit them to substitute a wading pool for one of the required
play lots.Mr.Lung stated that the staff has no objection to a wading
pool.
The Planning staff had conserns with the location of the dumpsters in the
middle of the parking areas.A revised plan has been submitted with the
dumpster location along the side of the parking area.A brick wall will be
provided to screen the dumpster from the traveling public.All agency
approvals have been received.Mr.Zornbro made a motion to approve the site
plan as submitted.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Smi thsburg r~edical Center:
Mrs.Pietro presented the site plan for the Smithsburg Medical Center
located on the southeast side of Route 64.This site was the subject of a
rezoning request from Rural,Residential to Business Transitional in April,
1988.A medical center will be constructed on half of the 3.8 acre site.
Entrance and exit will be via Route 64.Public water and sewer will serve
the site.Adequate parking is provided.All agency approvals have been
received.Dr.Johns made a motion to approve the site plan.Seconded by
Mr.Salitsky.So ordered.
Preliminary Consultation:
Jerry Coates:
The preliminary consultation for Jerry Coates was presented to the
Commission with nothing to be added by the staff.No action was taken by
the Commission.
Michael Donn~~~~
The preliminary consultation for Michael Donnegan was presented to the
Commission with nothing to be added by the staff.No action was taken by
the Commission.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Water and Sewer Plan Amendment:
Mr.Lung presented the Water and Sewer Plan amendment for Maugans Meadows to
change the service priority classification.A public hearing is scheduled
for December 20,1988 at 10:00 A.M.The amendment is required because the
service classification for this site is W-5 and S-5 which means that water
or sewer service is not planned within a 5 year period.Public water and
sewer is available to the site with the extension of exsting lines so the
classification must be changed to S-3 and W-3.This proposed site is
located within the boundary of the Urban Growth Area.The Planning
Commission must determine if the proposed amendment is consistent with the
County's Comprehensive Plan either before or after the public hearing.No
action was taken by the Commission.
Antietam Estates:
Mrs.Pietro stated that the 9 lot residential subdivision for Antietam
Estates,located along Geeting Road,is having a problem with test wells.
The engineering consultant is requesting a six month extension of time for
approval.Mr.Iseminger made a motion to grant the six month extension.
Seconded by Mr.Zornbro.So ordered.
Brightwood Acres/Londontowne Section B:
The Commission acknowledge receipt of in bane review of a jUdgement of the
Circuit Court for Washington County in the matter of an appeal made by
Judith Ditto regarding the Brightwood Acres/Londontowne Section B connector
road conducted by Judges Frederick C.Wright,III,Daniel W.Moylan and Fred
A.Thayer.No action was taken by the Commission.
13
Jo~~Merrb~gh:
Mr.Gudmundson briefed the Commission on a request from John Men"baugh to
release him from a restriction on a subdivision plat approved in 1985.The
property is located on the south side of West Washington Street,at the
Hagerstown City/County wundary.The parcel was subdivided out of lands
owned by the County Commissioners for conveyance to Mr.f'lerrbaugh.TWo
parcels were created with the line of division following the municipal
boundary,as per the Subdivision Ordinance.The Planning staff required a
note on the plat which stated the two parcels must be conveyed together and
remain in common ownership,due to the fact that an existing building on the
site was within the side yard setback between the two lots.Mr.Merrbaugh
obtained permission from the County Commissioners to sell the lots
separately and has since sold off other lots from the parcel in the City,
although the Planning Commission is the body with authority to waive the
condition in question.After brief discussion,Mr.Roulette made a motion
to approve the request pending review by the County Attorney to determine
what has transacted is appropriate.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Water and Sewer Review:
Mr.Brittain stated as a result of a meeting between the City and County
department heads,a public facility study will be proposed to outline water
and sewer needs inside the Urban Growth Area boundary.The proposed study
is to be presnted to City and County government officials for review and
approval in late January,1989.The next meeting should be able to give the
committee members objectives,goals and time frame for the project.No
action was taken by the Commission.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Animal Husbandry Task Force:
Mr.Lung stated that a meeting was recently held and the Committee reviewed
the revised draft to Article IX of the Zoning Ordinance.The Committee is
close to having a document ready to take to public hearing some time in
January.No action was taken by the Commission.
ADJOUNMENT :
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
~/·2 //?~.
_./,-~.//////Ck~·//g -V yers,airrnan-
14
WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING -DECEMBER 12,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a workshop meeting on
December 12 in the third floor conference room of the County Office
Building.
Present were:Chairman,'Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Donald E.Zombro;Ex-
Officio,.Richard E.Roulette;Bertrand L.Iseminger,Judith A.Acord,and
Dr.Ray Johns.Staff:Planning Director,James P.Brittain;Senior
Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich;Associate Planners,Timothy A.Lung and Lisa
Kelly Pietro;and Secretary,Janet L.King.Absent was Sidney Salitsky.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 2:30 P.M.
The workshop meeting was held to consider rezpning cases RZ-403, RZ-404,RZ-
405,RZ-406, RZ-408, RZ-409,RZ-4l0,RZ-4ll,RZ-4l2 and S-5 that were
recently heard in public hearing.
Mr.Byers stepped down as Chairman and retired from the meeting room for
rezoning cases RZ-403 and RZ-406 due to an interest in these cases.Mr.
Zombro chaired the meeting for consideration of these cases by the
Commission.
RZ-403:
Timothy Battaglia and Christopher Carlyle A to RU
After a brief discussion,Dr.Johns made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners the approval of RZ-403 and to aqopt the Staff Report and
Recommendation.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
In addition,the Planning Commission voted by consensus to recommend the
comments presented at the public hearing regarding road and traffic control
improvements to Bower Avenue and surrounding neighborhood streets be
forwarded to the County Engineer and Traffic Advisory Committee for their
review.
RZ-406:
Lester Barnes RS to BS
Dr.Johns feels that a comprehensive rezoning should occur for the entire
area bordering Eastern Boulevard to control the piecemeal rezoning concept.
Mr.Roulette noted that the Planning Commission would have to define the
perimeter that would be rezoned,decide what the comprehensive rezoning
change would be and recommend to the County Commissioners to take it to
public hearing.
The Commission feels that due to the traffic patterns and the close
proximity of the City/County boundary line,that the City of Hagerstown may
get involved with the proposed comprehensive rezoning.
After a discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to .cecommend to the County
Commissioners the denial of RZ-406 and to adopt the Staff Report and
Recommendation which is based on there not being a change in the character
of the neighborhood or a mistake in the original zoning of the property.
Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
As an addition to Mr.Iseminger's motion,the staff should review the
Eastern Boulevard area for the consideration of a comprehensive rezoning.
Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
Mr.Byers returned at this time to chair the meeting.
15
RZ-404:
Robin Folmer RS to RM
Mr.Byers noted that Staff Report and Recommendation should be changed on
page 5 from 'RM to RS'to read 'RS to RM'.
After a discussion regarding adjacent lands zoned RM,Dr.Johns made a
motion to recommend denial of RZ-404 and to adopt the Staff Report and
Recommendation which is based on there being no change in the character of
the neighborhood or a mistake in the original zoning of the property.
Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
RZ-405:
Edward Baker C to BG
After a discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County
Commissioners the denial of RZ-405 and to adopt the Staff Report and
Recommendation.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
RZ-408:
J.Douglas and Patricia L.Ford RS to BT
After discussion,Mr.Zombro made a motion to recommend to the County
commissioners the approval of RZ-408 and to adopt the Staff Report and
Recommendation.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
RZ-412:
Text Amendment Section 6.1
Mr.Brittain stated that this text amendment excludes mobile home parks and
mobile home subdivisions as a Principal Permitted Use and provides for them
under Section 6.2 as a Special Exception.It also restricts mobile home
parks and subdivisions to lot area,lot width,and yard requirements of
Section 6.5.Mr.Brittain noted that the staff's report presented an
alternative to the proposed text amendment and therfore is recommending
denial of this text amendment.
Mr.Byers said if the Commission would pursue what the staff is proposing,a
new pUblic hearing must be held.The Commission could also elect to
recommend adoption of the text amendment or recommend disapproval further
reviewing the case and make additional recommendations to the County
Commissioners.
Mr.Roulette stated that mobile home parks in the County should be reviewed
as a whole to determine where compatible landp would be.Mr.Iseminger
suggested mobile home parks be permitted in 'RS'or 'RM'zoned lands.Mr.
Roulette stated that mobile home parks are excluded from all residentially
zoned lands.
Dr.Johns had concerns that there is an underlying conflict with the use of
agricultural lands.There should be three different agricultural zones;1)
to contain livestock and orchards,2)to involve the preservation of open
space with no residential housing being permitted,and 3)to allow limited
residential use.He feels that the present agricultural zoning allows for
too much residential development to be permitted.
After a brief discussion,Mr.Iseminger ma~e a motion to recommend to the
County Commissioners to adopt the text amendment for RZ-412 as presented at
the public hearing and also that any mobile home subdivision and/or park
that has an approved concept plan and has commenced construction on a phase
be "grandfathered"from the RZ-412 text amendment.Seconded by ~Ir.Zombro.
As a result of the motion,Mr.Byers,Mr.Zoffibro and Mr.Iseminger voted yes
and Dr.Johns and Ms.Acord voted no.The motion carried.So ordered.
16
Mr.Merle Holsinger,an engineering consultant with Associated Engineering
Sciences,questioned the Commission if the proposed Sterling Oaks Mobile
Home Park or Highland Manor would be effected by this text amendment.He
noted that the site plan for Sterling Oaks has been submitted to the Permits
Office.He also noted that Phase I for Highland Manor has been completed
and Phase 2 has been started.After a discussion,any mobile home park and
or subdivision with an approved concept plan on which construction has begun
on a phase of the site,will not be effected by this text amendment.
RZ-409,RZ-410,RZ-41l and S-5:
Text Amendment Antietam Overlay Buffer Zone
Mr.Roulette stated that the County Commissioners discussed the proposed
rezoning of RZ-409 from Agriculture to Conservation and by consensus,they
were not in favor of the rezoning request.They feel that the South County
Citizens Advisory Committee should re-review the area and make
recommendations to the County Commissioners.He noted that the County
Commissioners supported the proposed overlay buffer zone as it was presented
during the public hearing.
After a discussion regarding the Forestry Management Plan and the Board of
Zoning Appeals responsibilities,the following motion was made.Mr.Zombro
made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners the denial of
rezoning case RZ-409.Seconded by Ms.Acord.So ordered.
Mr.Iseminger made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners to
adopt rezoning cases RZ-4l0 and RZ-4ll and Subdivision Ordinance text
amendment S-5 and that the County actively pursue fee simple and scenic
easement acquisitions and the promotion of the AgriCUltural Preservation
Progr~n in the Antietam Battlefield area.As part of their motion,the
Commission stated that the amendments should not become effective until the
State and County come to a formal agreement on the development and purpose
of the Forestry Management Plan.The commission requested review of the
formal agreement prior to implementation of RZ-410,RZ-411 and S-5.
Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 P.M.
7J/d__
tfack B.·Byers,CWcUrman
\
17
WASHINGTON COUNTY PIANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING -DECEMBER 20,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a special meeting to consider
Water and Sewerage Plan amendments on December 20,1988 in the second floor
conference room of the Court House Annex.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Vice-Chairman,Donald E.Zombro;Dr.
Ray Johns,and Bertrand L.Iseminger.Staff:Planning Director,James P.
Brittain;Senior Planner,Stephen T.Goodrich,and Associate Planner,
Timothy A.Lung.Absent were:Ex-Officio,Richard E.Roulette;Sidney
Salitsky and Judith 1\.Acord.
CALL TO ORDER:- -
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 10:45 A.M.
The Planning staff presented its Report and Recommendation,which the
Planning Commission accepted and adopted as its own recommendation to
forward to the Board of County Commissioners.
WS-88-1:
This amendment application proposed addition to the Water and Sewerage Plan
of sewage treatment plants located in the 70/81 Industrial Park
(Conococheague),the Maryland Route 40/Interstate 70 corridor and the Pen
Mar area of Washington County.The Conococheague and 40/70 proposals are
located within the Urban Growth Area.Public sewage treatment in Pen Mar,
which is included in the Highfield/Cascade feasibility study,would serve to
eliminate failing septic systems and prevent environmental pollution by on-
site systems.After a brief discussion,Mr.Zombro made a motion to
recommend approval of this amendment since it is consistent with the
County's Comprehensive Plan.Seconded by Dr.Johns.So ordered.
WS-88-2:
This amendment application will amend the Water and Sewerage Plan to include
Jefferson Cheese Company's intention to establish a plant to treat washwater
wastes on its site north of Hancock.After a discussion,Dr.Johns made a
motion to recommend approval of this amendment since it is consistent with
the County's Comprehensive Plan.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
WS-88-3:
lbis amendment proposal is to expand the service area of the
Maugansville/Orchard Hills Subdistrict to include the proposed development
of Maugans Meadows.It changes the service priority designations from S-7
and W-7 to S-3 and W-3.After a discussion,Mr.Iseminger made a motion to
recommend approval of this amendment since it is consistent with the
County's Comprehensive Plan.Seconded by Mr.Zombro.So ordered.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business,the meeting adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
#d~-
18
WASHINGTON COUNTY PIANNING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING -DECEMBER 27,1988
The Washington County Planning Commission held a special meeting regarding
RZ-4l3 which deals and the Board of Zoning Appeals'guidelines established
for the consideration of variance requests.The meeting was held in the
third floor conference room of the County Office Building.
Present were:Chairman,Jack B.Byers;Dr.Ray Johns,Bertrand L.
Iseminger,and Judith A.Acord.Staff:Planning Director,James P.
Brittain;Director of Permits and Inspections,Paul Prodonovich and
Secretary,Janet L.King.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:00 A.M.
Mr.Byers stated that revisions have been made to the proposed amendment as
a result of comments received during the pUblic hearing.
Mr.Byers stated 1-..hat the word 'for'under the section titled "Undue
Hardship"should be changed to 'from'.
After a brief discussion regarding the Board of Appeals'authority in
considering the approval of variance requests under Section 25.6,the
Commission,by consensus,changed the wording in the last sentence to read
as follows:
"In deciding such matters,the Board shall consider any other
information germane to the case and shall give consideration
to the following,as applicable:"
Ms.Acord made a motion to recommend to the County Commissioners the
approval of RZ-413 as amended.Seconded by Mr.Iseminger.So ordered.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further busines$,the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 A.M.
~-----BYer,..-;Chairman
111,-
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