PLANNING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 19, 2014
Chairman Jeffrey Grotsky called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were members David Bowering, Morgan Ellis, Paul Showalter and Jane Richman, Kees de Mooy, Zoning Administrator, Andrew C. Meehan, Esquire, Jennifer Mulligan, Town Clerk and guests.
MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Mr. Grotsky asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting of October 15, 2014. Ms. Ellis moved to accept the minutes as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
JOEY’S AUTOMOTIVE – 853 HIGH STREET – FINAL SITE PLAN
Mr. Joe Price, owner, and Mr. Max Ruehrmund, architect, were present for the application. Mr. Price stated that he received preliminary site plan approval at last month’s Planning Commission meeting.
Mr. Price stated that Mr. Peter Bourne prepared and submitted the storm water management controls that would be installed behind the building and said that the plan was approved by Soil Conservation Services. He said that a wooden fence identical to what exists on the north property line would be installed at the rear of the property as well, in order to shield the business from the Gilchrest Rail Trail.
Mr. Price stated that there was a small island planned for the front of the service bay fronting on High Street. He said that he would like permission to remove that entirely as it was the prime area for parking used cars and he would have to use the service bay from time to time, making for close turns when bringing a wrecked car in to the shop. Mr. Price stated that there was an island on the other side of the entrance and he said he would not mind enlarging that area and adding some bushes along the south property line (closest to the original Joey’s Auto location).
Mr. de Mooy stated that he thought the landscaped island on the northeast corner was needed to channelize the entrance. He said that he was surprised that the State Highway Administration permitted a roll-down curb the full length of the property because entrances and exits should be more clearly defined.
Mr. Grotsky asked if the landscape island could be smaller in size. Mr. Price stated that it was a tight lot as it existed and stacking cars in front of landscaped island would be difficult. He said that people would never pull in to the lot next to the existing telephone pole because cars for sale are always parked there.
Mr. Showalter asked where the lighting would be placed. Mr. Price indicated that there would be three (3) wall-mounted lights, two (2) on the on the side bays and one (1) in the rear. The sign on the front of the shop would also be illuminated. A free-standing sign would be installed in the existing island on the southeast corner.
Mr. de Mooy stated that it was a goal in any district to insure the safety of pedestrians, improve traffic flow, and to introduce more landscaping where possible. He said that if this was a vacant lot, the entrance would be tightened up to make it safer. Mr. Ruehrmund reiterated that there will be cars for sale parked at all times so people would not try to turn in at that location. A triangular island with sides 6’ in length was accepted by the applicant as compromise.
Ms. Ellis moved to approve final site plan for 853 High Street, with the landscape island to be triangular in shape 6’ long on the sides facing High Street and the Bennie Smith Funeral Home to be approved by the Zoning Administrator before it was built, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
SULTANA PROJECTS, INC. – 200 S. CROSS STREET – FINAL SITE PLAN
Mr. Drew McMullen of Sultana Projects, Inc. and Mr. Kevin Shearon of DMS & Associates were present for the application.
Mr. McMullen stated that the footprint of the proposed building had not changed, but the massing of the building had some changes as per the Maryland Historical Trust, which he reviewed in detail.
Mr. McMullen stated that the building would be built to LEED Platinum standards and the only detail he was missing was the exterior lighting plans, which he noted would be Night Sky compliant. He said that there was no plan for landscaping because there was no place for landscaping on the property.
Mr. Shearon stated that the site plan was approved at the time Roy Kirby & Sons redeveloped the entire block. All storm water was addressed and approved at that time as well.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the Historic District Commission has given final approval for the building. He said that the Planning Commission previously approved final site plan with an outline of a building brought to the Commission by the former owners. He said that the footprint of the proposed building remained the same. The storm water management for the entire site was installed when modifications were made to the neighboring buildings on the south end of Cross Street.
Mr. Showalter moved to approve final site plan for the Sultana Projects, Inc. building to be located at 204 S. Cross Street, with the understanding that the lighting plan will be submitted when it is ready, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
WASHINGTON COLLEGE – 300 WASHINGTON AVENUE – SIGNAGE PLAN FOR CAMPUS
Mr. Reid Raudenbush and Mr. Michael O’Connor were present on behalf of Washington College.
Mr. Raudenbush stated that the Commission received a booklet showing all of the signage proposed for Washington College. He said that a map was also enclosed outlining where each sign would be installed.
Mr. O’Connor stated that the signs would not function as LEDs or have any electricity running to them. He said that the sign designers were given the task of revamping the existing signage with a more “modern” feel while not losing the Colonial roots of Washington College. The signs would be white text on a black background to increase contrast.
Mr. O’Connor stated that the booklet showed signage at each College-owned building in Chestertown. He said that signs would not be installed at the Hynson-Ringold house, but they would be at the Custom House, Boat House and Alumni House.
Mr. Showalter moved to approve the signage for Washington College as presented, was seconded Ms. Ellis and carried unanimously.
There being no further business, Mr. Showalter moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Jeffrey Grotsky
Stenographer Chair