PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JULY 19, 2023
John Hutchison (Chair) called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. In attendance were Commission members Owen Bailey, Jim Gatto, Cinda Pitcock, Jay Silcox, Heidi Usilton, Kees de Mooy (Zoning Administrator) and Lynda Thomas (Town Clerk).
Comprehensive Plan Review
The Chestertown Planning Commission is initiating an update of the Chestertown Comprehensive Plan. Maryland’s Land Use Article states that planning commissions have the function and duty to update their municipality’s comprehensive plan at a minimum every ten years, and to present this plan to the local legislative or governing body for its consideration and adoption. Chestertown’s Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide to public and private actions and decisions to ensure the development of public and private property in appropriate relationships. Public participation and input are vital to ensuring the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan consists of sections dealing with land use, housing, transportation, community facilities, mineral resources, development regulations, areas of critical state concern, sensitive areas, fisheries, implementation, development capacity analysis, municipal growth, and water resources.
Mr. Hutchison noted he would like to have David Dahlstrom from the Maryland Department of Planning attend the next meeting to give guidance to the Comprehensive Plan.
There was discussion on the best way to strategically break down the plan to discuss at the meetings. It was agreed to have the members review a chapter each month, make notes and suggestions, and present their information to the group at the meetings.
There was discussion on the best date and time to hold the meetings to allow enough time to review and allow each member to present their research.
It was agreed to begin the August meeting at 7:00 pm. Mr. de Mooy will contact David Dahlstrom to see if he is available to attend.
It was agreed to review the Comprehensive Plan up to page 23 and present their research at the next meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
Mr. Hutchison called the regular meeting at 7:34 pm.
Minutes
Mr. Hutchison asked if there were any corrections or revisions to the minutes of the meeting of June 21, 2023. Mr. Silcox moved to approve the minutes as submitted, was seconded by Mr. Bailey. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Hutchison stepped down as chair and asked Mr. Bailey to co-chair the meeting while he presented the variance on the agenda. Mr. Silcox recused himself.
VARIANCE
Mr. Hutchison reviewed a variance request for 114 High Street. The lot is zoned R3 which allows for a minimum 100-foot lot depth. The lot is a nonconforming lot with a depth of 70 feet and does not allow for a proposed rear covered entry.
Mr. Hutchison noted that the existing covered entry on the back of the house was in disrepair and was removed. There is an existing basement entry Bilco door that projects out 8 feet. The building is 24.7 feet from the rear lot line. The proposed new entry is an 8-foot deep by 12.6-foot-wide covered entry for the first-floor apartment.
Mr. Hutchison noted that the Historic District Commission has already given approval.
Mr. Gatto gave a favorable recommendation for the proposed variance. The motion was seconded by Ms. Usilton and passed unanimously.
Mr. Hutchison returned to the table as chair. Mr. Silcox returned to the table.
Mr. Hutchison asked if there was other business to discuss.
Mr. Gatto presented a proposed work plan for the coming year.
There being no further business or questions from the audience, Mr. Bailey moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 pm, and was seconded by Mr. Silcox. The motion carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Lynda Thomas, Town Clerk John Hutchison, Chair
************************************************************************************
PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 21, 2023
7:00 p.m. Comprehensive Plan
The Town is initiating a Comprehensive Plan update as mandated by the State.
7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting
- Minutes of Planning Commission Meetings of June 21, 2023
- Variance – 114 High Street, John Hutchison
- Adjourn