PLANNING COMMISSION
DECEMBER 20, 2017
Chair Jeffery Grotsky called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commission members David Bowering, Morgan Ellis, Jane Richman and Paul Showalter, Kees de Mooy, Zoning Administrator, 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 November 15, 2017. Ms. Ellis moved to approve the minutes as presented, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
PRELIMINARY AND FINAL SITE PLAN – WASHINGTON COLLEGE LITERARY HOUSE PARKING LOT – 401 WASHINGTON AVENUE
Ms. Valerie RiChard, Director of the Physical Plant of Washington College was present along with Mr. Joe Case, Manager of Washington College’s Grounds.
Ms. RiChard stated that the application was to install 5 parking spaces behind the Rose O’Neill Literary House. She said that there is not currently dedicated parking space for the property. One handicap parking space will be provided. A cherry tree will be removed to facilitate of the installation of the permeable pavers, and a new cherry tree will be planted in its place. A visual barrier will be created by evergreen trees planted in front of the properties to the rear.
Mr. Case stated that there was an existing 6’ high fence with evergreen trees in place, but the fence will be extended and additional evergreens will be planted. He had not determined the species, but was leaning toward Hemlock trees.
Ms. RiChard stated that lighting was not considered or necessary for this project.
Mr. Showalter asked if this parking lot was designated for the Literary House or for use by anyone that needs a parking space. Ms. RiChard stated that this parking lot would be designated for parking for the Literary House but will be open for public use when events are held.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the plans call for a permeable parking lot and said that he would like to be assured that there is sufficient drainage. Mr. Case stated that there would be 18” of stone that water would run through and when it hits a saturation point will run off into the side yard where there is an existing depression. Drain tile will be added in case it needs to be tied into a stormwater pond.
Mr. de Mooy stated that the trees as shown on the plan looked like they were too close together, and that the College should ensure that they have sufficient spacing.
Mr. Grotsky stated that in the future, the Commission would require more detailed plans before an application comes to the Commission. He said that PowerPoint is a good tool, along with photos of the existing site. Landscape plans should be detailed.
Ms. Ellis moved to approve preliminary and final site plan for a 5 space parking lot behind the Literary House located at 401 Washington Avenue, with the understanding that Mr. de Mooy will check on the permeability of the site and that there will be no additional lighting on site, was seconded by Mr. Bowering and carried unanimously.
PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN – DIXON VALVE HEADQUARTERS
Mr. Kevin Shearon of DMS & Associates and Mr. Bryan Matthews of KRM were present for the application.
Mr. Shearon stated that the Dixon Valve Headquarters building was planned on the newly named Warner Road. He said that a master plan for the site was reviewed and approved previously. The first phase, which is now under construction, extends Haacke Drive to the proposed warehouse. This proposed phase will extend Warner Drive (intersects with Haacke) and take it parallel with and curving to meet Rt. 213 where there will be new entrance.
Mr. Shearon stated that he was seeking approval for the road paralleling Rt. 213 and said that it may be built in phases. He had plans showing street trees and lighting along the road. The rest of the plan addressed this evening will be built as part of the headquarters building.
Mr. Shearon stated that plans have been submitted to State Highway Administration for review and he was awaiting comments. Mr. Shearon stated that as part of the Rt. 213 access, there was a traffic study performed that included alternate access through Scheeler Road and Haacke Drive. Entrance improvements include moving utility lines, widening Rt. 213 creating accel/decel lanes and adding of a bike lane. Mr. Shearon stated that the drawings depicted street trees along the roads which mimicked what was approved for the first phases of Haacke Drive and Warner Road.
Mr. Shearon stated that the footprint of the building was approximately 32,400 sq.ft., noting that there would be 2 stories for a total of 64,800 sq.ft. The parking lot will be expanded. He said that the warehouse parking lot was approved and at that time it was indicated that the warehouse parking and the headquarter parking would be combined for use by both facilities. He said that that there were 162 parking spaces provided for the warehouse and there are 134 spaces provided for the headquarters for a total of 296 parking spaces. The parking requirements for both buildings came in at 232.
Mr. Shearon stated that the center square will have parallel parking divided by a landscaped island, with 6 parking spaces on each side. Stormwater management areas were shown although they were still in the design phase. Mr. Shearon stated that water and sewer were extended using gravity feed and those lines were shown.
Mr. Shearon stated that a lighting diagram was provided in the plans. He said that he had a meeting with Delmarva Power and the Town to look at proposed lighting and it was agreed that the 80’ lighting on center would be too intense. Street lighting would now be 160’ on center. Parking lot lighting was approved in Phase I and the same lighting will be used throughout the development.
Mr. Matthews stated that KRM was hoping to break ground on the headquarters building in September. Mr. de Mooy asked if architectural standards were being created for the overall site. Mr. Matthews stated that the intent was to use the same architect for the entire site, noting that they were presently working on plans for a new fitness center.
Mr. Showalter moved to approve preliminary site plan as presented for the Dixon Valve Headquarters building, was seconded by Ms. Ellis and carried unanimously.
Ms. Mulligan stated that Washington College filed an application for a zoning district map amendment at 301 and 305 Washington Avenue. She said that this will be addressed the next time the Town undergoes Comprehensive Rezoning.
There being no further business, Ms. Ellis moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m., was seconded by Mr. Showalter and carried unanimously.
Submitted by: Approved by:
Jennifer Mulligan Jeffrey Grotsky
Stenographer Chair