3 April 2001 | Approved: 1 May 2001
Chairman Jim Leng called the meeting to order at 7:44 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Vicki Andrews, John McClelland, Peggy Odick and Allen Winter. Shirl and Steve Harrison, owners of the property at 17050 Railroad Street adjacent to Washington Grove, builder Jimmy Dean, and Jack Kontgias of Bailey-Thompson also were present.
Approval of Minutes
Allen Winter moved, John McClelland seconded, that the Planning Commission minutes of March 6, 2001, be approved as corrected. Vote: 5-0.
Washington Grove Park Subdivision
Allen Winter moved, John McClelland seconded, that Bailey-Thompson furnish the Town with a performance bond in the amount of $18,000 to cover necessary repairs to Ridge Road resulting from construction traffic. Vote: 4-1. Allen Winter moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that Bailey-Thompson be required to execute a deed at the time of the approval of the subdivision plat, transferring the land set aside for forest conservation (Parcel A), to the Town. Vote: 5-0. Allen Winter moved, Peggy Odick seconded, that paragraph 10 on the subdivision plat be changed to reflect Washington Grove’s ownership of Ridge Road. Vote: 5-0. Jack Kontgias indicated that they plan to break ground at the end of June. Mr. Kontgias also said that the pavement condition of Ridge Road should be documented with photographs.
17050 Railroad Street ("Cator Property")
As part of a proposed annexation agreement with the Town, owners Shirl and Steve Harrison said that they would like to construct 8 single-family houses on this two-acre parcel and retain the existing dwelling. They would also like to determine ownership of the pie-shaped parcel to the west of their property, lying between Railroad Street and the railroad tracks. If the Town owns it, they would like the Town to deed it to them to help satisfy forest conservation requirements in a possible subdivision plan. Future elimination of the railroad crossing and realignment of Railroad Street closer to the tracks were discussed. Homebuilder Jimmy Dean said that he would like to cluster the single-family homes, which would sell for $250,000 to $275,000, away from the railroad tracks. Shirl Harrison said that she would like one of the homes to be an assisted-living residence for seniors. The Town zoning ordinance would have to be examined to see whether this is a permitted use.
Town Council Report
Allen Winter reported that the Town Council approved formation of a committee to look at reconfiguration of the Railroad Street/East Diamond Avenue intersection, diversion of truck traffic on Washington Grove Lane, and traffic calming improvements for Washington Grove Lane. Allen also reported on the Council vote to refer the Ridge Road renumbering proposal back to the Commission to consider safety aspects.
Renumbering Proposal for Upper Ridge Road Addresses
A motion to recommend approval of the renumbering scheme for upper Ridge Road addresses proposed by County planner Fred Flaharty was postponed. Vicki Andrews will consult with Mr. Flaharty about starting the 300 block beginning with the Margaret Voigt residence at 275 Ridge Road.
Building Permit Report
John McClelland reported that a building permit had been approved for a porch at the Linscheid residence, 413 Center Street. John said that he had spoken to the contract purchasers of 102 Center Street about their plans to renovate the house. He also said that a letter had been sent to the residents at 406 Grove Avenue asking them to submit a building permit application for the fence/deer screen which has already been erected on the property in violation of height and setback requirements. The letter included information about the appeals process.
Master Plan Revision
The Planning Commission agreed to include the three priorities for Casey Field adopted at the April 2 Special Town Meeting in the current Master Plan revision.
Other Business
Allen Winter suggested that the Town investigate what obligations the use of Program Open Space funds has placed on Washington Grove, and what role the Town’s recreation facilities will play in subdivision plans for the Casey property soon to be considered by County planning staff. Mary Challstrom said that former Town Attorney Steve Johnson wrote an opinion on public use of Town parks and the Town’s ability to restrict use.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.