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7 December 2011 | Approved: 4 January 2011

Chairman Challstrom called to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Samantha Beres, Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod and Steve Werts. Also in attendance was new resident Philippe Herbert (352 Ridge Road).

Approval of Agenda

Peter Nagrod moved to approve the agenda. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.

Approval of the Minutes

Steve Werts moved to approve the minutes from November. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. It was noted that the 4th survey marker at 510 Washington Grove Lane was located. Approved: 5-0.

Public Appearances

Chairman Challstrom welcomed new resident Philippe Herbert.

HPC Early Review Proposal

Charlie Challstrom reviewed the discussion from the October meeting. The Commission continued the discussion which included the following;

  • Consequences if no early review is sought
  • The need for the HPC to educate the public about preservation issues
  • The value of an early review
  • Current process vs. proposed process
  • The potential to lengthen the process

The general consensus is that the proposed new procedure does not really achieve the goal of the HPC and could potentially lengthen the permit process as much as two (2) more weeks. This type of change would require more public input. Charlie will write a formal response to the HPC citing the Commission’s concerns.

Building Permit Applications

  • 119/127 Maple Ave – these two properties are in the process of a land exchange that involves a 7 foot strip. Upon completion of the purchase, the fence that now separates these two properties will be moved towards 119 Maple Ave. resulting in an increase in land for 127 Maple thus bringing the property back to its original subdivision boundary. The Commission agreed that, because of the many variables with the property markers, the boundary survey requirement could not be waived.
  • 201 Cherry Ave – The Commission briefly discussed the proposed overhang, height, setbacks and the enclosed space calculation. Steve Werts moved to approve the building permit application. Samantha Beres seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
  • 407 Acorn Lane – The Commission reviewed the proposed fence and examined the boundary survey. Samantha Beres moved to approve the permit application. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
  • 342 Ridge Road – The Commission reviewed the proposed fence. Brenda Gumula moved to approve the building permit application. Peter Nagrod seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.

Towne Crest Redevelopment

Charlie Challstrom informed the Commission about the information that he retrieved from the County files concerning this project. A discussion ensued which included;

  • Scheduling a PC work session
  • Soliciting public input
  • Formal recommendations to the Town Council
  • Compatibility
  • Density
  • Possible influence that the Town could actually have on this project

After consulting the calendar, the Commission scheduled a work session for January 11, 2012.

Deer Park Bridge

Charlie Challstrom gave a status report on this subject. He announced that Senator Nancy King will moderated a consultation meeting with representatives from CSX, members of the Bridge Advisory Group and Mayor Cole on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 10:00AM. There was a brief discussion.

Report from the Town Council

There was no report from the Town Council.

Other Business

  • Brenda Gumula asked to have a brief discussion about the breach in process concerning the fence at 510 Washington Grove Lane. The Commission discussed fairness, exceptions, fence replacement, language in the current documentation, deadlines and who is actually charged with verifying the property corners. All fence permit applications will now be delivered to Brenda Gumula.
  • Peter Nagrod reported that Montgomery County has said that they will be re-doing the existing sidewalk along Washington Grove Lane with blacktop. He replied to the County asking for re-grading and concrete.
  • Steve Werts reported that both the County and Town building permits for 344 Ridge Road had expired and that no final inspection by the County had occurred yet. He also reported that Mike Shank had not yet moved his shed. There was a discussion about notification letters being sent to these two residents.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

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