5 September 2012 | Approved: 3 October 2012
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Peter Nagrod, Steve Werts and David Young. Also in attendance were Mayor Cole, HPC liaison David Stopak and Freda Temple.
Approval of Agenda
David Young moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the agenda be approved. Chairman Challstrom added Block Corner Surveys to the agenda before Other Business. Approved: 4-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Steve Werts moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for August 1, 2012 be approved. Approved: 4-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Building Permit Applications
No permit applications received.
Towne Crest Redevelopment – Updated Evaluation
Chairman Challstrom reminded the Commission about the meetings on September 13th and October 5th at the Planning Board and the Office of Zoning respectively. Mayor Cole updated the Commission explaining the setback violations and the conflicts with the current controlling Master Plan. A discussion about forest conservation, setbacks, legal issues and inconsistencies ensued. There was also a discussion about a new County policy adjustment that has recently come to light. The Subdivision Staging Policy, formerly called the County Growth Policy, proposes changes to the Montgomery Village/Airpark area (including the Towne Crest property) that will allow for the new label of “Urban without Metrorail”. The proposed changes are embedded in the transportation appendix of this policy. There are concerns that this new designation is an effort to justify the high density zoning proposed by the redevelopment plan. Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded that the updated Towne Crest evaluation (dated September 5, 2012) be approved.
Approved: 4-0.
David Stopak brought up the M-NCPPC Staff Report which he believes contains information that was lifted from the application which was written by the property owner’s lawyers.
Washington Grove Lane Sidewalk Update
Peter Nagrod updated the Commission with the information that the sidewalk construction along Washington Grove Lane could start in September. He stated that school commitments during the summer were the County’s first priority. Steve Werts reported that his contact in the County told him that the work might get pushed to December or even January 2013. Stay tuned.
Deer Park Bridge Update
Chairman Challstrom gave a brief history of the Planning Commission role in this process. The Commission then reviewed a September 3, 2012 document called “Bridge Corridor Master Plan”. They discussed some items in the document and possible actions that could come about as a result of a Special Town Meeting. There was a brief discussion about the best way to communicate the workings of the Bridge Group to the general public.
Location of Portable Toilets During Construction Projects
There was a discussion about the need to keep safety in mind when contractors place portable toilets in work areas. The Commission would like to add language to the “Information To Applicants” document that would indicate proper placement being on private property and never opening into the street.
Block Surveys
Chairman Challstrom presented the new corner survey of Block 3. Peter Nagrod moved, Steve Werts seconded that the Plat of Survey for Block 3 be approved. Approved: 4-0. Charlie also shared the “Notice to Proceed” document with the Commission and explained the Town survey process.
New Business
Peter Nagrod stated that a No Parking sign was needed at the end of Hickory Road near the entrance to Maple Lake. He stated that people were parking in the path and making it difficult for pedestrians. He also stated that he thought that the speed humps on Washington Grove Lane were no long effective and wondered if we should call Montgomery County about them. There was a brief discussion about signs. The Clerk (PC Secretary) offered to call her contact at Montgomery County DOT to ask about signage at the crosswalk.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.