6 October 2004 | Approved: 3 November 2004
John McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Darrell Anderson, Peggy Ebner, Bob Evans, John McClelland, Bud O’Connor and alternate Jim Leng. Also in attendance were residents Chris Currier and Candy Byrne, property owner Al Ergul, engineer Tom Maddox and Susan Maddox..
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for September were approved as corrected.
Planning Commission Meeting Change
Effective immediately, the Planning Commission meeting date has been changed from the first Tuesday of the month to the first Wednesday of the month.
103 Brown Street Addition
The Commissioners reviewed the revised plans for an addition to 103 Brown Street. A discussion regarding the height of the existing house and planned addition found the Commissioners needing additional drawings and information. This information will allow them to determine whether the new home would be 30 feet or lower in height as is required by Town Ordinances. Commissioner Ebner will request from architect Ralph Hurst an elevation drawing of the existing home and proposed addition specifying the height from the ground to the top of the home for each corner of the home and addition. Neighbor Chris Currier stated that the HPC had reviewed the plans and had questions regarding the height of the home and the fact that the rooms on the second floor of the garage are only accessible by outside stairs on the side of the garage. Alternate Commissioner Leng suggested inviting Bob Booher from the HPC and architect Ralph Hurst to the next meeting to address questions and issues.
Planned Subdivision – 350 Ridge Road
Mr. Maddox and Mr. Ergul presented revised plans for the subdivision of 350 Ridge Road. Chairman McClelland informed them that there appear to be no issues or questions at this time however, Sediment Control, Forest Conservation and Forest Stand Delineation Plans will be required prior to final approval.
Cator Property- Subdivision and Possible Annexation
Shirl and Steve Harrison have submitted two new plans for consideration by the Town for the subdivision and annexation of their property. The submitted plans show six or eight lots per plan with lot sizes from ranging up from 7,500 square feet. The Harrisons took their plans to Montgomery County and were told that they could have no more than two lots, that the homes had to be at least 150 feet from the CSX right-of-way and they would also have to use special building materials to address the noise level. The Commissioners discussed the positive and negative aspects of annexing the property to the Town including the Mayor’s feeling that the property may provide a possible advantage during hump-back bridge negotiations. The Commissioners agreed that Chairman McClelland should notify the Harrisons that to be considered for annexation they should resubmit plans utilizing the RR4 zone of 18,000 square foot lots to be consistent with other new subdivisions and construction on Ridge Road. The homes also need to be at least 150 feet from the CSX right-of-way and constructed with appropriate noise abatement materials as is required by Montgomery County.
404 Acorn Lane
Addition – The owners of 404 Acorn Lane have submitted a request for a building permit to build a two story addition to their home. The Commissioners determined that if the footprint of the proposed home is the same as the current home, then the permit would be approved. Commissioner Ebner will request from architect Ralph Hurst a house location survey with the new addition overlaying the original footprint.
Parking on Town Property
Commissioner O’Connor suggested a parking solution. The Commissioners felt this idea was worth looking into and Commissioner O’Connor agreed to do more research and develop a proposal.
Report From Town Council
Commissioner Anderson reported that the Council has requested, if possible, a list from the Planning Commission of all non-compliant properties and the reason they are non-compliant. Chairman McClelland requested that the Council specify from which time period they would like the list to pertain. He pointed out that many of the non-compliant properties in Town could have been from before the pertinent ordinance was written and should therefore be “grandfathered.”
Building Permits
The following permits were approved:
- 418 5th Avenue – Fence replacement
- 100 McCauley Street – Fence
Missy Yachup – Secretary
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.