Town of Trappe, MD Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2004
7:30 pm.
Trappe Town Hall
The regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was opened
by Chairperson Edgar Harrison and called to order at 7:33 p.m.
Planning Commission members present were Mr. Don English, Mr.
Don Haring, Mr. Jerry Adams and Mr. Bobby Quidas. Chairperson
Harrison asked that the September 8th minutes be approved.
The minutes were accepted as presented.
PERMITS ISSUED:
PERMITS PENDING:
- T-34-04 - Clarence Parrott - 29439 Greenfield Avenue -
Deck
OLD BUSINESS:
HERITAGE AREA PLAN DISCUSSION - Debbie Dodson
Ms. Debbie Dodson of the County Tourism office explained that
she and Ms. Watson, Director of Eastern Shore Heritage Area,
Inc. had been here some time ago and introduced the Eastern
Shore Heritage Area Plan to the Town. Ms. Dodson stated that
the plan needed the full support of all municipalities in order
to become a certified plan by the State. Ms. Dodson said Talbot
County has partnered with other counties on the Eastern Shore
and stated that she is here tonight to answer any questions
about the Heritage Area Plan and how the Heritage Area Plan was
established. Mr. Richard Hughes from the State of Maryland
Historic Trust and Mr. Martin Sokolich from the Talbot County
Department of Planning came with Ms. Dodson as local government
representatives to assist with questions. Mr. Harrison asked
Mr. Hughes to explain just what the Heritage Areas function
was and where their position was in legal and financial matters.
Mr. Hughes said that it is really an Economic Development
Program through Heritage Tourism. The grass roots of Heritage
Area Plans are local governments that want to develop certified
heritage areas in order to be eligible for grant money that
support local people who want to preserve heritage with
rehabilitation and restoration of your town. Mr. Hughes
continued to discuss the benefits and how this could help the
town to be more attractive and to bring in tourism.
Mr. Harrison stated that he and Ms. Watson walked the town and
discussed areas in the town that could use some help.
Mr. Harrison felt that this meeting with Ms. Dodson and Mr.
Hughes was very productive, however; we did not hear anything
until we received a document and no one knew how this was
going to function or whether it was a government or private
program. There was no communication that was desirable in
the drafting of the proposal at least at our level. The
whole thing was written and we had no input at all and did
not totally understand what was represented. Mr. Hughes
stated that the document was put forward and there was a
public hearing, there were no negative comments. The State
felt that since there were no negative comments that everything
was alright so they approved the document. Mr. Harrison asked
the question if there were a grant or funding to be allocated
from State and we had not joined the heritage plan would we
still be eligible. Mr. Hughes said no if you had not joined
but only for programs financed through the Heritage Area
program. Mr. Hughes stated that other State grant programs
the Town is currently eligible for, would not be affected
by not adopting the Heritage Plan.
The discussion continued on how the board was formed for the
program.
Ms. Dodson explained the planning process and management. Mr.
Sokolich then explained what his role in the program was and
that there has been a new draft that has been revised and
split into three parts. We have a copy of volume one to leave
with you tonight for your review. Ms. Dodson apologized that
the town had not been involved with the draft and that she
and Mr. Sokolich would be available at any time to come and
answer any questions that we have. Mr. Harrison then asked
the board if they had any questions: Mr. Don English asked
the question, what will this cost the Town? Mr. Hughes
explained that it would cost nothing to the town only if you
wanted to make donations. He continued to speak on the funds
and how they were used. The questions continued on how much
this would cost the taxpayer and the management of the money
granted.
Mr. Harrison said we will not make any decisions tonight; we
will review your information.
Mr. Hall asked Mr. Pete Johnston to speak to the board on his
recommendation since he has worked on two of these programs in
the state. Mr. Johnston stated that these programs are
primarily about preservation and economic development and the
link to your community that supports the revitalization of your
community. Mr. Johnston felt that the heritage areas could be
good for the towns, and he gave a brief summary of the Maryland
Clearing House function.
Two items of concern Mr. Johnston presented included:
- That whatever ESHI does that it not jeopardize the
rights of the property owners to develop their property
in the way that it is set out in the Town's Comprehensive
Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
- Protection of Town rights for Planning and Zoning
economic development resources.
Mr. Johnston said that he supported heritage management plans.
This effort will dovetail well with what your downtown area
wants to do.
Mr. Johnston gave his recommendation that we have three options.
- To not adopt - opt out
- Adopt as is
- To adopt and establish conditions.
Option three should state: That the Town's plans, policies
and recommendations supersede ESHI's plans.
The discussion continued on whether or not the town wanted to
be in on the heritage area plan and what the affects would be
if they did not, and on making the amendment to the Town's
Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Hall and Ms. Lewis asked questions concerning some of the
issues. Mr. Hughes answered their questions. Mr. Hall stated
that the Memo of understanding (MOU) suggested by Mr. Johnston
was not recommended by the Town's attorney. Mr. Hall noted
that Attorney Booth said that MOU's have very little weight
once the Comprehensive Plan is amended to include the Heritage
Area Plan.
Village Overlay - North End
Mr. Harrison said that we would table this until next meeting.
Commercial Design Standards:
Mr. Harrison said that we will also table the Commercial Design
Standards.
Zoning Definitions:
Mr. Hall was asked by Mr. Harrison to prepare a chart and Mr.
Hall passed out to board members a draft showing front yards,
and rear yards on the chart, showing graphically front, rear,
side and corner lots.
NEW BUSINESS:
Anne Dorbin:
Ms. Dorbin said that she had nominated Trappe for the Eastern
Shore Land Conservancy award for outstanding contributions to
Eastern Shore Land Planning.
Ms. Dorbin stated that she was very impressed with the level of
knowledge and expertise that the Planning Board has shown, and
commended them for the work that they have done and are doing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- September 20, 2004 - Public Hearing W/S rates 7:00 p.m.
- September 20, 2004 - Special Town Meeting 7:30 p.m.
- September 23, 2004 - Public Hearing - Parrott Variance -
Appeals Bd.
- Election Results: Mr. Walter Chase - New Commissioner
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
____________________
Joedy Cecil Town Clerk
___________________
Approved: Edgar Harrison
Chairperson
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