Town of Trappe, MD Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
November 10, 2004
7:30 pm.
Trappe Town Hall
The regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was opened
by Jerry Adams and called to order at 7:35 p.m. Planning
Commission members present were Mr. Don English and Don Haring.
Mr. Adams asked for motion to approve the minutes. Motion was
made by Mr. English to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
was seconded by Mr. Haring. Mr. Harrison and Mr. Quidas
arrived at 7:43 p.m.
PERMITS ISSUED:
PERMITS PENDING:
OLD BUSINESS:
Commercial Design Standards:
Mr. Adams suggested that we go to New Business until Mr.
Harrison arrives from his meeting and leave the Commercial
Design Standards until his arrival.
NEW BUSINESS:
State Highway Administration - Overpass Discussion
Mr. Frank Hall stated to the Commission that Mr. Jim Thompson
from the State Highway Administration had called and would
like to discuss the options of an overpass for the town in
the future if needed. Mr. Hall stated that he was asking for
a recommendation from the Town to send a letter to the State
that we are interested in exploring possibilities of an
overpass in Trappe.
There was quite a lengthy discussion on not having the need
at this time and Mr. Hall explained this is just something
that the State would like to have on record so that in the
next 15 years or less when needed, they can start planning
ahead. Mr. Hall suggested that we invite someone from the
State to come to our next meeting to discuss the issue,
since some of the Commission members felt uncomfortable about
the request. Chairperson Harrison asked if anyone had any
objections and everyone was in agreement that we would have
someone here from the State at the December meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Heritage Area Recommendation:
Chairperson Mr. Harrison said that he had made a list of
findings that he would like for the Commission to review on
the Heritage Area Plan and he passed out copies for everyone
to review. The Commission reviewed with Chairperson Harrison
his recommendations. Ms. Debbie Dodson and her associate
Mr. Martin Sokolich from Talbot County encouraged everyone to
be a part of this Heritage Area Plan. There was a discussion
on the facts concerning the plan. Some of the Commission
felt that they still were not sure of the plan and whether
or not we should adopt it into the Town's Comprehensive Plan.
After quite a lengthy discussion on whether or not to present
the Plan to the Council, Chairperson Harrison said that the
Commission should seek legal advice concerning the Plan and
the memo of understanding (MOU) mentioned by Ms. Dodson or
other documents.
Chairperson Mr. Harrison suggested that the motion include
presenting the findings of fact to the Town Council. Listed
below are the findings of fact.
- Trappe is unlikely to be identified for any direct
programs or benefits since no existing or potential
interpretive sites in the Trappe District are listed in
the Heritage Plan.
- ESHI provides an additional administrative layer
of collaboration rather than filling a true void.
- The cost to Trappe is relatively low but open ended
and factors driving its future growth are unknown.
- The mission and goals of ESHI, as stated, do not
conflict with and to some degree compliment the Trappe
Comprehensive Plan.
- If ESHI complies with its own plan and is successful
it may prove a great economic and cultural benefit
to the Upper Shore region.
- ESHI has the support of Maryland Government and
refusing to participate removes any opportunity for
area citizens to apply for some tax incentives, grants,
and loans.
All were in favor.
Commercial Design Standards:
Mr. Hall gave a presentation on screen of the Commercial Design
Standard Guidelines with discussion on the changes that were
made. Mr. English made a motion that the Commission go into
a work session at this time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- November 11th - Town Office Closed for Veterans Day
- November 17th - Planning Meeting
- November 25th & 26th - Town Office will be closed for
Thanksgiving.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
____________________
Joedy Cecil Town Clerk
___________________
Approved: Edgar Harrison
Chairperson
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