Town of Trappe, MD Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2005

7:30 p.m.

Trappe Town Hall

The regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was opened by Chairperson Edgar Harrison at 7:30 p.m.  Planning Commission members present were Don Haring, Jerry Adams, and Norm Fegel. A motion was made by Mr. Adams to approve the minutes.  Motion was seconded by Mr. Fegel.  All were in favor.

Chairperson Harrison explained that Mr. Quidas would not be attending the meeting tonight due to the death of his mother in which the Board extends their sympathy.

PERMITS ISSUED:

T-38-05 –Mary Jo Riley – 3809 Marvel Drive – Fence

PERMITS PENDING AND ZONING ISSUES:

None

OLD BUSINESS:

 Findings-of-Fact – Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan – DRRA – Trappe East

Chairperson Harrison stated that the Town attorneys have prepared Findings of Fact for the Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) as the Planning Commission requested at the last meeting.  Mr. Harrison noted that the Findings of Fact support the Planning Commission’s belief that the DRRA is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Harrison opened the meeting for public comment.  No comments were made.

Mr. Don Haring motioned that the Findings of Fact for the DRRA be passed on to the Town Council and that the DRRA is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Norm Fegel.   All Board members were in favor of approving Resolution 2-2005 Findings of Fact DRRA Trappe East.

New Revised Amendments to the Trappe East Design Guidelines:

Mr. Bob Rauch presented all of the design refinements made to the Trappe East Design Guidelines.  Mr. Rauch noted that all of the changes have already been approved, but that he wanted to share the final version with the Planning Commission.  Mr. Rauch further explained that many of the changes are non-substantive and that the refinements have in large part been driven by the negotiations with the Town Council over the DRRA and with consultation with a national builder.

Mr. Rauch reviewed each architectural rendering that showed the design refinements.  One of the major changes included the phasing of the project for the age restricted neighborhoods and the CRA, and VCA use areas.  Mr. Rauch discussed each phase and the mix of housing units expected in the phase.  Mr. Rauch pointed out the open space areas and also emphasized that each neighborhood will still have its own character.  Another point made was that the new phasing plan allows the higher density CRA and VCA use areas to be developed as the rest of the project proceeds which will allow a variety of housing to be available during much of the build out.  Finally, Mr. Rauch stated that the main boulevard will be completed from the beginning because of the redesign of the phasing plan.  A completed main boulevard will provide a sense of completion for the first residents of the development while the construction of other phases continues in the background.

As Mr. Rauch was explaining the number of housing units for each phase, Mr. Haring corrected a legend on one of the renderings that had an incorrect tabulation of housing units.

Next, Mr. Rauch showed in detail all of the changes to the open space plan that included walking trails, bike trails, pedestrian ways, a La Trappe Heights Park, and the relocation of the public lake feature at the northern end of the lake.  Mr. Jerry Adams asked when the trails will be built.  Mr. Rauch explained that many trails will begin with Phase 1 and that the lake park may be available earlier than before because of the new phasing plan.  Other trails will develop as the project develops.

Finally, Mr. John Moynahan reviewed, page by page, all of the changes in the Trappe East Design Guidelines book.  An itemized list of changes is attached to these minutes as part of the official record of the meeting.

Chairperson Harrison asked if the PN Ordinance permits apartments in the single family area.  Frank Hall, Town Planner, checked the zoning ordinance and confirmed that all housing types are permitted in the SRA.  Mr. Hall added that this was changed because the Planning Commission wanted more housing diversity.  Mr. Moynahan noted that the initial plans did not have a large mix of housing, but the refinements have included much more housing diversity in each area.

Mr. Haring questioned if the design guidelines would permit houses right up to the sidewalk since he liked having front yards.  Mr. Moynahan said that the design guidelines give them flexibility for different set back distances, but he also added that it would be up to the Planning Commission to approve a zero setback during site plan and subdivision review.  He also stated that some of the housing types being looked at by the developer include homes with a front stoop that touches the sidewalk.

Lastly, Mr. Moynahan told the Planning Commission that the street sections in the final Design Guidelines book are included, but the matrix has been removed.  The matrix was illegible and all of the identification numbers and coloring made no sense when used in a design guidelines book.

Attorney Booth noted that a complete record of all the changes and refinements will be submitted to the Town Council next month.

Chairperson Harrison agreed that all the changes are included in the exhibits and that none of the changes appear to be substantive.  Chairperson Harrison read the Findings of Fact allowed.

Mr. Showalter added that he is having Mr. Rauch put together a bound 11X17 book with all of the updated exhibits since many of the older exhibits have been superseded by the refinements.  Copies will be available next month.

Mr. Fegel motioned to forward the revised design guidelines to the Town Council with a favorable recommendation.  Mr. Adams seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

November 24^th and 25^th – Town Office Closed for Thanksgiving

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.