Planning Commission 2005 Annual Report
PLANNING COMMISSION
2005 ANNUAL REPORT
This Annual Report is designed to serve many functions: to summarize the planning activities of the Aberdeen Planning Commission; to serve as a resource document; to project future planning needs and activities; and to meet the requirements of Section 3.09 of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION
In accordance with Section 3.09 of Article 66B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Planning and Zoning Enabling Act, the City of Aberdeen’s Planning Commission officially adopts the following annual report, filing the same with the Aberdeen City Council and the Director of the Maryland Department of Planning.
CITY OF ABERDEEN
PLANNING COMMISSION
INTRODUCTION
Article 66B, Section 3.09 of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires each Planning Commission to prepare, adopt, and file an annual report which summarizes the planning and development activities which have occurred during the previous year. The Annual Report is the principal mechanism for monitoring those activities and for presenting to the City Council the goals and objectives for planning in the coming year.
On June 12, 1989, the Commissioners of Aberdeen adopted Ordinance #335, repealing Ordinance #205 and establishing a seven member Planning Commission.
The following citizens were serving on the City of Aberdeen’s Planning Commission for the term beginning July 1, 2005:
- Mr. Joe A. Swisher, Chairman
- Dr. William Braerman
- Mr. Richard Craig
- Mrs. Nancy Kosko
- Dr. Sandra Landbeck
- Mr. Mark A. Schlottman
- Mr. Wesley Tout
The following staff members provided technical assistance to the Planning Commission:
- Mrs. Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning and Community Development
- Mr. Randolph C. Robertson, Director of Public Works
- Mr. D. David Ranney, City Engineer
- Mr. Keith Budnick, Fire Department Representative
- Chief Randy Rudy, Police Department
- Mr. Gregory Rapisarda, City Attorney
- Council President Georgina M. Bantum, City Council Liaison to the Planning Commission
- Councilman Michael G. Hiob, City Council Liaison to the Planning Commission
The following citizens were serving on the City of Aberdeen’s Board of Appeals for the term beginning July 1, 2005:
- Mr. John Landbeck, Chairman
- Mr. Michael Bennett
- Ms. Terri Preston
- Mrs. Peggy Dymond
- Mr. Patrick Faircloth
- Mr. James Kelton
SUMMARY OF MAJOR PLANNING ISSUES FOR 2005
The Planning Commission conducted its regular review of subdivision plats, site plans, rezoning requests, and annexation requests. The Planning Commission and staff reviewed these requests and insured that compliance with the Aberdeen Zoning Code, Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and Subdivision Regulations was maintained. These reviews resulted in the following recommendations for approval:
- New business and redevelopment projects:
- Golden Corral Restaurant
- Applebee’s Restaurant
- Cecil Federal Bank
- Parke Center Professional Offices
- Benefield Electric Company
- Target Store expansion
- Happy Harry’s Retail Store
- Asha’s Hotel
- Aberdeen Office Plaza
- Hardee’s Drive Professional Office Building
- Forita Property Commercial Buildings
- Windy Hill Business Park
- Annexation Requests:
- New residential and residential redevelopment projects:
Fields at Rock Glenn – 101 single family lots
Grove Crossing – 2 single family lots
Eagle’s Rest – 133 single family lots
Land of Carmissino – 2 single family lots
Baldwin Manor – 2 residential lots
Locksley Manor (200 acres+)
SUMMARY OF PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
During 2005, the following significant actions were recommended by the Planning Commission and submitted either to the City Council for approval or to the Board of Appeals:
January, 2005
Review road changes proposed by the Department of Public Works for the Mews at Marketplace. Further discussion concerning the changes was required by the Planning Commission members.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Hardee’s Industrial Park, Lot 6 and 3A to resubdivide the two industrial lots to construct an office building. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Preliminary Site Plan for Hardee’s Industrial Park, Lot 6 to construct an office building with flex space. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Review rezoning request for the Arthur Property, 643 West Bel Air Avenue. The proposed request was to rezone the property from R-2 Two Family Residential District to B-3 Highway Commercial District. Request for rezoning was disapproved.
Review road changes proposed by the City Council for the Department of Public Works for Hillcrest Drive. A favorable recommendation by the Planning Commission members regarding the opening of Hillcrest Drive was forwarded to the Aberdeen City Council.
February, 2005
Preliminary Site Plan for Benefield Electric at Hickory Ridge Industrial Park, Lot 1A located off Hickory Drive. Site plan was approved for the industrial use.
Preliminary Site Plan for Golden Corral Restaurant located off South Philadelphia Boulevard. Site plan was approved for the commercial use.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Hardee’s Industrial Park, Lot 6 and 3A to resubdivide the two industrial lots to construct an office building. Subdivision was approved for the two industrial lots.
Preliminary Site Plan for Hardee’s Industrial Park, Lot 6 to construct an office building with flex space. Site plan was approved for the industrial use.
March, 2005
Discussion on the Stancill Property located off Rt. 22 regarding Middelton Road extension by the Department of Public Works. No further discussion was required on this matter at this time.
Preliminary Site Plan for Hospitality Way Development located off Beards Hill Road. Site plan was approved for three professional office buildings.
Preliminary Site Plan for Cecil Federal Bank located off West Bel Air Avenue and Howard Street. Site plan was approved for the bank.
Discussion on 2004 Annual Report for the Planning Commission.
April, 2005
Discussion on Zoning Map amendments for the following properties: Parcels 99, 336 and 50 from ORE Office Research Educational to R-2 Medium Density Residential; Parcel 2481 from M-1 Light Industrial District/B-3 Highway Commercial District to B-3 Highway Commercial District; Parcels 944, 108, 109, 111, 112,185, 243, 400, 879, 592, 113, 114 and 115 from M-1 Light Industrial District to IBD Integrated Business District. Planning Commission members approved the changes to the zoning map for all of the parcels.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Fields at Rock Glenn located off Rock Glenn Boulevard. Subdivision plan was approved for 100 residential lots.
Discussion on the draft Development Code.
May, 2005
Preliminary Site Plan for Applebee’s Grille and Bar, proposed 6,053 sq. ft. restaurant located off Beards Hill Road. Site plan was approved for the commercial use.
Preliminary Site Plan for Parke Center, two office buildings are proposed located off Parke Street. Site plan was approved for the commercial use.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Grove Crossing, two lot residential subdivision located off Darlington Avenue extended. Subdivision plan was approved for the residential use.
Preliminary Site Plan for Aberdeen Office Plaza, proposed 9,900 sq. ft. office building located off West Bel Air Avenue. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
June, 2005
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the Village of Carsin’s Run in the Integrated Business District, located off Gilbert Road. Subdivision plan was approved for the property.
Concept Plan for Eagle’s Rest in the Integrated Business District, 133 single family lots located off Aldino-Stepney Road. Concept plan was approved for the residential development.
Discussion on the draft Development Code.
July, 2005
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the Lands of Carmosino, two residential lots and one commercial lot located off Sunnyside Drive and South Philadelphia Blvd. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Preliminary Site Plan for T&S Auto Body to expand their automotive business located off South Philadelphia Blvd. Site plan was approved for the property.
Preliminary Site Plan for Fieldside Village in the Integrated Business District, 12 residential buildings with 168 condominiums and 180,388 sq. ft. of main street retail located off Long Drive. Site plan was approved for the residential and commercial development.
Preliminary Site Plan for Eagle’s Rest in the Integrated Business District, 133 single family lots located off Aldino-Stepney Road. Site plan was approved for the residential development.
Final Subdivision Plan for the Village of Carsin’s Run in the Integrated Business District, located off Gilbert Road. Subdivision plan was approved for the property.
August, 2005
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for 542 Baltimore Street, five residential lots located off Baltimore Street extended. Subdivision plan was disapproved as presented.
Final Subdivision Plan for the Lands of Baldwin Manor, Inc., two residential lots located off Taft Street and Roosevelt Avenue. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the Lands of Carmosino, two residential lots and one commercial lot located off Sunnyside Drive and South Philadelphia Blvd. Subdivision plan was approved for the residential and commercial uses.
September, 2005
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the Lands of Stancills, Inc. and Beards Hill Road, LLC, proposed subdivision of two commercial lots located off Beards Hill Road. Subdivision plan was approved for the commercial uses.
Preliminary Site Plan for Asha’s Hotel, proposed 100 room hotel located off Beards Hill Road. Site plan was approved for the commercial use.
Preliminary Site Plan for Forita Property proposed redevelopment project located off Old Post Road and Proving Ground Road. Site plan was approved for the industrial use.
Revised Preliminary Subdivision Plan for the Fields at Rock Glenn proposed 101 single family lots located off Rock Glenn Blvd. Subdivision plan was approved for the residential use.
October, 2005
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Land Capital Group, Inc., proposed subdivision of two commercial lots located off South Philadelphia Blvd. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Preliminary Site Plan for Happy Harry’s of Aberdeen, proposed drug store located off South Philadelphia Blvd. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Preliminary Site Plan for Target Expansion, retail store located off Middelton Road. Site plan was approved for the commercial expansion.
Discussion on Draft Development Code.
November, 2005
Final Subdivision Plan for the Lands of Baldwin Manor, Inc., proposed two lot subdivision located off Truman Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue. Subdivision plan was approved for the two residential uses.
Preliminary Subdivision Plan for Land Capital Group, Inc., proposed subdivision of two commercial lots located off South Philadelphia Blvd. Subdivision plan was approved for the two commercial lots.
Preliminary Site Plan for Happy Harry’s of Aberdeen, proposed drug store located off South Philadelphia Blvd. Site plan was approved for the commercial use.
Annexation Request for Locksley Manor, Inc., proposed area of 200+ acres located off Gilbert Road and Aldino Stepney Road. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
December, 2005
Final Subdivision Plan for the Fields at Rock Glenn, proposed 101 single family lots located off Rock Glenn Blvd. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Annexation Request for Locksley Manor, Inc, proposed area of 200+ acres located off Gilbert Road and Aldino Stepney Road. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
Revised Preliminary Site Plan for Eagle’s Rest, proposed 133 single family lots located off Aldino Stepney Road. Site plan had been approved previously.
Final Subdivision Plan for Northcross East, LLC, proposed subdivision of two industrial lots located off Hardee’s Drive. Further review was required by the Planning Commission members on this issue.
SUMMARY OF BOARD OF APPEALS CASES
January, 2005
No hearing was held.
February, 2005
Case #488, Key Point Health Services, Inc. applied for a Special Exception to operate a personal care home at 744 Cambridge Avenue. The Board determined that the use did not require a Special Exception.
Case #489, Key Point Health Services, Inc. applied for a Special Exception to operate a personal care home at 353 James Avenue. The Board determined that the use did not require a Special Exception.
Case #490, Daniel Dubell, 116 Brannan Road applied for a variance from the lot width requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
March, 2005
No hearing was held.
April, 2005
Case #491, B. Lee Geddes, 47 Moyer Drive applied for a variance from the side yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #492, James and Mabray Delucia, 632 Rowe Drive applied for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #493, Debra Kinsler, 742 Everist Drive applied for a variance from the front yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
May, 2005
Case #494, John and Van Myers, 346 N. Philadelphia Blvd. applied for a variance in order to enlarge a nonconforming use. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #495, Richard and Peggy Issac, 411 W. Bel Air Avenue applied for a Special Exception in order to operate a retail store in an M-1 Light Industrial District. The Board determined that the Special Exception should be granted.
June, 2005
Case #496, Edward and Patricia Newing, 317 Bevard Court applied for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #497, Ferrell Fuel Company, 607 Old Philadelphia Road applied for a variance from the provisions of the City’s Wellhead Protection Ordinance in order to expand their operations. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #498, Swan Meadows, LLC, 11 Swan Street applied for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
July, 2005
No hearing was held.
August, 2005
Case #499, Donald Kern, 20 New County Road applied for a variance to enlarge an accessory use structure. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #500 Mark and Deborah Bowling, 55 Great Oaks Drive for a variance from the side yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
September, 2005
Case #501, Debra Bowman and Chad Rizzuto, 205 S. Law Street applied for a variance from the front yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #502, Edward Hawkins, 57 Baker Street applied for a variance to enlarge an accessory use structure. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #503, Burlie and Portia Frink, 371 Stratford Avenue applied for a variance from the side yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
October, 2005
No hearing was held.
November, 2005
Case #504, Nathaniel and Lorna Kinlaw, 204 Saint Justin Drive applied for a variance from the rear yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #505, Jay and Christina Miller, 637 Market Street applied for a variance from the rear and side yard setback requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
December, 2005
Case #506, Michael Vande Loo and Heidi Jensen, 118 South Rogers Street applied for a variance from the accessory use square footage restrictions. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #507, Vivian Mister, 434 Washington Street applied for a variance from the lot width, area and yard requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #508, Ella Wright, 411 Roberts Way applied for a Special Exception in order to operate a personal care home and waive the off street parking requirements. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Case #509, Royce and Joanne Bailey, 230 Valley Road applied for a variance from the accessory use square footage restrictions. The Board determined that the variance should be granted.
Department of Planning and Community Development
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR 2005-06
Goal: Economic Development
Objectives:
- Provide a timely review on all local reviews and work with new and expanding business owners to facilitate all other reviews and regulatory requirements.
- Market the enterprise zone and revolving loan fund benefits to existing and new businesses. Continue to work with Harford County Office of Economic Development and City of Havre de Grace on the Greater Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone requirements.
- Administration of revolving loan fund applications. Manage financial month-to-date reports to assure repayment of loan debts for the Revolving Loan Fund.
- Conduct inventory on commercial and industrial lease space availability on April 1, and October 1. Prepare a summary report on findings.
- Support downtown and Rt. 40 initiatives (e.g. Community Legacy funding and CSX depot).
Goal: Planning
Objectives:
- Review and adopt amendments to Zoning Code.
- Review amendments to Sign Code.
- Review amendments to the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
- Review amendments to the Forest Conservation Ordinance.
- Identify scope of work with the Planning Commission for the update of the 1996 Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Goal: Community Development
Objectives:
- Identify grant sources and programs to support City capital projects and neighborhood initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents.
- Continue the Neighborhood Improvement Program in the South Central area by developing and assisting with the process and work with the team to engage the community for the neighborhood meetings.
- Publish Biannual Heritage Trust Newsletter.
Goal: Administration
Objectives:
- Ensure Zoning Code compliance and administration.
- Provide informative services to customers as it relates to planning and zoning functions.
- Create a monthly P&Z update report for the City Manager and Council.
- Prepare Annual Report for the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Planning Commission.
- Oversee the quality of the building permit process with the focus on customer satisfaction.
- Administer CDBG Entitlement funds. Establish priority projects to utilize the CDBG funds.
- Administration of Wellhead Protection Plan and Ordinance.
- Provide support to City Boards and Commissions.
Goal: Code Enforcement Administration
Objectives:
- Manage Code Enforcement administration.
- Contribute to the betterment of the appearance of the City through aggressive Code Enforcement practices. Provide weekly status report and problem property list and monthly municipal infraction report. Inspect the City on a weekly basis according to the appropriate zone.
- Integrate solid waste efforts with Code Enforcement so that violations can be resolved in a timely manner.
Objectives:
- Provide a timely review on all local reviews and work with new and expanding business owners to facilitate all other reviews and regulatory requirements.
- Market the enterprise zone and revolving loan fund benefits to existing and new businesses. Continue to work with Harford County Office of Economic Development and City of Havre de Grace on the Greater Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone requirements.
- Administration of revolving loan fund applications. Manage financial month-to-date reports to assure repayment of loan debts for the Revolving Loan Fund.
- Conduct inventory on commercial and industrial lease space availability on April 1, and October 1. Prepare a summary report on findings.
- Support downtown and Rt. 40 initiatives (e.g. Community Legacy funding and CSX depot).
Goal: Planning
Objectives:
- Review and adopt amendments to Zoning Code.
- Review amendments to Sign Code.
- Review amendments to the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
- Review amendments to the Forest Conservation Ordinance.
- Identify scope of work with the Planning Commission for the update of the 1996 Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
Goal: Community Development
Objectives:
- Identify grant sources and programs to support City capital projects and neighborhood initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents.
- Continue the Neighborhood Improvement Program in the South Central area by developing and assisting with the process and work with the team to engage the community for the neighborhood meetings.
- Publish Biannual Heritage Trust Newsletter.
Goal: Administration
Objectives:
- Ensure Zoning Code compliance and administration.
- Provide informative services to customers as it relates to planning and zoning functions.
- Create a monthly P&Z update report for the City Manager and Council.
- Prepare Annual Report for the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Planning Commission.
- Oversee the quality of the building permit process with the focus on customer satisfaction.
- Administer CDBG Entitlement funds. Establish priority projects to utilize the CDBG funds.
- Administration of Wellhead Protection Plan and Ordinance.
- Provide support to City Boards and Commissions.
Goal: Code Enforcement Administration
Objectives:
- Manage Code Enforcement administration.
- Contribute to the betterment of the appearance of the City through aggressive Code Enforcement practices. Provide weekly status report and problem property list and monthly municipal infraction report. Inspect the City on a weekly basis according to the appropriate zone.
- Integrate solid waste efforts with Code Enforcement so that violations can be resolved in a timely manner.