[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6664866,"mediaKeyId","2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801","parentId",2370049,"title","Planning Commission elects Volney Ford chair, Ed Carano vice chair for 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",541,"endMs",687,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801&start=0&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801/thumbnail_541.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6664866/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Planning-Commission-elects-Volney-Ford-chair-Ed-Carano-vice-chair-for-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664866-2164c3a22f18084c840eed07e5e9ed66/orig.mp4?Expires=1773632742&Signature=QiMC9z3aI5Y-XM3YjSYaEt~FJNQo~NRWcv~mQHvX1VIe9gEHMtOpO~ZjqReNysPc9xTqX1nYv5oLZftEk9FjGrrPdG2ZYJxgp1MSluc04k8T6cTywRt1QNWt-2xZyXyrQwDy400ALjaRHApjurx-A-yBAwBF~Hpc3EJl0L82eqyvp3Dbb51ze-0q92Mf64o7RrWUCMIsz4Hn7DAUZeB0Mn5S90UlUcZKA2gHtUfq60dFZoOii5Pg34Qut7SGvDOd6g2DVaCRNqFKjIMZ1IbJ8SdxZhapKkv48q~GzaCCVN9h6g8mKDbbjA90jQCs4KDqKYv9Lpib07L~faDMQH37DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Havre de Grace, MD","date","2025-02-21T08:40:02.53Z","article","At the beginning of the Feb. 20 meeting the Havre de Grace Planning Commission held its annual election for leadership. Commissioners elected Volney Ford as chair and Ed Carano as vice chair for the 2025 calendar year.

Nominations were made from the floor and commissioners voted by roll call. The recorded roll calls for the chair election were yes votes from Ed Girono (recorded as Ed Grama in the minutes), Chip Place, Tammy Schneggs (councilwoman present later in the meeting), Harry Miller, and the chair; the vice‑chair nomination for Ed Carano likewise carried on a roll call with the same recorded yes votes. The chair thanked the commissioners for their confidence.

The commission noted the election must occur at the first meeting of the year per the ordinance; the commission proceeded with the regular agenda after the leadership votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Havre de Grace Planning Commission Feb 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the start of its Feb. 20 meeting the commission elected Volney Ford as chair and Ed Carano as vice chair for the 2025 calendar year, with separate roll‑call confirmations.","taxTitle","Havre de Grace, Harford County, Maryland","taxId",52147,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664871,"Commission to send individual comments on sustainable‑landscaping draft; requests clearer tree‑preservation and \"redevelopment\" definition",7991,8752,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801&start=7&end=8","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801/thumbnail_7991.jpg","/articles/6664871/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Commission-to-send-individual-comments-on-sustainablelandscaping-draft-requests-clearer-treepreservation-and-redevelopment-definition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664871-a2abdc9c0ba735f9a5258b18a8840501/orig.mp4?Expires=1773632742&Signature=IF~0zSSeMk96Oyiyl5Y1IxoDF2nw8xEAg7jxa4avx-7Pt7MaG5cD6gz2I6ZRnDMbskSDMcfe28oGl~C2DbHC-V0U~vUybXm1~238cwOdpVZ3T465IyG6RmBbl1hIJK7MhJ6uT8NlUVkzycJoRmGDXub8kZHGqFmPlt6RlOglX0yNKyjvgYzFY5W2kN4hMM4S5CQRiwOw60GBNlAI0RVtVD0Rx9V6F16QwJGELPSnUirMbtmfv3rq4P~yRDvWKfjUxUBO5NUNIpZEwz7bC1JrefZy5wxfM2BtYf1ukn2brsz6zSiz-AmnMjYulvzwVyGkfChjDzThQzXTy-dqQsRsyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission discussed a council draft ordinance updating the city’s sustainable‑landscaping requirements and agreed to submit individual written comments to the chair for consolidation and transmittal rather than issuing a single commission recommendation.

Commissioners focused on ambiguity in section 102‑3(c), which provides an exception from a landscape‑plan requirement for projects that are not \"redevelopment.\" Members noted the draft’s phrasing could be read to require tree preservation standards for changes of use but not for redevelopment — the opposite of typical practice. Commissioners recommended aligning the ordinance’s definition of \"redevelopment\" with the stormwater management code (which uses a 5,000‑square‑foot land disturbance threshold and a 40% imperviousness test for certain existing sites) to avoid inconsistent application.

Several commissioners also asked that the ordinance explicitly reference tree‑preservation provisions in sections 102‑6 (existing tree protection), 102‑7 (planting standards), and 102‑8 (street trees) so applicants and staff consistently apply preservation and street‑tree requirements. Because members could not agree on final wording during the meeting, the chair asked commissioners to email concise, drafted comments; he will consolidate and forward those comments to mayor and council.","Planners discussed the council's sustainable‑landscaping ordinance and agreed to send consolidated individual comments rather than a single commission recommendation; members asked that the definition of \"redevelopment\" be aligned with stormwater code and that tree‑preservation and street‑tree provisions be clarified.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664876,"Commission approves historic‑district setback language, asks staff to clarify 'adjacent' scope",1,5972,7969,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801&start=5&end=7","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801/thumbnail_5972.jpg","/articles/6664876/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Commission-approves-historicdistrict-setback-language-asks-staff-to-clarify-adjacent-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664876-e79b3e2613d0a637e358e809ab9e6dff/orig.mp4?Expires=1773632742&Signature=aVndruREVJmoSh7XVUiLe5yoyP6K1dFYBNoxpYS726WIXkzTAPJTepy8tnXB0eNZpW4xTZuLydrn12fibZNcEHIj5OMxFWXbm~ku6yp68vpLbBZrWecbArAYt6Z8JP3Q2FeLFGKMk6Hk0ivmlnI2oZYevdjUbHsXpWFawK2gwvsFviEIGkQLoygudqul88IO6zBz1PtoB5j6JAtNanWfuIuJ~fa~q7WzuRF0jZjcHHevMX8s2-7lPA2~wf6Q4i8N~17SxOpD4vutYle3Aw46nbIaE8TiQzxuAo2DBw77tZ18V7HwuVUaMHqz3Xu5l~MbqjDsEMLNW-sxqrk3zxD9rg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a city council draft ordinance revising front‑yard setback rules in the National Register historic district. The draft removes a fixed numeric setback and directs new construction to align with the setbacks of adjoining properties on the same street or block.

Commissioners discussed what \"adjoining\" and \"adjacent\" mean in practice — whether to measure just the immediately abutting parcels or a broader run of lots along the same street — and whether attached features (porches, steps) count toward the front façade measurement. Planning staff confirmed the city’s zoning definition of front yard measures from any part of the main building to the front lot line, and existing rules treat attached porches and steps as part of the main building.

Several commissioners said the director of planning’s discretionary authority in the draft (to approve a greater setback if consistent with the majority of structures along the street) provides necessary flexibility for the town’s irregular historic streetscape. One commissioner suggested simplifying the draft to use one consistent term (either \"adjoining\" or \"adjacent\") to avoid confusion; another suggested more explicit surveying language (tangent/straight‑line measurement) for future refinement.

The commission voted to forward the ordinance as written, with the chair to transmit the commission’s discussion points to council so staff can clarify measurement definitions and the director’s discretion before council action.","The commission recommended approval of a city council draft aligning new construction setbacks with adjoining properties in historic districts, voting to forward the language with the intent that staff clarify scope and measurement details.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":42,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664881,"Commission asks city attorney and staff to study group‑housing definitions after Mount Zion veterans proposal raises zoning questions",1908,2698,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801&start=1&end=2","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801/thumbnail_1908.jpg","/articles/6664881/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Commission-asks-city-attorney-and-staff-to-study-grouphousing-definitions-after-Mount-Zion-veterans-proposal-raises-zoning-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664881-9ffad1c5543746fe033fdc19fe49b4c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773632742&Signature=DZWDmvAXN~iuaaHe6vlPtI9fz~Xf0QBXx8KZUflYHHAqHBnDevV0o3jswl0a7rlc1y6RLKV4bCE5bdYzp0f~aYcZEDwa-ugrX3I2paqaoKXywByyIaWBpIYR-KA1kJH2GkAR1QFVUHIhk0KhLbppQZ8ojvIX-SyIj7cA8rHE~AHZh2c2ERTsFtJYUTe3Smmr2WZfx6Fv~PRSqVe4QTpCxzDKQFzc5ZUNbf-LnRofY916Yy344j7oDDSObsBrPhsmJ-2F1zjJkqveHNIUm~IslUhHHPQmIj1fzOiJdsxdl3VAYSrAyAEYH1XRDZNl9FtEH~GkQfza1pRT-PWki~RBMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Havre de Grace Planning Commission voted on Feb. 20 to ask the Planning Department and the city attorney to re‑examine local code language about community residential facilities and to compare it with Maryland state group‑home definitions before advancing any proposed ordinance changes.

Commissioners and city counsel had spent more than an hour discussing whether a proposed use for Mount Zion property — described by proponents as transitional housing for veterans — could be allowed in the city’s RO (residential‑office) zone without broader changes to zoning. Planning department staff and the city attorney advised that state definitions for small and large group homes (small homes 4–8 residents are treated as single‑family; larger homes may be treated as multifamily) complicate a simple local definition and could have unintended consequences if the RO district were opened to larger group homes.

Commission discussion focused on limiting the commission’s review to clarifying and reconciling the city’s existing “community residential facility” definition with state law, rather than drafting broad new categories (dormitory, boarding home, hospice, etc.). Commissioners said a staff study and review of how nearby jurisdictions handle similar uses would be needed, and they requested clearer information from the interested parties (Mount Zion representatives and CHAPS) about how they expect to be licensed and regulated.

The commission then approved a motion asking the planning department and city attorney to review and return with recommended, narrowly framed definitions and guidance for any rezoning or overlay district. The motion carried (roll call recorded yes votes by Harry Miller, Chip Place, Ed Girono, and Chair Volney Ford). The chair said he would draft and transmit a letter to mayor and council summarizing the commission’s request.

Public comment at the meeting included residents who opposed locating the proposed facility adjacent to houses and residents and veterans who urged the commission and council to find a way to proceed. Speakers included Councilwoman Carrie Parsons (who provided the ordinance materials to the city attorney), neighborhood residents, and representatives from Mount Zion, who said they had sought a buyer that would operate transitional housing for veterans.","After extended public comment and legal review, the Planning Commission voted to ask the city attorney and planning staff to reconcile local definitions of \"community residential facility\" with state group‑home rules before recommending code changes to allow larger group housing in the RO district.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":42,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_47":114,"_49":115,"_51":116,"_53":117,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":118,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":119,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6664885,"Planning Commission forwards 2024 Envision Havre de Grace comprehensive plan to city council",1450,1875,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801&start=1&end=1","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2370049-e73bb3cc8e7fcea7fc3f2ad51556f801/thumbnail_1450.jpg","/articles/6664885/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Planning-Commission-forwards-2024-Envision-Havre-de-Grace-comprehensive-plan-to-city-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6664885-314324389aed0c5aff883d2bdf1512f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773632742&Signature=Te2zLMVePCHWcTh1E-V8Lj8kzftzadF7ujWnPSxtg5t5z51DtS2zfNhbH8JPmFbg7uyVcJZamqipwQTidHoy39ypx-Q7tTW-DIMmC~VvcK6tQcWAluPx5S8N58HLAmd6dQWsh7D3npBYMTRDYVFeu-TejRF0yotwGOB2lqRTLX5l2Kxq0Uetfrs9YZlJMMmnfbCJq11Z1PIJV1HA-BZC9gWE4bS5Xo5TtWcMWZh8E~bIhXzjQrKxi8Ru~b8bzvEkgy5Dmmh6q8h1W7pXPdWf-y3DRoYlnppvPsb~c1fhef5tc7-1sTIs2iDe9GSRwwX0FsDeaFbyIu~ms6RV11RICQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Havre de Grace Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Feb. 20 to authorize the chair to sign a resolution formally forwarding the 2024 Envision Havre de Grace comprehensive plan to the city council.

Planning staff presented the 13‑chapter, roughly 350‑page plan and a draft resolution that the commission was asked to adopt so the document could move into the council’s legislative process. Planner Diane Claire told commissioners the text is available on the city website and that council planned a work session on the plan and the fee schedule on Feb. 26 at the Star Center.

Commissioners reiterated that the resolution formalizes the action the commission took in October 2024 but meets a procedural requirement in the land‑use code that a resolution, not just a letter, accompany the plan transmission. One council member on the commission said she would recuse herself from the vote because she has been involved in council deliberations on the document; the recusal was noted before the roll call.

Roll call on the resolution recorded four yes votes: Harry Miller, Chip Place, Ed Girono, and Chair Volney Ford. The chair said he would sign the resolution that evening and transmit it to mayor and council. Commissioners discussed that the council may remand the plan back to the commission or propose amendments — particularly on housing density and historic‑preservation design guidelines — and noted a 90‑day period in which council action could be required.

Next steps: the commission’s signed resolution will be delivered to the city council and the document will proceed to the council work session and subsequent council actions referenced in the land‑use code.","The Havre de Grace Planning Commission voted unanimously to authorize its chair to sign a resolution formally transmitting the 2024 Envision Havre de Grace comprehensive plan to city council for review and action.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission elects Volney Ford chair, Ed Carano vice chair for 2025

Commission to send individual comments on sustainable‑landscaping draft; requests clearer tree‑preservation and "redevelopment" definition

Commission approves historic‑district setback language, asks staff to clarify 'adjacent' scope

Commission asks city attorney and staff to study group‑housing definitions after Mount Zion veterans proposal raises zoning questions

Planning Commission forwards 2024 Envision Havre de Grace comprehensive plan to city council