Commission conditionally approves Members First site plan with design and access conditions
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Summary
The Planning & Zoning Commission conditionally approved site development plan S240008 for a Members First Federal Credit Union branch on Route 140 with conditions to address landscaping, Goodwill property improvements, outstanding city/county comments, and an added requirement to improve the Route 140 elevation to mirror the primary entrance feature.
The Westminster Planning & Zoning Commission voted to conditionally approve site development plan S240008 for a Members First Federal Credit Union branch near Baltimore Boulevard/Route 140.
Staff described the 1.92‑acre, B‑zoned site and said the plan provides 32 off‑street parking spaces (12 required) including two ADA spaces, a freestanding sign within the allowed 150 square feet, and pedestrian connections to the adjacent Goodwill property. Staff highlighted outstanding coordination with Goodwill on parking resurfacing and access improvements, and recommended conditions of approval including depiction of required improvements to the adjacent Goodwill property, addressing all outstanding city and county comments, submission of signature sets, and to carry the entrance feature facing Goodwill onto the Route 140 elevation.
Commission discussion focused on access geometry and traffic movements: staff and commissioners described converting an existing one‑way movement to a two‑way entrance with a deceleration lane and improved signage/striping to better manage site circulation. Staff and the applicant said the site’s narrow geometry and an existing stormwater pond limit options for reorienting the building to face Route 140. Applicant Aaron Navarro (Landworks) said the team worked with the State Highway Administration on sidewalks but SHA declined the Route 140 sidewalk due to steep slopes, guardrail and utility poles; instead, the plan strengthens pedestrian connections via Clifton Boulevard and improved Goodwill frontage.
Applicant Michael Martin of Members First said this will be the credit union’s first Maryland branch and described membership eligibility options for workers and family members. Attorney Kelly Schafer Miller — who spoke earlier on the ordinance item — appeared in the record for a separate item.
A motion to conditionally approve S240008, adding a condition that staff work with the applicant to refine the Route 140 elevation to better reflect the primary entrance feature and to resolve the outstanding items noted in the 11/20/2025 staff report, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will work with the applicant to finalize the signature set and resolve outstanding comments before the plan is signed and permits issued.
