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Planning Commission reviews state zoning proposal, hears stormwater and fire-suppression updates
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a proposed zoning change linked to Governor Moore that commissioners said would curb local control over residential permits, discussed drafting testimony, deferred a Historic Preservation waiver item to Feb. 12, and received Town Council updates on stormwater, a delayed fire-suppression installation and a roughly $30,000 playground proposal.
At its Feb. 4 meeting the Washington Grove Planning Commission reviewed a state zoning proposal referred to in the minutes as coming from Governor Moore and described by commissioners as likely to limit county and municipal control over residential building permits. Chair Georgette Cole said the Maryland Municipal League has taken an unfavorable position on the proposal but has suggested amendments that might make it acceptable; commissioners discussed drafting a letter and providing public testimony at hearings later in February. Commissioner Robert Johnson suggested pursuing historic-district designation as one possible exemption if the bill is postponed, though the minutes note the July 1 deadline for designation had already been missed.
The commission also deferred further discussion of a Historic Preservation Commission waiver feature to a Feb. 12 work session after a presentation by David Stopak, according to the minutes.
In a Town Council report, Peter Nagrod said stormwater work in town is progressing with significant completion expected by October. The minutes record that Kathy Lehman provided an update on a building fire-suppression installation; she said most ceiling boards had been removed but progress was delayed because a required WSSC flow test could not be completed in the frozen conditions at the time of the meeting. Nagrod also reported that the playground committee is considering a roughly $30,000 project to add a basketball court.
Peter Nagrod reported Gateway Committee work on two sign kiosks that are nearly complete and will be installed at Grove Road and McCauley Street once visibility issues are checked. Under other business, Bill Earl summarized Historic Preservation Committee discussions about commemorative signage and archives, and the minutes note that Christine’s resignation as webmaster has prompted discussion about hiring a full-time professional and investing in new technology.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
