CITY OF ABERDEEN
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
A meeting of the Aberdeen Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m., July 16,
2014, in the Council Chambers by Chairman Schlottman.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Mark Schlottman, Commissioners Dominique
Edwards, Chuck Glassman, Karen Heavey, Kevin Miller,
Terri Preston, and Amy Snyder
OTHERS PRESENT: Phyllis Grover, Director of Planning & Community
Development
Gil Jones, Recording Secretary
Chairman Schlottman extended the Planning Commission’s condolences to Mrs. Snyder on the passing of her nephew.
The minutes of the May 28, 2014 and June 11, 2014 meetings were approved as presented.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1.
Review draft amendments to the Aberdeen Development Code, Integrated
Business District (IBD) (Code of the City of Aberdeen, Chapter 235-18.M)
Mrs. Grover said changes adopted during the review at the June 11, 2014, Planning Commission meeting have been incorporated into the draft document. She said the definitions to be revised were left out because of the concurrent review and update being done to other parts of the
Development Code. It is felt that packaging all the definitions together for consideration at one time would be more efficient. In terms of timing, the Mayor and City Council should be considering the IBD changes sometime in the August/September timeframe.
Mrs. Grover went over the specific changes from last month’s meeting. Discussion ensued over
235-18.M(7), the requirement that parking and loading areas not be allowed along the frontage of
Maryland Route 22 (MD 22) and/or Long Drive. The Planning Commission discussed the nature of fronts, rears, facades, and false fronts. The Planning Commission reiterated its desire that parking and loading areas not be allowed along the frontage of MD 22 and/or Long Drive. In addition, a provision was included that all dumpsters, and their enclosures and pads, be placed in the rear of the property.
Mrs. Heavey indicated there is nothing in the draft concerning the allowed height of a commercial accessory use and asked whether there is anything in the Code that currently alludes to this. Mrs. Grover checked the Code and found no particularly regulation that speaks to this issue. Mrs. Heavey suggested that such a limit for the IBD be stated in the Code. The Planning
Commission consensus was to limit commercial accessory use heights to twenty (20) feet.
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Chairman Schlottman suggested holding off on approval of the final document until all of tonight’s changes have been incorporated and the Planning Commission has a chance to review it in final form. The Planning Commission agreed to this suggestion. Mrs. Grover will prepare an updated draft and e-mail it to the Planning Commission. In order to expedite the process,
Chairman Schlottman felt the Planning Commission could approve the document by e-mail proxy; Mr. Jones suggested formal ratification of the decision then take place at its next meeting.
In summary, the following additional changes were recommended:

Parking and loading areas not be allowed along the frontage of MD 22 and/or Long
Drive.

Dumpsters: All dumpsters, along with their enclosures and pads, are to be placed in the back of the property.

Heights: Commercial accessory use heights shall not exceed twenty (20) feet.
2.
Other Business
Annual Report: Mrs. Grover said the draft of the Annual Report to the Maryland Department of
Planning will be sent to the Planning Commission members shortly. Mrs. Grover gave an overview of the Report and updates on what the State now wishes to see in it.
McDonald’s: Mrs. Grover informed everyone of the new McDonald’s proposed for a pad space next to the Royal Farms on South Philadelphia Boulevard. This will first go before the
Architectural Review Committee and then to the Planning Commission shortly thereafter.
Old B&O Station and vacant houses on MD 22: Mr. Glassman asked about the status of the old
B&O Station on West Bel Air Avenue and the vacant houses on MD 22 near the Interstate 95 interchange. Mrs. Grover indicated a foundation permit for relocation of the station was tendered last October to the Harford County Historical Society (HCHS). A memorandum of understanding between the City and the HCHS was arrived at that says if the station is found to be structurally unsound either during or after the move, the HCHS will either bring it up to Code or demolish it. Concerning the vacant houses on MD 22, Mrs. Grover said the properties have been recently purchased by Nick Hapsis. The demolition permits have been prepared and are awaiting site action before they can be tendered.
The Colony at Beards Hill: Mrs. Grover said this apartment project is currently under review by the Aberdeen Department of Public Works.
There being no further business or public comment, the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
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Planning Commission Chairman
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Recording Secretary
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Date of Approval
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