Public Hearings - CHR 5-2014 Marine Uses In Village Dist

A public hearing was held today at 6:29 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, R. Clayton Mitchell Jr., County Government Center, Chestertown, Maryland, for Code Home Rule Bill No. 5-2014 Permitted Principle Uses and Structures which is AN ACT to amend Article V, Section 7.2 (Village District Permitted Uses and Structures), of the Kent County Land Use Ordinance by adding the following permitted uses: marine supply store including indoor outboard motor sales, subject to site plan review; new and used boat sales, boat and outboard motor repairs and boat storage, subject to limitations; and up to 30 self-storage units in 1 building not to exceed 100 square feet of floor space per unit, subject to site plan review; the property shall front on 2 public roads.

County Commissioners, Ronald Fithian, William Pickrum, and William Short were in attendance. Ernest A. Crofoot, County Administrator and County Attorney, and Amy Moredock, Director, Planning, Housing, and Zoning, were also in attendance.

Commissioner Fithian read the public notice into the record.

Ms. Moredock explained that the proposal allows for several marine retail and repair uses in the village district that are not currently permitted. Ms. Moredock reminded the Commissioners of a letter submitted by Elizabeth Morris, Chair, Planning Commission on June 9, 2014, providing a favorable recommendation of the proposed text amendment. The Commission found that the proposed uses are consistent with the Village District spirit and intent. The amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan strategies to enhance the character of existing villages and promote the development of small locally owned businesses.

Daniel Saunders, Attorney representing William A. and Tina R. Landon shared that the Landon’s feel there is an underserved niche in the County, the people who get to the water with a boat and trailer. Although there are many Marinas, very few cater to this specific group.

Ms. Moredock shared that the Planning Commission considered Crossroads Commercial Zoning District in terms of its limiting factors and the intent of that district, and these uses are permitted.

Commissioner Fithian invited comments and questions from the audience. Mr. and Mrs. Landon had signed the testimony log, declined to comment after Mr. Saunders explanation. There were no further comments.

Written comments will be accepted in the Commissioners’ office until Friday, August 1, 2014, at 12:00 p.m.

A motion was made by Commissioner Short, seconded by Commissioner Pickrum and carried unanimously to adjourn the public hearing.

The hearing was taped for reference and the Commissioners adjourned the public hearing at 6:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston
Clerk

Approved:
Ronald H. Fithian, President
The County Commissioners
Of Kent County, Marylan