Planning Commission Minutes — 2024-08-07

Queenstown Planning Commission August 7,2024 Members Present: Phil Snyder, Matt Reno, Paul Cain, Mike Bowell.

Also Present: Amy Moore, Town Manager and Peter Johnston, Town Planner Guests: Gary Nusinov, Judith Davis and Thomas Klassin of Floriat LLC, and Wick Dudley, property owner.

Mr. Nusinov introduced his team and advised that they are looking to grow cannabis on the 20+ parcel of land owned by Wick Dudley and family (Salt House, LLC and Frank S. Dudley Real Estate Trust). This parcel currently contains an existing44,100 sq. ft. greenhouse, which is where the cannabis would be grown and harvested year-round. This would be a fully enclosed environmentally controlled facility with state-of-the-art air filtration systems. 70-80 employees.

As the market dictates, they would add on additional greenhouses. Licensed by the State for this practice. Property currently does not have a town designated zone, as the county S-year zone ceased in August 2023. Options discussed were zoning all of the property Town Countryside or create a new Ag district, with a specified buffer from residential housing. Either way requires a zoningmap and text amendment. The consensus itmong the Planning Commission members was

to permit cultivation of cannabis in the CS zone. Question - As property is within town limits, would town water and sewer be required? Ms. Moore will investigate.

Matt Reno motioned to recornmend the Zoning Ordinance be amended to permit Cannabis Growing Facilities in the CS zone, provided no such use is located within 3,000 feet of a residential zorne (R-1, R-2) or an existing dwelling unit within the Town. Motion seconded by Paul Cain. All in favor.

Town Manager Updates:

1. HB 538, Housing Expansion and Affordability Act, goes into effect January 1,2025.

Currently there is a 96,000 housing unit shortage in Maryland. New law is intended to help advance more affordable and sustainable housing. HB 538 states that local govemments must permit manufactured or modular homes in zones that allow single family residential uses. Peter Johnston will review and provide further recommendations at the September meeting.

2. Town Commissioners approved and signed offon the DRRA with Wheatlands.

3. Smoke test conducted in July. There was no one significant problem found. Will look at

three breaks possibly caused by Comcast, which they would then be responsible for repairing. Also, letters sent to residents with broken or missing cleanout caps instructing them to repair/replace. Next step will be to video town lines once Talkie has completed installation.

4.

Federal channel dredging project still progressing. Phase 2 of the project, which included permitting and design services, has been approved by DNR. Cost exceeded the original grant funding awarded, but we were approved for additional grant funding to complete.

Old Business:

1. Wheatlands - Waterman Family Limited Partnership

Final subdivision was originally approved in October 2023 with four conditions. TWo of the conditions have been met 1) addressing comments made by engineer and town, and 4) executing a DRRA. Mr. Barry Waterman was present and asked the Planning Commission to amend their approval to remove original conditions #2 - applicant executes a PWA as required by the Town Commissioners, and #3 - applicant posts any bond with surety, an

irrevocable letter of credit, or other security.

Matt Reno motioned to amend the original Planning Commission approval of Octob tr 4, 2023 of the final major subdivision plat to remove conditions #2 and#3, as these conditions are addressed in the DRRA, and authorrze Chairman Phil Snyder to sign the subdivision plan. Motion seconded by Paul Cain. All in favor.

2.

Queenstown Corridor Management Plan - no update 3.

Resolution24-102 - Resolution of the Queenstown Planning Commission to Revise and Replace the Queenstown Planning Commission By-Laws were up for adoption.

Matt Reno motioned to adopt Resolution 24-102, motion seconded by Paul Cain. All in favor.

New Business:

l.

Town zoning designation for Dudley Property - addressed earlier in meeting

2. Minutes - June 5,2024

Paul Cain motioned to approve the June 5,2024 minutes as written. Motion seconded by Mike Bowell. All in favor.

There being no further business before the Commission, Paul Cain motioned to adjourn the meeting at7:19 p.m. Motion seconded by Matt Reno. All in favor.

Respectfully submitted, Amy VMoore (in absence of Secretary)