MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

REZONING HEARING

September 30, 2008

The Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County met for the purpose of a rezoning hearing the County Administration Building, 200 Chesapeake Blvd., Elkton, MD on Tuesday, September 30, 2008.  The following members of the Board were present:

                         William C. Manlove, President

                        Mark H. Guns, Vice President

                        Rebecca J. Demmler, Commissioner

                        Brian Lockhart, Commissioner

Constituting a majority Board.

The meeting was called to order by President Manlove at 2:00 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alfred C. Wein, Jr., County Administrator read the application and swore in all witnesses presenting testimony.

File No. 2008-01 - Applicant: Gary K. & Kelly K. Whiting. Property Location:  743 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD.  Election District: 6, Tax Map: 11, Parcel 76.  Presently Zoned: Business Local, (BL). Request:  To rezone 1.434 acres from Business Local, (BL) to Business General (BG). Property Owner:  Gary K. & Kelly K. Whiting.

Robert V. Jones, Attorney appeared with Gary Whiting, in support of a request to rezone 1.434 acres located at 743 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD from Business Local (BL) to Business General (BG). 

Mr. Jones presented the map/plat of the location of the proposed rezoning location.  The map was marked as Applicant's Exhibit #1.

The applicant testified that he has operated a specialty auto parts mail order business for classic cars at that location since 1991 in the existing 40 ft. by 100 ft. building.  As a result of the success of his business and of local interest, he desires to sell classic automobiles at that location. Current motor vehicle licensing requirements mandate that the property must be in a Business General (BG) zoning for this permitted use.  Mr. Whiting testified that there would be minimal increased foot traffic; and that this use would be compatible with existing surrounding businesses.  He further testified that his inventory would be minimal and only several cars at a time would be on display, the vehicles would be stored inside of the building during non-operating business hours.  

The applicant submitted additional exhibits supporting his request, which were marked as Applicant's Exhibits two through eight.

The rezoning request is based upon substantial change in the area since the 1993 Comprehensive Rezoning.

COMMENTS SUPPORT/OPPOSITION:  None.

Eric Sennstrom, Director of Planning & Zoning presented the staff finding to the Board.  The Planning Staff recommended approval based upon a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood since the 1993 Comprehensive Rezoning.

The Planning Commission recommended approval based upon a substantial change in the character of the neighborhood since the 1993 Comprehensive Rezoning.

Clifford Houston, Zoning Administrator read the findings of facts.

The decision for this rezoning request will be placed on the Board of County Commissioner's agenda on October 7, 2008.