The Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission approved yesterday Westminster's plans to annex 61 acres for commercial development just east of Weis Markets along Route 140.

The tract is zoned for residential and industrial use and land conservation, Carroll planner Barbara Moser told the planning commission. Westminster officials are asking the property be zoned for commercial use at the time of annexation. Such a rezoning requires approval by the county commissioners.

The county planning department reviewed the request and supported the zoning change.

"According to a 1997 study, there was only 11 acres of undeveloped commercial property in Westminster, and just 7 acres in the Westminster environs," Moser said. "There needs to be more commercial property in Westminster and the surrounding area to ensure that the city continues to have a healthy economy."

Westminster officials last week approved plans to annex the property. The six property owners affected by the proposal support the plan. A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. April 12 at City Hall.

City officials hope the planned extension of Center Street, from Malcolm Drive east to Leidy Road and Route 140, will attract businesses.

In other business, the planning commission approved preliminary plans for the creation of a subdivision in Westminster. Camelot Plaza, on the south side of Route 852, would include six residential lots and an industrial tract on 60 acres.

The planning commission also discussed several issues that county planners are studying as they update the Westminster Environs Community Comprehensive Plan. The document was last updated in 1985, Moser said.

The revised plan will address such issues as traffic congestion and water availability.

County planners also will study traffic in the Route 97 north corridor and along Route 140; the extension of sidewalks and street lights into the county; and the need for more commercially zoned land.

Moser said public hearings will be held, beginning at the end of May, to give residents an opportunity to voice concerns.

Pub Date: 3/17/99