Board Of Zoning

Developer Martin K. P. Hill's continuing dispute with the town of Hampstead over construction of his proposed Robert's Field condominium project entered the courtroom yesterday.Hill is appealing a ruling in April by the Hampstead Board of Zoning Appeals, which found that the developer was in violation of town requirements relating to density, open space and lot size.The action has blocked Hill from proceeding with plans to build 90 condominiums as the last section of the Robert's Field subdivision.

The Board of Zoning Appeals voted 2 to 1 yesterday to allow an Eldersburg developer to build a $32 million shopping center on 36 acres of industrially zoned land near a South Carroll intersection that county officials say will fail in four years.Unless opponents appeal the decision to Circuit Court, developer Bernard G. Robbins of Talles-Robbins Development Co. in Eldersburg could bring his project to the planning commission for site plan approval within three or four months.Robbins envisions three restaurants, a 14-screen theater with stadium seating, a 300,000-square-foot retail complex and a two-story office center on 36.11 acres adjoining Londontown Road and Route 32.The county Economic Development Department favors the project, but nearby residents and merchants at a two-decade-old shopping mall about a mile away oppose it.The final vote came at 12: 38 p.m., ending one of the most protracted cases in Board of Zoning Appeals history.

A Sykesville man who hopes to build the nation's first digital drive-in movie theater on a hilly, 37-acre industrial site in Eldersburg has asked Carroll Circuit Court to overturn a county Board of Zoning Appeals decision denying him permission to move forward with the project. Alan J. Ackerman would like to build a $5 million drive-in theater complex along Liberty Road. The proposed Bumper's Drive-In would be home to two theater screens with space for 1,100 cars, two concession stands, a playground, an arcade and a small concert stage.

TANEYTOWN - In an unusually short meeting Monday night, this growth-strained city's planning and zoning commission recommended the approval of a single, small downtown project.Used to agendas crammed with hundred-unit housing projects or complicated property disputes, the commission faced one item Monday. That lone item centered around the building of a duplex on a vacant lot at 336 E. Baltimore St. The commission recommended an approval of the building request.Since a duplex is an exception to the zoning ordinance, however, a formal hearing in front of the board of zoning appeals is slated for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21.

BERRETT - The Building Committee of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church has been granted approval by the Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals to reduce the minimum front-yard requirement of 100 feet for a proposed sanctuary and narthex.Due to the age of the church and constraints of the premises, which face Route 97 south of Liberty Road, the board found that a reasonable location was limited for the sanctuary and narthex.Future plans include connecting the narthex to the church to provide sheltered access between the two buildings.

In last Sunday's "Shurshots," the suggestion was made that when the County Commissioners rewrite the zoning ordinance, they create an arbitration panel to hear cases in which either the county or the property owner wants to appeal a Board of Zoning Appeals ruling.Two points were not clear:* In many cases, instead of going to court, both sides could go to this "People's Court" panel; they would have to agree not to appealfurther.* So as not to be influenced by the desire to be reappointed, panel members would be appointed for one term; that term would last four years.

The Manchester Board of Zoning Appeals granted permission Monday for two Manchester families to operate home day care centers, said Miriam DePalmer, the town's assistant zoning administrator.Steve and Kathy Sheppard, of 2814 Bachman Road, were granted approval to care for up to eight children.Janet and Jim Young, of 3305 Augusta Road, were given approval to care for up to five children.Ms. DePalmer said the centers will be subject to the usual licensing procedures and will have to file copies of required paperwork with the town.

The Board of Zoning Appeals of Carroll County has approved a conditional use request from K & M Partnership to enlarge Four Seasons Sports Complex outside Hampstead.The enlargement consists of a 195-foot by 105-foot building and walkways and parking to be used for indoor soccer, other sports and craft shows.The sports complex also has been approved for two batting cages, a miniature golf course and a small building.The board found no adverse effects on the surrounding community caused by such an enlargement because the complex has been in operation for years.

Sykesville fills 2 vacancies on zoning panelSykesville has filled two vacancies on its Board of Zoning Appeals.Bill Richards of Jennifer Way will serve on the three-member panel, which rules on municipal zoning questions.Stanislav Volens of Norris Avenue will be the alternate.The Town Council approved the nominations last week.FireSykesville: Firefighters responded at 9: 23 p.m. Wednesday to wires down in the 6200 block of Oakland Mills Road. Units were out one hour.Pub Date: 10/23/98

The Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals has given a Taneytown woman permission to open a one-chair beauty shop in her home.The board said the addition of the small business, to be operated by Sharon L. Garber at her home in the 3800 block of Kump Station Road, would not alter the residential character of the property.FIRE* Taneytown: Engines from the Taneytown station responded to a brush fire in the 4100 block of Ruggles Road at 8:20 p.m. Sunday. Units were out for 42 minutes.