Dayhoff Westminster

Dayhoff Westminster
www.kevindayhoff.city Address: PO Box 124, Westminster MD 21158 410-259-6403 kevindayhoff@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Proposed Westminster Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone worksheet

Proposed Westminster Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone worksheet



My worksheet for the November 8 2010 Westminster mayor and common council discussion of the proposed Westminster Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone… Find an accompanying set of documents here: http://www.scribd.com/document_collections/2712718

Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zones to be considered by the Westminster mayor and common council on November 8, 2010.

As a result of the feedback from Westminster residents in the development of the (a) 2008 Westminster Community Visions Survey and the (b) 2009 Comprehensive Plan, the city of Westminster is continuing to move forward with a series of zoning changes and enhancements.

According to the city of Westminster website, “The State of Maryland requires comprehensive plans to be updated every six years.  The 2009 Comprehensive Plan Update began in October 2007 followed by the coordination of the first Westminster resident survey in the summer of 2008.

“The City hosted a series of community workshops in the fall of 2008 that offered residents the opportunity to voice their ideas about the future of their community. In the winter of 2009, the planning staff combined the results of the survey and the feedback from the workshops, to create the 2008 Community Vision Report.

“This report served as the base of the Comprehensive Plan Update process. Each element in the 2009 Comprehensive Plan begins with a description from the (c) 2008 Community Vision Report.”

One the zoning enhancements being considered is Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone for properties currently zones R-7,500 and R-10,000, which arguably comprises the bulk of where folks live in Westminster.

Recently, the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zones came before the (d) Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission in the form of two specific legislative initiatives which include: Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 – “Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone” and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1 – “Belle Grove Square Neighborhood” and “Willis Street Neighborhood.”

(e) A public hearing notice was posted in the local newspaper of record [for the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission to put on its (f) October 14, 2010 agenda a public hearing for proposed zoning changes in two historic Westminster neighborhoods.

The purpose of the public hearing on October 14 to hear citizen comments and subsequently deliberate for approval or disapproval of Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 and and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1.

The ad noted, “The proposed text and sectional map amendments are available for public inspection at Winchester West, 56 West Main Street, Westminster, MD during normal business hours in the office of the Zoning Administrator.”

A public hearing notice document was also placed on the city’s website, dated September 30, 2010 that indicated that the Westminster mayor and common council would hold a public hearing on November 8 on Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 which was subsequently introduced at (g) the October 11 common council meeting as Ordinance 816.  The Ordinance is sponsored by councilmembers Greg Pecoraro and Dr. Robert Wack.

(h) Ordinance 816 – Zoning Text Amendment 10-3 would amend the text of Chapter 164 of the Westminster City Code by adding a new article VIVD to create a “Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone.”

Section 164-45.25 introduces, “The Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone (NP Zone) is intended to provide for the preservation of the historic character and physical setting of the city’s traditional neighborhoods by promoting residential uses and directing more intense uses to other suitable locations.

“The Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone is a mapped zone which is superimposed over properties included in the R-7,500 residential zone and R-10,000 residential in certain traditional residential neighborhoods.  Once properties are included in the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone, any development or use of such properties are subject to its provisions.”

This indicates that once Ordinance 816 - Zoning Text Amendment 10-3 is approved; all of Westminster that is currently zoned R-7,500 and R-10,000, according to the (i b) 2009 Westminster zoning map found in Chapter 54; are eligible to be placed under the provisions of the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone.  (j1) (See Chap 164 ARTICLE VI R-10,000 Residential Zone (§ 164-28 — § 164-33.) (j2) (See Westminster City Code Chap 164 ARTICLE VII R-7,500 Residential Zone (§ 164-34 — § 164-39.)

However, a specific area can only be placed into, and thereafter subject to the provisions of the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone by way of a Sectional map Amendment according to “Procedure” section, 164-45.31, of the proposed changes in Chapter 164.

Moreover, under the “Inclusion of Additional Neighborhoods section, 164-45.32, of the proposed changes, “The city will partner with its Historic District Commission … to identify additional traditional residential neighborhoods for potential inclusion in the Neighborhood Preservation Zone as an integral component of an overall preservation plan for Westminster.

“This important work not only helps to implement the city’s comprehensive plan by focusing attention on the perseveration and improvement of the city’s traditional residential neighborhoods, but also by initiating a dialog among city government and its residents about the look, feel and character of Westminster.”

Section three of the proposed Ordinance 816 indicates, “City staff shall focus city programs, including but not limited to residential façade loans… and related historic programs and rehabilitation programs of the city, to properties included in the Neighborhood Preservation Zone.”

The proposed 164-45.31 proscribes, “An application for zonal classification in the Neighborhood Preservation Overlay Zone may be made only by a Sectional Map Amendment.”

A Sectional Map Amendment for the inclusion of the Belle Grove Square and Willis Street neighborhoods was filed simultaneously by the mayor and council on September 30, 2010.  (k) (See [20100930 SMA10-1-Belle Grove Square and Willis Street Neighborhood.]  City of Westminster Sectional Zoning Map Amendment – SMA#10-1)

(l) A public hearing notice was placed on the city’s website, on or about October 12, that indicated that the Westminster mayor and council will receive the public’s input on Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1 on November 8, 2010.

(m) For an in-depth understanding of the city’s zoning initiative see the staff report and recommendation for the proposed Zoning Text Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment which may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/The-Westminster-city-SMA-10-1-Staff-Report-and-Recommendationn/d/41650007

Documents cited:


























(l) A public hearing notice was placed on the city’s website, on or about October 12, that indicated that the Westminster mayor and council will receive the public’s input on Zoning Text Amendment No. ZTA 10-3 and Sectional Zoning Map Amendment No. SMA 10-1 on November 8, 2010.

(m) For an in-depth understanding of the city’s zoning initiative see the staff report and recommendation for the proposed Zoning Text Amendment and Sectional Map Amendment which may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/The-Westminster-city-SMA-10-1-Staff-Report-and-Recommendationn/d/41650007

20101021 sdosm Neighborhood Preservation Zone

Agenda for the Westminster MD mayor and Common Council meeting for November 8, 2010                                                                                                                                


*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, the owner of Birdies Coffee Café http://www.birdiescoffee.com in Westminster




Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, the owner of Birdies Coffee Café http://www.birdiescoffee.com in Westminster

Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, the owner of Birdies Coffee Café in Westminster, smiles at a light moment at the fifth annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards on October 20, 2010.  Photo by Kevin Dayhoff

Monday, November 01, 2010


Community Foundation of Carroll County honors Philanthropists of the Year

By Kevin Dayhoff 10/21/10



Over 250 community leaders filled the Portico social hall at St. John Catholic Church early Wednesday morning to honor the recipients of the fifth annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards.


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Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

John Schaeffer 82 was among men of finance - by Kevin Dayhoff

John Schaeffer 82 was among men of finance

In http://www.explorecarroll.com/ please find two pieces I wrote about the late John Schaeffer of Westminster Bank and Trust Company.

Since these two tributes about Mr. Schaeffer appeared in the paper, many folks have come forward with stories about Mr. Schaeffer’s great mind for business, his service to his community and his extraordinary sense of customer service.

Perhaps one of the best among many was the story of the Mom with four children who had a problem with her checking account.  Mr. Schaeffer, the president of bank the mind you, found the problem and because the Mom could not get back to the bank because she was busy with her children; Mr. Schaeffer hand delivered the paperwork and her checkbook to her house.

Explore Carroll DAYHOFF John Schaeffer 82 was among men of finance ..


DAYHOFF:John Schaeffer 82 was among men of finance who helped shape Westminster.  Eagle Archives.  By Kevin Dayhoff

The Oct. 31 death of John C. Schaeffer, 82, of Westminster, caused many older Carroll County residents to reminisce nostalgically about days long gone by.

Schaeffer was a well-respected country banker, who knew the business of finance and served his community steadfastly for many years.

Moreover, he was friendly, and always had time to talk with anyone, no matter his or her position or station in life.

A glimpse into the life and times of Schaeffer is also a history lesson in banking in Carroll County, and a study of the legacy of distinguished community leadership for over a half-a-century.


See also:


Posted: 11/02/10 in Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle


20101107 sdosmsce John Schaeffer 82 was among men of finance


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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

George D. Sirinakis, 81, of Westminster, MD

George D. Sirinakis, 81, of Westminster, MD

Wednesday, November 3 2010

Sirinakis, George D. passed away last Wednesday.  Pritts Funeral Home published the following obituary on its website, http://www.prittsfuneralhome.com/:

George Dimitrios Sirinakis, 81, of Westminster, died Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at home.

Born on October 4, 1929 in Skyros, Greece, he was the son of the late Dimitrios George and Kyparissia Efthasiou Sirinakis. He was married for 52 years to Zoe A. Sirinakis.

Mr. Sirinakis arrived at the port of Baltimore as a Greek Merchant Marine in October 1957. At that time he was introduced to his wife by a cousin living in Baltimore. After finishing his tour of duty he returned in May 1958 and was married in June of that same year.

In 1959, he and his wife bought Harry’s Lunch from her parents, Aristidis “Harry” and Vasiliki Amprazis.

In July 1976 they moved the restaurant to its present location on Main Street, Westminster.

They retired in 1987 and sold the business to their son Harry in 1990; today it is known as Harry’s Main Street Grille. Mr. and Mrs. Sirinakis were also the owners of Harry’s Sub Shop from 1976-2010.

With only an elementary school education, he learned English while settling in Westminster, Mr. Sirinakis became a pillar in the local business community. He was a past member of The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA); a member of the Elks Lodge #2277 and the Moose Lodge.

He belonged to Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Frederick, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore and St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City, MD.

Mr. Sirinakis enjoyed traveling, especially to Skyros, the island in Greece where he grew up. He enjoyed many vacations with his family at their home in Ocean City. He also enjoyed gardening. His deepest passion, however, was always his family.

Surviving him besides his wife Zoe are sons and daughter-in-laws James G. and Dawn Sirinakis of Crownsville; A. Harry and Rebecca Sirinakis of Westminster; a daughter Kyparissia Sirinakis of Bethesda; grandchildren Andrew Essman, and Alexandra, Aristidis, Nicholas and Michael Sirinakis; and a brother Dimitrios G. Sirinakis of Sykesville.

He was predeceased by a sister, Efrosini Sarris.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 5-7 PM and Sunday from 1-4 PM at Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster.

Services will be held on Monday, November 8th at the funeral home chapel with Father Anastasios Kousoulas officiating. Eulogy begins at 12:30 PM, a Greek Orthodox funeral service at 1 PM and interment will be in Westminster Cemetery immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Avenue, Westminster, Maryland 21157; Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 920 West 7th St. Frederick, Maryland 21701; or National Stroke Association,www.stroke.org.




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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Work Hard and Be Nice to People


[20090911 Work Hard and Be Nice to People]

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Friday, November 5, 2010

Phil Grout award-winning photojournalist to appear at Birdie’s Cafe Gallery in Westminster



Phil Grout award-winning photojournalist to appear at Birdie’s Cafe Gallery in Westminster

November 1, 2010


Birdie’s Cafe Gallery in Westminster is proud to announce a major retrospective exhibit and sale of photographic works by Phil Grout from his 44 years as a photojournalist—40 from Carroll County, MD.

Phil Grout is an award-winning photojournalist, fine art photographer, and author.

Since 1966 he has worked throughout North, South and Central America, Asia and Africa gathering images for newspapers, magazines, wire services and book publishers.

His work has been awarded by the Associated Press as well as other news and arts organizations.

According to his website, www.philgrout.com, Grout started to learn his craft as a photojournalist in 1966 covering naval operations in Vietnam

“But he quickly discovered it wasn’t the images of war he was hunting, but more the face of humanity as he roamed the back alleys of Saigon, Hong Kong, Japan, and the Philippines.  With pictures and words he became a gatherer of the threads which bind us together as human beings…

“He is the author of three critically acclaimed photo essay books.  His work has been awarded by the Associated Press as well as various arts organizations.  It has also been featured in art galleries throughout the United States.”

Grout is “Good picture shooter, and a colleague in journalism starting in the navy and then at the Hanover Evening Sun and others. I have three or four walls covered with his work in my home….  Recommend you stop by and see his stuff,” said Carroll County Commissioner and fellow Vietnam Veteran, Dean Minnich

Sherri Hosfeld Joseph, the owner of Birdie’s and an artist herself, added, “Phil Grout is one of the greatest photojournalists of his generation.  We are truly blessed as a community that he has chosen our stories to document.  Phil has an amazing ability to find the extraordinary in everyday life - and this show, a retrospective of forty-four years of his work, will leave you awestruck.”

An opening reception for the artist will be held at Birdie’s Cafe, 233 E. Main St., Westminster, MD Friday, November 5, 2010, from 6-10 p.m.  The exhibition will remain through Friday, December 31, 2010.

An extensive collection of Phil's work can be viewed at www.philgrout.com


20101101 Phil Grout award winning photojournalist

20101105 44-40 Invite 4 wbio

Phil Grout, photographer, Vietnam, veteran, Birdie’s Cage, art, culture, Carroll County, Westminster, Maryland, photojournalist

Phil Grout award-winning photojournalist to appear at Birdie’s Cafe Gallery in Westminster                                                                                                                       

LABELS: ,


Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ (http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/) http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Community Foundation of Carroll County honors Philanthropists of the Year by Kevin Dayhoff

Monday, November 01, 2010

Community Foundation of Carroll County honors Philanthropists of the Year

By Kevin Dayhoff 10/21/10



Over 250 community leaders filled the Portico social hall at St. John Catholic Church early Wednesday morning to honor the recipients of the fifth annual Carroll County Philanthropists of the Year awards.
Community Foundation of Carroll County honors Philanthropists of the Year by Kevin Dayhoff                                                                                                                            

After a breakfast catered by Harry’s Main Street Grille; master of ceremonies, Wayne Wrightson, of WTTR radio in Westminster brought the ceremonies to order. 

Steven Loy sang the national anthem and Audrey Cimino, the executive director of the Community Foundation of Carroll County welcomed those attending the annual event. 

The coordinator of this year’s event, Jaclyn Mathias, was seen throughout the morning making sure everything ran smoothly.

Among the many introductions, Wrightson gave a special acknowledgment to the sponsors for this year’s ceremonies, Harry Sirinakis of Harry’s Main St. Grill; Lehigh Cement, represented by Mike Fox; Constellation Energy, represented by Mike Fowler.

Also helping sponsor the event were Eileen Gist, Lori Graham, and Jalna Brown of Dutterer’s Florist; Lyndi McNulty of GIZMOS Art; Glenn S. Bair, Support Services, LLC and Martin Hill; and Village Printing and Dean Douglas.  “We can’t produce great events like this without the support of involved businesses,” said Wrightson.

In spite of a national economy that continues to lag, local giving in Carroll County appears to be holding it own, according to several folks attending awards ceremony.

An October 17 article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a national non-profit news and information publication located in Washington D.C. recently noted:

“Donations to the nation’s biggest charities dropped 11 percent last year, a decline that was the worst in the two decades since The Chronicle started its Philanthropy 400 ranking of the organizations that raise the most from private sources…

“The 400 institutions in the survey raised $68.6-billion in 2009.  The drop they suffered in contributions was nearly four times as great as the next biggest annual decrease: 2.8 percent in 2001, when charities also struggled to raise money from recession-battered donors.”

According to Cimino, “Beginning with a gift of $60,000 from the Estate of Rosa B. Null, a Hampstead, Maryland resident, the Community Foundation has grown to 3.4 million dollars in endowments, operations funds, scholarships, and funds managed for other community organizations.

“It is no news to anyone that there are an overwhelming number of organizations and programs now desperately searching for funds. For people with a strong sense of community and personal commitment to make significant contributions to the community in which they live, the choices can be especially demanding.”

Last year, 2009 the recipients were: Family of the Year: Skip and Pat Amass; Business of the Year: Lehigh Cement; Legacy Award: Loring B. Yingling; Non-Profit of the Year: Westminster Lions Club; and Youth of the Year: Chris Anderson.

This year The Community Foundation of Carroll County honored Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bare; the Carroll County Times; the ARC of Carroll County; Msfr. Arthur Valenzano and Josie Grant.

The legacy award recipient was St. John Catholic Church Msgr. Arthur Valenzano who was nominated by Teresa Richardson.  Valenzano was the pastor of St. John Church for over 17 years, observed Wrightson. 

“During his tenure as pastor, he has taken the St. John community and increased its awareness within the Carroll community,” continued Wrightson.

After a long list of accomplishments and accolades, Wrightson noted that Valenzano has recently moved-on from his responsibilities in Westminster “to take a position as rector of the Basilica of Baltimore.”

This year’s youth award went to Josie Grant, who was nominated by Amy Zepp.

“Josie Grant began her quest to make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients at Carroll Hospital Center in August 2008 for personal and community reasons,” said Wrightson.

“Josie initially contributed $75 of her own money, which was matched by family and friends, to begin her foundation called, “Josie’s Smiles for Pediatrics,” explained Wrightson.

The non-profit recipient this year is The Arc of Carroll County.  Wrightson noted that “Webster’s define philanthropy as goodwill to fellowmen, especially in an active effort to promote human welfare.”

As an example of the work that ARC does for our community, Wrightson introduced Jamie Davis, the daughter of Gary Davis, who nominated ARC for this year’s award because of the opportunities that have been made available to Jamie as a result of her training at ARC.

“Jamie is autistic, and is 27-years old,” explained Wrightson.  “To her ARC is her job.  Six years ago when she started with ARC, we were told that they would first get to know Jamie and based on what they thought she would accomplish, and what was available … they would get her involved.  Well, they kept their promise…

They got her a job.  She works at the Best Western Hotel in Westminster and she is doing quite well.  However, she still thinks that the Ravens are just big men who stay at her hotel once a year…”

The Carroll County Times’ Newspapers in Education (NIE) program was this year’s business award winner.  A special fund of the Community Foundation, NIE “supports literacy by offering free newspapers and curriculum guides to all Carroll County schools…” said Wrightson.

“Newspapers and study guides are used to help teach students… throughout Carroll County…  During the 2009-2010 school year, NIE provided 622,990 newspapers to students.  The program is funded by local businesses,” Wrightson further explained.

The last of the five awards was given to Bob and Ruth Bare of Hampstead for the family philanthropist of the year.  Edith Winters, along with a number of individuals and businesses in the community nominated the Bare family.

“Those who know Bob and Ruth know that they are very modest people.  They have and continue to donate to many charities and do it anonymously,” said Wrightson.  It was also noted that both Ruth and Bob Bare are 87-years-old, which prompted a wave of murmurs throughout the morning audience as the Bares displayed a great deal of youthful vigor as they walked to the front of the room. 

“I hope I have that much energy at that age,” observed Sherri Hosfeld Joseph to no one in particular as the Bares approached the podium to receive their award.

Community Foundation, Carroll County, Maryland, Kevin Dayhoff, Philanthropists, charity

20101101 Sdosmked Cfcc Honors Poy 20101020

20101101 SDOSMKEDscribd CFCC Honors POY


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*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/