The St. Michaels Board of Commissioners held two public hearings at their regular meeting on Wednesday evening.
An ordinance to amend the town code to allow a community-based educational/recreational facility with associated outdoor recreational facilities (the proposed YMCA) is eligible for a vote on Jan. 23rd. Retired Assistant Superintendent of Schools John Masone provided background information about the project, and urged the Commission to approve the ordinance. Commissioner Clark noted that this project has been many years in the making, and stated that she was glad to be sitting on the Commission to watch the project move ahead.
A public hearing on an ordinance to amend the town code to allow distilleries in the historic redevelopment zone was also held, with some discussion about potential effects of the business on Mill area neighbors. Zoning Officer Deborah Renshaw reported that her research into other small distilleries in other jurisdictions resulted in no negative comments from neighbors, and in the finding that they were considered a boon to the local tourism trade in the towns that she researched.
Ben Lyon, who incorporated the Lyon Distillery Company in hopes of opening the distillery in St. Michaels, described how the distilling process works, and how it differs from brewing beer and wine. He plans to produce 500 gallons in the first year, with 1000 gallons as his peak production level. In comparison, the St. Michaels Winery’s peak production was between 4000 and 5000 gallons per year.
Lyon stated that the overall environmental impact of distilling is less than that of brewing beer or making wine in that it’s a more compact operation, with fewer organic solids produced as waste, and cleaner wastewater. He plans to keep all waste contained inside the facility until it gets distributed to local farmers for cattle feed and/or fertilizer. Lyon has experience working at a craft brewery and distillery in Nantucket.
Other concerns expressed surround the licensing, regulation and enforcement of distilleries, which are handled at the state and federal level. The ordinance to include distilleries in the historic redevelopment zone will be eligible for a vote on Jan 23rd.
In other business, Pete Lesher gave an annual report of the work of the St. Michaels Historic District Commission, and initiated discussion about proposed historic district markers. Some five markers have been proposed to be placed at the corners of the historic district, with a goal of creating awareness among the town’s tourists and building a sense of community pride among residents.
Lesher also initiated a discussion about potential public art in both the historic district and the broader town limits. At present, there are no regulations in the town code to address public art either inside or outside of the historic district. Commissioners and members of the public engaged in a discussion about public art, with questions about the distinction between art and signage, advertising and creative expression.
Ms. Renshaw offered a report of other town’s experiences and ordinances with public art, including photographs of such items as mosaic and painted murals on walls. The Commissioners directed staff to solicit volunteers to begin to develop a policy surrounding public art. The notion of bringing in local art experts such as the Academy Art Museum to help determine an appropriate public art policy was not discussed.
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy staff reported on their public engagement project executed in July 2012, in which people on the streets of St. Michaels were invited to share their opinions about pedestrian access in the town. The project is a result of the $80,000 in donations leftover from the project to purchase Miles Point. It has been determined that the leftover funds will be used to improve pedestrian access in St. Michaels. Public waterfront access to the Miles Point property is not pending.
Another discussion about trash collection was held, with no solutions to the ongoing issues found. Commissioner Borders expressed her desire to begin anew, with business owners, part-time and full time residents convening to examine the entire trash program from top to bottom.
Tracy Cohee says
Thank you for mentioning the YMCA project, but just wanted to let you know that the title you have for John Masone was mid-quoted. He is the retired assistant superintendent of TCPS. Just thought I would let you know. Thanks again!
Tracy Cohee