Planning Commission
3-21-17 Minutes
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION: LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP
REGULAR MEETING: MARCH 21, 2017
The following were in ATTENDANCE:
| PLANNING COMMISSION | TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL |
| Brett McCreary, Chairman | Daniel Flint, Community Development |
| Geir Magnusson, Vice-Chairman | Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary |
| Samuel T. Bashore, Secretary | |
| David Clovsky | |
| Michael Washburn | |
| ABSENT | CUMBERLAND COUNTY |
| Dr. Jean Dyszel | Steve Hoffman |
| Brian Wickenheiser |
Mr. Flint called the March 21, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:00 pm.
REORGANIZATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Election of Chairperson
Mr. MAGNUSSON made a motion to nominate Mr. McCreary as Chairperson of the Planning Commission. Mr. CLOVKSY seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Election of Vice-Chairperson
Mr. CLOVKSY mad a motion to nominate Mr. Magnusson as the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission. Mr. BASHORE seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Election of Secretary
Mr. MAGNUSSON made a motion to nominate Mr. Clovsky as the Secretary of the Planning Commission. Mr. WASHBURN seconded the motion. Mr. Clovsky declined the offer.
Mr. WASHBURN made a motion to nominate Mr. Bashore as the Secretary of the Planning Commission.
Mr. MAGNUSSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of Minutes
Mr. MAGNUSSON made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 20, 2016 meeting. Mr. WASHBURN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
SLD Docket No. 2017-01: Subdivision and Land Development Plan for PA American Water Capital Campus:
Proposed construction of 68,643 SF office building at 852 Wesley Drive.
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Tim Diehl, Dawood Engineering, showed the Board the location of the property and layout of the proposed construction. Currently there is 20,000 square feet of office space which will be expanded to a three story 68,000 square foot office building. He showed the Board the site plan. He spoke about the relief they received at the Zoning Hearing Board. The relief included a special exception for parking reduction requirements. They will have 240 parking spaces with 140 employees and in house training of 60 employees at one time. They also received a variance for height for their three-story building. He spoke about the modification of the Wesley Drive driveway for a right in/out with no left turn allowed to help with safety.
He spoke about grading and the stormwater discharge for the campus and with Bethany Village. They are working with Bethany Village on an easement and stormwater discharge and are very close to an agreement. He spoke about the landscaping plan which meets the Township’s requirements. He spoke about the two waivers granted at the last meeting with sidewalks and curbing.
Township Staff Comments
Mr. Flint stated the comments are minor in nature and include some outside approvals which are in process.
County Planning Commission Comments
Mr. Hoffman spoke about the concern for the sidewalk under the guidewire. The rest of the comments were minor in nature.
Commission Member Question and Answer
Mr. Clovsky spoke about concerns as a resident of the Bethany Village with stormwater and the existing grading plan. He spoke about concerns with sink holes. Mr. Diehl spoke about the land and issues with sink holes for Bethany Village. Mr. Scott Armbrish, PA American Water, spoke about working with Bethany Village and having a verbal agreement and working on a contractual agreement. Mr. Flint stated the agreement will be needed prior to final approval.
Mr. McCreary asked about the relief they received on parking from the Zoning Hearing Board. Mr. Diehl stated 306 parking spaces are required and they were allowed 240 because of the maximum number of employees who would be on site at one time. Mr. McCreary expressed concerns about the right in/out with no left turn as we have that issue with Walmart. Mr. Armbrish spoke about the approach the corporation has taken with its employees on this and doesn’t think this will be an issue.
Public Comments:
There were no public comments.
Action: Recommendations on requested waivers and on the Plan
Mr. BASHORE made a motion to approve the requested waiver from the requirement contained in Section 192-24.C to submit a Preliminary Plan. Mr. MAGNUSSON seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
Mr. BASHORE made a motion to approve SLD Docket No. 2017-01: Subdivision and Land Development Plan for PA American Water Capital Campus pending final approvals and Township and County comments. Mr. WASHBURN seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.
ORDINANCE 2017-03-INDOOR AGRICULTURAL GROWING OPERATIONS:
Mr. Flint spoke about hydroponic growing, medical marijuana and the districts it could possibility be permitted. He spoke about old warehouses that could house indoor agricultural growing operations. He stated he wanted to put this on the agenda to discuss as the public hearing hasn’t been scheduled. Mr. Hoffman spoke about adding definitions to the Ordinance. Mr. Clovsky spoke about an indoor fish market they had in New York. Mr. Flint stated plants and fish could be used in the same operation. Mr. Hoffman cautioned and asked if the sewer plant would be ready to deal with an indoor fish farm. Mr. Flint stated a development plan would need to be submitted and be reviewed by the Authority.
Mr. Hoffman hopes to have his comments ready for the Township this week. The Board asked if they could see the county’s comments first before they weigh in and Mr. Flint said yes. The April meeting has been cancelled as no plans were received so it could be reviewed in May.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Clovsky spoke about the Citizens meeting with the Comprehensive Plan which is moving forward. He spoke about vision week and the media blitz coming for the week.
NEXT MEETING
The April 18, 2017 meeting has been cancelled. Mr. Flint stated the May meeting will be held on Wednesday May 17th due to the primary election being held on Tuesday May 16th.
ADJOURN
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission adjourned at 7:44 pm.