MINUTES

       PLANNING COMMISSION:                                             LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING:                                                                           MAY 17, 2017

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

PLANNING COMMISSION	TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL
Brett McCreary, Chairman	Daniel Flint, Community Development
Geir Magnusson, Vice-Chairman	John Eby, Building and Zoning Coordinator
Samuel T. Bashore, Secretary	Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary
David Clovsky
Brian Wickenheiser-arrived at 7:03pm
ABSENT	CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Dr. Jean Dyszel	Steve Hoffman
Michael Washburn

 

Mr. McCreary called the May 17, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:00 pm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of Minutes

Mr. MAGNUSSON made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 21, 2017 meeting.  Mr. CLOVSKY seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Ordinance 2017-03

Mr. Eby discussed Ordinance 2017-03, an ordinance amending Chapter 220, Zoning, by adding specified Indoor Agricultural Growing Operations to the lists of Permitted Uses in the C-2, C-3, I-1 and 1-3 Zoning Districts.  He stated the Board had previously reviewed the ordinance and asked to see the County’s comments.  Mr. Hoffman stated they found the ordinance consistent with the Township’s Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. CLOVSKY a motion to recommend approval of Ordinance 2017-03: an ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, amending the Code of the Township of Lower Allen, Chapter 220, Zoning, by adding specified Indoor Agricultural Growing Operations to the lists of Permitted Uses in the C-2, C-3, I-1 and 1-3 Zoning Districts.  Mr. BASHORE seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

SLD Docket No. 2017-02: Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona Phases 2.1 and 2.2;

and Highpoint Phase 1.5:  Proposed construction of 282 apartment units in Arcona, Phase 2; previously approved 11 buildings, now proposed to be constructed as 13 buildings.  Highpoint, Phase 1.5 includes proposed modification to trail network and parking easements.

Applicant Presentation

Mr. Anthony Faranda-Diedrich, Charter Homes, spoke about the previous approved plan.  He showed the Board the location and design on the screen.  He spoke about constructing Strong Road.  He stated the previous plan had 11 buildings with 282 apartments.  The revised plan will consist of 13 buildings with 282 apartments.  The changes in the number of buildings requires a change in the parking for the buildings.  He stated the reason for the change was to save on construction and improvement costs and design.  They revised the entrance into the apartments, the pool and clubhouse were moved, and the parking was pushed to the west and south.  The expansion in the parking and buildings, required revisions to the Highpoint Phase 1.5 plan.   He stated they have received the comments from the County and Township and will address them.

Township Staff Comments

Mr. Flint stated Public Safety will need to review the plan.  He stated there are outside approvals needed and the rest of the comments were minor in nature.

County Planning Commission Comments

Mr. Hoffman asked about the sidewalk on Strong Road, the trail, and the single dumpster.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they moved the trail to the east side.  He stated there would be a crosswalk and showed the Board the location.  Mr. Flint believes the trail on the east side will be better in the long run.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated there would only be one dumpster for the site.  He stated a private contractor would pick up the trash and residents would have curb side pickup of trash.

Commission Member Question and Answer

Mr. McCreary asked what the change in parking would take away in Highpoint Phase 1.5 and asked about the pool. Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated the change in parking would take away open space.  He stated the pool would only be for renters of the apartments.  Mr. McCreary asked if one type of apartment is renting better; would they come back and want to change the mix of apartment types.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich doesn’t think they will change it, but anything is possible. 

Mr. Magnusson asked about the narrow streets and concerns about fire trucks driving through them.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they must show that trucks can drive through the streets prior to the plan being approved.   Mr. Magnusson asked where the people are coming from moving in the development.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated a lot of the families moving in are wanting to stay in the West Shore School District and are just upgrading.  Mr. Clovsky asked about the pipelines going through the property and fire hydrants.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated work is underway by Sunoco.

Mr. McCreary asked what is coming next for Arcona.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich spoke about the next phase including the roundabouts for Arcona/Lisburn.  He spoke about building Strong Road.  He spoke about Crossroads plan which would include nonresidential buildings, a potential brewery, and single family homes.  He stated the roundabouts are slated for 2018 pending PennDOT approval. 

Public Comments:

There were no public comments.

Action:  Recommendations on requested waivers and on the Plan

Mr. CLOVSKY made a motion to recommend approval of SLD Docket No. 2017-02: Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Arcona Phases 2.1 and 2.2; and Highpoint Phase 1.5:  Proposed construction of 282 apartment units in Arcona, Phase 2; previously approved 11 buildings, now proposed to be constructed as 13 buildings.  Highpoint, Phase 1.5 includes proposed modification to trail network and parking easements subject to County and Township comments.  Mr. MAGNUSSON seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7:00pm.

ADJOURN

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission adjourned at 7:40 pm.