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Home»Planning Commission Minutes»Planning Commission
7-16-19 Minutes

Planning Commission
7-16-19 Minutes

MINUTES

PLANNING COMMISSION:                                             LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING:                                                      JULY 16, 2019

 

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

PLANNING COMMISSION: TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL:
Brett McCreary, Chairman

Geir Magnusson, Vice-Chairman

Jay Blackwell

Brian Wickenheiser

David Clovsky

Daniel Flint, P.E., Township Engineer

Richard Schin, Commissioner

Steve Hoffman, Cumberland County Planning Dept

Tina Thomas, Recording Secretary

   

Chairman McCreary called the July 16, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:00 pm.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. MAGNUSSON moved to approve the minutes from the June 18, 2019 regular meeting. Mr. CLOVSKY seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

OLD BUSINESS   

None.

NEW BUSINESS

SLD Docket No. 2019-08:  Subdivision Plan for Arcona Phase 3

Proposed subdivision of a 32.5 acre parcel in the 3200 block of Lisburn Road, creating three parcels of 1.802, 1.388, and 1.436 acres, with remainder parcel of 27.882 acres.

Applicant Presentation

Mr. Dave Kegerize from Towne Square Engineering presented the Subdivision Plan on behalf of Charter Homes. He pointed out the area to be subdivided on the overhead map. He spoke about three commercial lots which are located along Lisburn Road across from the roundabout. Charter Homes is anticipating developer interest to pick up in these commercial lots as the roundabout is being constructed. He stated that currently they have no potential commercial clients in mind.

Township Comments

Mr. Flint spoke about the applicant’s waiver request from the requirement to provide additional right-of-way along an existing street. He stated that this should be done when parcels are subdivided. Mr. Flint recommends that the right-of-way line be established 30 feet from the centerline, which matches the right-of-way for previous developments on the other side of Lisburn Road. The Township does not recommend this waiver.

Additional waivers were requested from the requirements of providing sidewalk and curb along street frontage as well as fill-in paving along street frontage. Mr. Flint stated that these waivers can be considered at this time as no development is currently proposed on the subdivided lots. However this will be required on any future Land Development Plans for the proposed lots and must be completed all at once in the future.

Mr. Flint stated that the Master Plan shows a future road opposite Rocky Way. With the subdivision of the property for commercial lots, this access won’t be possible. The only access point will be by way of the fourth leg of the roundabout, and there will be only one way in and out. This will not be adequate for future development.

County Comments

Mr. Hoffman stated that the County had no significant comments. The comments included are self-explanatory.

Commission Member Questions and Comments

Mr. McCreary asked how the applicant came up with the specific numbers for the subdivided lots and Mr. Kegerize said that they were on an earlier sketch not reflected in the Master Plan. Mr. McCreary stated that he thought the land Charter wants to subdivide was originally supposed to be used for recreational purposes. Mr. Kegerize stated that Charter has not worked out construction issues due to rocky terrain and slope. They are still planning to make a nature trail. Mr. McCreary asked why changes are being made to the Plan after it has been approved. Mr. Wickenheiser asked if the three lots would be owned by Charter Homes and leased to commercial developers and Mr. Kegerize stated that is his understanding.

All of the Board members along with Mr. Schin expressed concerns with safety as pedestrians are crossing the roundabout to get to the undeveloped natural area.  Crosswalks will be present.

Mr. McCreary spoke about the applicant’s requested waiver from the requirement to submit a Preliminary Plan. He is not in favor of waiving this requirement as he feels it needs to be looked at again. He stated that the Planning Commission was not notified of major changes made to the Master Plan. He also feels the roundabouts will be confusing to drivers at first since they will be new.

Mr. Flint stated that the single entrance/exit is also a public safety concern should there be an emergency situation. Mr. Clovsky expressed his feeling that the Plan keeps changing. Mr. Flint stated that one of the requirements is that when plans are submitted for a new phase, an updated Master Plan is to be prepared also and submitted with them if there is a change.

Mr. Kegerize stated he will pass along the concerns of the Planning Commission to Charter Homes. Charter’s goal is to have the commercial lots ready to go if there is interest expressed by commercial developers.

Public Comment

Mr. Jeff Logan, 3212 Emerson Way, Arcona, was present at the meeting and wished to speak on the presentation. He stated that he is a current resident of Arcona. He is in favor of the roundabouts being built and thinks there will be long-term benefits for the temporary inconvenience. He stated that Charter promised residents twelve miles of walking paths, some of which would be in the nature preserve. He expressed his hope that Charter will establish these trails along with their commercial plans, as they have done on the other side of the road. He would like to see a secondary means of access for public safety reasons. He expressed safety concerns with crossing Lisburn Road at the roundabouts. There is a proposed raised crosswalk on Arcona Road near Thea’s and then two more crossings at the two roundabouts. He is comfortable with that as a resident.

Action

Mr. WICKENHEISER moved to table SLD Docket No. 2019-08:  Subdivision Plan for Arcona Phase 3 and Mr. CLOVSKY seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. McCreary stated that the Board would like to see the applicant come back with a plan showing more than one entrance/exit, as well as the intended use for the tract of land.

SLD Docket No. 2019-09:  Minor Land Development Plan for 4510 Westport Drive Building Addition

Proposed construction of a 1,800 square foot two-story addition to the existing 9,625 square foot one-story building.

Applicant Presentation

J. Michael Brill of J. Michael Brill & Associates was present to speak about a proposed building addition to the structure located at 4510 Westport Drive. It is currently owned by H & H Realty, LLC. They are seeking an addition to provide more office space and storage space for their company files. The current building is 30 years old and has had one minor addition in 2006. This addition would involve adding 1800 square feet of additional office space with 1800 square feet above it for storage. Mr. Brill noted that some work will be required to bring the building and parking area up to date with current codes. Additional parking spaces will be added behind the building. Mr. Brill stated that the current Land Development Plan will work for his client as well as meeting Township Ordinance requirements.

Township Comments

Mr. Flint pointed out the building on the overhead projector. He spoke about the stormwater management trench that was added in 2006 which appears to have been paved over. He stated that stormwater management will need to be included in the Plan due to increasing impervious coverage. The business park has a large detention basin that serves all of the businesses in the park. Mr. Flint stated that some minor modifications are needed since there is no data from the 2006 infiltration trench. Mr. Brill stated that they will work with the Township to satisfy this requirement.

County Comments

Mr. Hoffman questioned if the 20 foot wide access lane will be wide enough for two way traffic. Mr. Flint stated that an access road can be 20 feet wide as this is enough room for emergency vehicles. Mr. Hoffman also asked if the Township had any issues with the lay-out of the parking lot as it has a proposed striped turnaround space. He asked if this would cause anyone to be blocked into a parking space. Mr. Flint said that every parking space has a way out.

Commission Member Questions and Comments

Mr. Wickenheiser asked what business is in this location and if 20 feet would be a large enough addition. Mr. Brill stated that it is an HVAC business. Mr. McCreary asked what waivers are being requested. Mr. Flint stated that only a waiver from the requirement to provide sidewalk along the street frontage has been requested.

Public Comment

None.

Action

Mr. BLACKWELL moved to approve the waiver from the requirement to provide sidewalk along the street frontage and Mr. WICKENHEISER seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.

Mr. BLACKWELL moved to approve the Minor Land Development Plan with satisfaction of comments from the Township and the County. Mr. WICKENHEISER seconded the motion and the motion carried    5-0.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Hoffman spoke about a Zoning Course that is being offered by the County on September 18th and 25th, and October 2nd. It is a nine hour course. The Township will cover the $20 charge. If anyone is interested in taking the course, e-mail Mr. Hoffman.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. CLOVSKY moved to adjourn the regular meeting of the Planning Commission at 7:45 pm. Mr. MCCREARY seconded the motion. Motion carried 5-0.