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6-24-2020 Park Tour Minutes

Recreation and Parks Board
6-24-2020 Park Tour Minutes

MINUTES

RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD:                           LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING                                                       JUNE 24, 2020

 The following were in ATTENDANCE:

BOARD MEMBERS                                                            TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Greg Mahon, Chairman                                                          Daniel Flint, Township Engineer

Richard Grove, Secretary                                                       Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary

Scott Duncanson

James Kaiser

Bob Pelles                                                                              

Charles Angelo

 

Mr. Mahon called the June 24, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board to order at 6:06 pm in the lower level of the Barn at LACP.

 

ARCONA RECREATION PLANS:

Mr. Flint discussed the requirements for the Township with new phases of development and the need for updated master plan.  Tonight’s meeting was to discuss the open space and recreation for the new phase for Arcona.

 

Mr. Anthony Faranda-Diedrich, Charter Homes, stated he was here tonight to answer questions and seek input for the new phase of Arcona.  He provided an overview of the 230 acres Arcona Development and the current Phase 8.  He showed the Board the layout of Phase 8 on a large chart.  He stated Phase 8 is residential and is on the west side of the railroad.  They are working with Norfolk Southern on a safe crossing for the residents.  He spoke about the land they have reserved for a pedestrian bridge over the railroad and how the Township is applying for funding for it.  He stated Phase 8 would including a large green space (1.5 acres),  a private swimming pool and a hiking trail.  He spoke about the location of the recreation, access and how all streets would have sidewalks in this phase. 

 

Mr. Kaiser asked about shade trees and benches.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich went over where the trees would be located.  Mr. Grove asked about a playground that would have basketball as he would like to see an active type of play area.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they could look at this type and asked who would be responsible for maintaining the courts.

 

Mr. Jeff Logan, 3212 Emerson Road, asked about the Lesher farm and what would be on it.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated it would remain the farm.  He noted they still own it and the intent is to keep it in its current state.  Mr. Angelo asked about how big the pool would be.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they are working on it and noted it would need to be attractive for the community.  Mr. Mahon spoke about the Board’s passion for recreation outside of trails and open space.  He discussed the pocket parks that are all over the Township.

 

Mrs. Kelly Logan, 3212 Emerson Road, asked about the connectivity and when they would be able to walk the trail along the Lesher farms.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich spoke about the Lesher property and what will take place during this phase.  He discussed obtaining the easement and buying the land.  She noted they haven’t kept up the current trails and has concerns about ticks.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated he would take this back and have it addressed.

 

Mrs. Amy Clark spoke about safety concerns with the speed limit being 40 miles an hour on Arcona which is across from the terra park.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they are working on the traffic issues and will work with Lower Allen on the speed issues on Strong Road.

 

Mr. Phil Broder stated he lives on Lisburn and is between the Arcona parks and LACP.  He asked about connectivity between the parks and if there were any plans.  Mr. Flint spoke about the two studies done and how the connectivity to LACP was on the top of the list.  He noted there is a strong desire to connect the park, however the issues with Lisburn Road creates issues.  He noted a solution would be a long-term expensive option.

 

Mr. Ryan Blazi asked about Village 3 & 4 and if they are pausing.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated before the pandemic they were getting ready to show them as small medical offices.  He noted they look at what is driving the market and noted the office building market has slowed down.

 

Mrs. Cindy Kunzla, 3203 Shultz Place, asked about them cutting the grass on flat areas coming onto Lisburn as it would improve the look of the area.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated it isn’t their property as of now but would work with them about her concern.   Mr. Ken Eris noted they did a great job with the terra park and would like to see something like that in Phase 8.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they could consider that in their plans.

 

Mr. Mahon thanked everyone for coming out tonight and sharing their ideas.  He spoke about the playground next to the Municipal Building and how natural it looks.  Mr. Eris noted he would like to see equal number of amenities on both sides of the railroad tracks and developments.  Mr. Faranda-Diedrich spoke about the terra park and how you don’t see traditional playgrounds in their other developments.  He spoke about keeping with the spirit of the neighborhoods.  Mrs. Logan asked about workout stations on the trails and Mr. Faranda-Diedrich stated they are considering putting them in.  Mr. Angelo noted that Ms. Parry always suggests using pervious pavement versus asphalt and would like to see that more along with wildflowers.  Mr. Logan stated he loves the trails and walks them.  He suggested in the open space they could have a community garden available.  Mr. Angelo noted if they had the garden, they could have a farmer’s market in the commercial space to sell those items.

 

ADJOURN TO PARK TOUR – LACP

The Regular Meeting of the Recreation and Parks Board adjourned at 7:11 pm. 

 

Next meeting is Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 7:00 pm.