MINUTES

PLANNING COMMISSION:                                             LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP

REGULAR MEETING:                                                     JANUARY 19, 2016

The following were in ATTENDANCE:

PLANNING COMMISSION                                              TOWNSHIP PERSONNEL

Geir Magnusson, Vice-Chairman                                            Daniel Flint, Community Development

Brian Wickenheiser                                                                 Julie Echterling, Recording Secretary

Samuel T. Bashore

Patricia Hall

ABSENT

Brett McCreary, Chairman

Dr. Jean Dyszel, Secretary

Michael Washburn

Mr. Flint called the January 19, 2016 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 Brett McCreary as Chairperson of the Planning Commission.  Mr. BASHORE seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Election of Vice-Chairperson

Mr. BASHORE made a motion to nominate Geir Magnusson as Vice Chairperson of the Planning Commission.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.   Motion carried 4-0.

Election of Secretary

Mr. wickenheiser made a motion to nominate Dr. Jean Dyszel as Secretary of the Planning Commission.  Mr. BASHORE seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

 APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of Minutes

Mr. BASHORE made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 15, 2015 meeting.  Mr. wickenheiser seconded the motion.  Motion carried 5-0

 NEW BUSINESS

SLD Docket No. 2015-13:  Land Development Plan for Stone Gate Village:

Proposed construction of 88 single-family attached (townhomes) units, a clubhouse and pool, on 7.821 acres at the northeast corner of St. Johns Road and Lisburn Road.

Applicant Presentation

Mr. Ben Heisey, RJ Fisher & Associates, stated, since the last meeting, they have been working to address the Township’s comments.  They have the new Township comment letter.  He discussed the name change to Stone Gate Village.  He stated a tot lot was added to the plan and will be across from the pool.

Mr. Bob Fisher, RJ Fisher & Associates, stated he spoke with Mr. Flint about the curbing and sidewalks for both St. Johns and Lisburn Roads.  He discussed why he doesn’t believe a curb is necessary for St. Johns Road.  He stated they will create a macadam sidewalk on Lisburn Road but are asking for a waiver for the St. Johns Road sidewalk.  He spoke about the utilities in the area which would make it difficult for a concrete sidewalk.  He stated there would be sidewalks within the development.

Township Staff Comments

Mr. Flint stated Staff believes curbing should be on both St. Johns Road and Lisburn.  He stated for the waiver of the sidewalk there is a provision in the ordinance where the applicant can request to pay a fee in lieu.  He stated the applicant hasn’t requested to pay the fee in lieu of sidewalks.

 County Planning Commission Comments

There were no comments from the County.

Commission Member Question and Answer

Mr. Magnusson asked about the traffic study.  Mr. Flint stated there are a few details to work out with PennDOT.  He stated there could be a few changes including the timing on the traffic signal but no construction is being proposed.  Mr. Fisher stated they are working with PennDOT to address their comments.

Public Comments:

There was no public comments.

Action:  Recommendations on requested waivers and on the Plan

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to approve the requested waiver from the requirement contained in Section 192-24.C to submit a Preliminary Plan.  Mr. BASHORE seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to accept a modification of the requirement in Section 184-13.A regarding infiltration of the 2-year storm event volume, to substitute water quality BMPs in lieu of a portion of the infiltration volume.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to accept a modification of the requirement in Section 192-60.I to provide the Fee in Lieu of Recreation Land prior to recording  of the plan, to allow fees to be paid at the time that building permits are issued.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to DENY a waiver request from the requirements in Sections 192-57.B(2)(h)[2], 192-57.C(8), 192-57.C(l 3)(c) to provide curb and fill-in paving along street frontages.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to DENY a waiver request for a deferral of the requirement in Section 192-57.C(9) to provide sidewalk along St. Johns Road street frontages, to an unspecified time.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. WICKENHEISER made a motion to approve a modification to allow macadam sidewalks on Lisburn Road as requested by the applicant.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

Mr. BASHORE made a motion approve the plan subject to satisfactory completion of Township and County comments.  Mrs. HALL seconded the motion.  Motion carried 4-0.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2016 at 7:00pm.

 ADJOURN

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission adjourned at 7:45pm.