7:30 p.m., Wednesday,
April 15, 2009
Members Present: Summers, Miller, Johnson, Breiseth, McNemar,
Costello, Rafferty
1. Call to Order: Summers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
2.
Discussion: Planning Commission (PC) asked Applicant to
consider enforcing use of the designated section of the grass driveway as a
deed restriction to prevent future owner from paving. PC also encourages
Applicant to discuss proposed improvements with adjacent neighbors. Applicant
will resubmit plan following finalizing details regarding septic fields,
stormwater, shared driveway, and deed restrictions based upon revised lot
configuration discussed tonight. The 90-day extension review for the
Subdivision expires June 30, 2009.
3. Rezoning of parcel
63-4-165 (2111 Street Road) adjacent to Brandywine Hardware Store from RA to
Neighborhood Commercial: James Fritsch, P.E., and Richard Moore (Applicant)
appeared to review a sketch plan dated 4/13/2009 regarding request for a zoning
change for Applicant’s property located at 2111 Street Road from RA
(Residential and Agricultural) to C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial). Applicant
desires to convert an existing house to two (2) offices – one to be rented and
one to be occupied by Applicant. As discussed during the February 18, 2009
Planning Commission meeting no retail
or maintenance activity is planned for the office space; activity limited to
billing, administrative, and customer support. Regester Associates performed
a perimeter and topographic survey confirming 0.433 acre site within the RA
district. Applicant’s assessment is to proceed for variance request through the
Zoning Hearing Board. Approval
of the variances by the Zoning Hearing Board will allow the change of use and
the requested variances represent a no impact option and appropriate action for
the parcel.
Discussion: PC discussed the need for Applicant to meet Code requirements as to parking (including the type of commercial vehicles utilizing parking), signage requirements, proximity to floodplain, and the effect of the variance on the right-of-way. Applicant proposes installation of one sign out front advertising two businesses. Leased square footage for the businesses limited to first floor with restricted access for the second floor and basement. PC agreed with Applicant’s assessment that he may have difficulty meeting Code requirements for commercial property; therefore, the alternative solution requesting certain variances from the Zoning Hearing Board is appropriate. Fritsch noted that septic is adequate as commercial application for the property is a reduction from residential wastewater usage.
Motion: McNemar moved that the
alternative of requesting variances in several zoning areas is preferable to
changing the zoning of the parcel from residential to commercial and recommends
that the Board of Supervisors support this approach to the Pocopson Township
Zoning Hearing Board. Variances would be requested as follows for the property
located at
4. Ordinance
revisions Update: Breiseth reviewed recent edits to
the Draft “Keeping of Animals” and “Sign” Ordinances. She asked PC members to
review the Drafts and be prepared in April to finalize.
5.
Announcements/Other Business: McNemar announced that the Township is
meeting with representatives from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
regarding the application process to acquire federal stimulus money to fund
Township road improvement projects. A draft of the
6. Approval of
Meeting Minutes March 18, 2009: Motion: Summers
moved to approve the Minutes of the March 18, 2009 meeting as submitted;
Rafferty seconded; unanimously approved.
6. Adjournment: Summers moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m.; Rafferty seconded. The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting is Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
___________________________ ________________________________________
Susan Simone, Secretary Suzy Breiseth, Planning Commission, Vice Chair