Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2005
 

Call to Order:  Bill Waddington called the meeting to order at 7:40PM.

Members Present:  Bill Waddington, Steve Conary, Judy Cousins, Meg Johnson, Suzanne Breiseth      Absent:  Sarah Mims, Sean Rafferty

Michael Arbaugh/Donavan Mackey-Minor Subdivision Sketch Plan –

James E. Fritsch of Regester Associates and Donavan Mackey who plans to purchase the Arbaugh property presented 2 layouts (sketch plan dated April 13, 2005) based on the Cluster Two Development Option (Section 312 of the Zoning Ordinance). Design Option 1 includes the required open space as part of Lot 1 and Design Option 2 has restricted open space as a separate area. James Fritsch explained both options to Commission members and asked for input as to member preference.  The question for Design Option 2 was who would own the open space as a Homeowner’s Association for two lots doesn’t seem practical.  A third option discussed was to split the total area into two essentially equal lots with appropriate development restrictions on the open space portion of each. The Commission members had no strong preference as to which option is used but who would own the open space must be addressed and it must be deed restricted so that the woods would be preserved in perpetuity. Also of concern is who would be an active steward of this isolated, two-acre piece of land.  Mr. Mackey explained that he would like to subdivide for 2 lots now but plans only to build one dwelling for the time being.  The shared driveway was discussed and Commission members reiterated that there is a sight distance problem to the right as one exits the driveway.  After further discussion, Mr. Fritsch agreed to submit one of the plans to the Supervisors as a Conditional Use plan.  Chairman Waddington reminded Mr. Fritsch to undertake a thorough review on any plan with the Town Engineer, John Fenn.

 

Trailer Park Ordinance –

Commission members commented on the Trailer Park Ordinance dated 1985.   Chairman Waddington expressed concerns that any ordinance be consistent with Section 1304 of the Town’s Zoning Ordinance and with any

landscaping requirements so that the features of the land are properly utilized.   Commission member Breiseth felt that the Development Standards in Article III, Section 301, subsection 2. (page 4) should be amended so that no building should be closer than 200 feet to the adjacent property (not 100 feet as stated in the Ordinance).  Breiseth also addressed page 10, Section 311, no. 1 and asked that the phrase “except where absolutely necessary” be eliminated from the first sentence.  Commission members Cousins and Johnson expressed their concerns about the applicability of this ordinance vis-à-vis the location of available tracts of land within the Township.

West Chester Regional Planning Commission –

There was no representation from Pocopson at the March WCRPC meeting due to a mix-up in the announced date of said meeting.  Meg Johnson will attend the next meeting at the end of April.

Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission and Open Space Committee –

There were no representatives present from either of these committees, but the minutes from the last Open Space Committee meeting were noted.

Minutes-

Upon a motion from Judy Cousins, with a second from Meg Johnson, it was moved to approve the amended (3/21/05) Planning Commission meeting minutes from Wed., March 16, 2005.  The motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Other Business-

All Commission members received a copy of the letter from David and Lisa Carickhoff regarding the lagoon system under consideration for the Corinne Village development.

Adjournment –

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50PM.

____________________________                     _______________________

Suzanne Breiseth, Acting Secretary                     William Waddington, Chair