Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Call to Order: Vice Chair Steve Conary called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.

Members Present: Waddington, Conary, Mims, Johnson, Summers, Rafferty

Members Absent:   Breiseth

Announcements: Conary announced that the Open Space Referendum passed with a 3 to 1 margin and that voter turn out was very good for a primary election.

Shaftleins / Minor Subdivision: Mr. & Mrs. Shaftlein were present. Mr. Shaftlein said he had a informal meeting with Supervisor Hubbard and township engineer, John Fenn, to review the outstanding items on Fenn’s review dated January 11, 2006. Fenn suggested that the applicant get Seth Bacon to inspect the wetlands and other issues around the proposed driveway on this property. Mr. Shaftlein reported that Bacon had inspected the property and said there appears to be wetlands and high water tables on the proposed driveway and possibly Bog Turtle habitat. Mr. Shaftlein said they will most likely have to relocate the driveway to the north on the higher property. Conary noted that site distance was an issue with the driveway entrance. Mr. Shaftlein said several trees may be an issue with site distance, but, preserving the trees at the driveway entrance is a priority. Mr. Shaftlein said he hopes to be back with a revised plan in the near future.

Scaleby Farm Subdivision: Jim Fritsch, Regester Associates, Inc. and Scott Megill, Megill Homes, Inc. were present. Fritsch said there is one item on Fenn’s review letter dated May 10, 2006 that would pertain to planning with this subdivision. Fritsch said the applicant will need to go back to the Supervisors to determine what will be the best solution for the Locust Grove Road and Route 52 intersection. Conary said improving sight distance at the Northwest corner of the intersection and a deceleration lane for vehicles traveling south on Route 52 are necessary and that there are three possibilities at this intersection for traffic north-bound on Rt 52:

1) PECO moves gas line to allow for a right side run-around lane for vehicles turning left on Locust Grove Road.

2) No changes at the intersection, but improvements to signage on Rt 52 approaching the intersection and improvements to visibility between entrance to Courts of Longwood and Locust Grove Road.

3) Take out evergreen trees on west side of Route 52 and put in a left-turn lane.

Conary said he would be in favor of choice 1 and not in favor of choice 3. Summers said he would like to see the costs of moving the gas line for a right side run-around lane for vehicles turning left onto Locust Grove Road. Fritsch said he would pursue getting a figure on the costs. Fritsch said Fenn had requested a bridge to cross over the wetlands to connect the trails that pass through the property. Fritsch agreed that the plans will be updated with the 16 items on Fenn’s review letter before the applicant requests final plan approval from the Board of Supervisors. Fritsch agreed to this request.

Motion:

Mims moved, Conary seconded to grant final conditional approval to the Scaleby Farm Subdivision, drawn by Regester Associates, Inc. last revised 3/30/06 with the following three conditions:

1) All items in John Fenn’s review of May 10, 2006 satisfactorily addressed.

2) Approval by the Supervisors for the intersection plan of Locust Grove Road and Rt 52.

3) All county agency approvals, Chester County Health Department and Conservation District, and DEP.

Motion carried with all in agreement.

 

Brenda White Farm / Sketch Plan: Jim Fritsch, Regester Associates, Inc., Tom and Frank Pancoast were present to discuss a sketch plan dated 5/17/06 for the Brenda White Farm. Several residents from that area of the township were also present. Fritsch said the farm consists of 117.7 acres located off of Bragg Hill Road and bordered on the north by the Brandywine Creek. The property currently has an existing house, barn, and two accessory structures. Fritsch said the property is zoned RA, and the applicant is presenting a plan for the Cluster 1 development option which would include 60% open space. Fritsch said each lot has a minimum of 4 acres and 70.6 acres of proposed open space. Fritsch said the applicant is proposing a barn and indoor riding arena in proposed open space ‘A’. Fritsch said the proposed roadway on the plan is less than 1,600 feet in length. Conary said Bragg Hill Road is a substandard road. The PC discussed with the applicant the access issues associated with this property, and the increase in traffic that would be placed on a substandard road. The PC questioned whether the neighboring Sullivan property could be subdivided at a later date adding more congestion to Bragg Hill Road. The PC noted that the driveway serving the Sullivan property lies on the White Farm property and this issue would have to be addressed. Fritsch suggested a site walk to develop additional ideas for this property. It was agreed that 2:00 p.m.on Sunday, May 21^st was suitable for most of the PC members. Waddington asked if the applicant was planning to put the open space in a conservancy easement. The applicant said he was considering this option.

Open Space Committee: No report.

Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission: No report.

Minutes of April 19, 2006: Conary moved, Rafferty seconded to approve the PC minutes of April 19, 2006 as amended. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Conary adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

_________________________                                   ________________________
Karen J. Eckard, PC Secretary                                     Steve Conary, Vice Chairman