A beautiful part of southeastern Pennsylvania

September 4, 2007    September 17, 2007    September 24, 2007   CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING September 4, 2007 The first business meeting for September was held September 4, 2007 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin Kuhn, Chairman, Mike Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Paul Hogan, Charlie Philips, Hugh Willig, Mark Thompson, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list were present. Mr. Kuhn called the meeting to order at 7:37 P.M. Announcements Mr. Kuhn announced that an executive session was held just prior to this evening's meeting to discuss real estate and legal matters. Citizens' Forum for Non-Agenda Items Bob Berry, Pickering Road, asked for an update on the Turnpike Slip Ramp. Mr. Kuhn responded that the Turnpike's website now indicates a start date in the Spring of 2008 and completion in the Fall of 2009. Approvals Minutes of August 6, 2007 Meeting Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2007 meeting, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. Four were in favor. Mr. Willig didn't vote as he wasn't present at that meeting. Treasurer's Report - August 1 - 31, 2007 Mr. Hogan moved to approve the August Treasurer's Report and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Accounts Payable Report - Operating Fund September 4, 2007 Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the September 4, 2007 Operating Fund Accounts Payable Report and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote, and all were in favor. Accounts Payable Report - Open Space Funds September 4, 2007 Mr. Philips moved to approve the September 4, 2007 Open Space Fund Accounts Payable Report, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Other Reports Mr. Hogan moved to accept the August monthly reports and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion. Mr. Willig asked if the Township can require permittees for fireworks displays to notify nearby horse farms before their events, as the noise spooks the horses. Mr. Alston said he could include this as a condition of the permit. Mr. Rodgers reported that the Valley Forge Sewer Authority estimated each member's percentage of use and proportional cost for the Wilson Station. He said the estimate must be amended, as it indicates Charlestown's share of the costs to be significantly higher than Tredyffrin Township's share, even though Tredyffrin will be responsible for 90% of the flow. Mr. Kuhn asked for the status of road paving this year, as the Board had indicated paving should be completed in June before the new contract period began, and while school was not in session. Mr. Alston said the contract ends July 1st each year and falls awkwardly in the middle of the summer, making it difficult to schedule work. He said next year he'd like to move the contract period back to May 1st to avoid this problem in the future. For this year, he said Pickering Road is the only major road to be resurfaced, and he was waiting for construction to be completed on several houses along that road so the trucks wouldn't damage the new surface. The other road to be paved is Green Lane Road, which needs significant repair. He said this work can be done without any road closing, and between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM without any disruption to school buses. Mr. Kuhn asked if Mr. Alston was still considering working on Rees Road, and Mr. Alston said he'll need to look at the budget and meet with Mr. Kohli to determine how much work can be done this year. Mr. Kuhn called the vote on accepting the monthly reports, and all were in favor. New Business Certificate of Appropriateness - Bob Berry Mr. Philips said Mr. Berry proposes to remove and replace a shed that was attached to a historic barn on the property at 1779 Pickering Road. The HARB recommended approval of the project. Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for Bob Berry, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Waste Hauling Mr. Kuhn said there have been recent complaints about waste haulers starting their rounds in the Township during the early morning hours. The present zoning ordinance applies to construction noise only, and doesn't specifically limit waste haulers' hours. Mr. Willig suggested they amend the noise ordinance to include hours of operation for haulers. Mr. Kuhn said enforcement is an issue, and suggested that the haulers sign a license agreement that limits their hours of operation. The Secretary said there was an issue with licensing due to a court case decision that ruled municipalities cannot require waste haulers to be licensed. Martyn Donald, Sycamore Lane, said that Chesmont Disposal is the company that has been disturbing him in the early morning hours and speeding away after pickups were completed. The Board determined that hours of 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. would be reasonable. With regard to the Recycling Ordinance, The Secretary said the 2006 grant application for the DEP's Performance Grant program for recycling is due Sept. 30th and the Township usually receives about $10,000 per year. New Act 101 requirements have become more stringent, however, and the Township now needs to update its Recycling Ordinance to continue receiving grant funding. Act 101 specifies that the Recycling Ordinance must require that all residents have waste and recycling service, with fines and/or penalties for noncompliance. Further, the Township must appoint a recycling coordinator, sponsor or participate in a program for recycling of special materials, sponsor a program to address illegal dumping and littering, have an education program, and a program of enforcement that periodically monitors participation, receives complaints and issues warnings. The Secretary said Charlestown complies with most of the requirements through its participation in the County's Household Hazardous Waste Program, a Roadside Cleanup on Earth Day, and educational articles in the township newsletters. A revised ordinance could address the remaining issues. The Board indicated she can forward the information to Mr. Thompson for review and recommendations for changes to the ordinance. Ordinance to Establish Minimum Regulations Applicable to Emergency Communications Systems Mr. Thompson described the proposed ordinance to establish minimum regulations applicable to Emergency Communications Systems and referenced the following items: Letter dated 8/17/07 from Tracy Keller to the Daily Local News requesting publication of the Legal Notice Proof of Publication from Daily Local News Letter dated 8/17/07 from Tracy Keller to the Chester County Law Library enclosing a copy of the proposed Ordinance Public Notice Draft Ordinance Mr. Thompson said this is a stand-alone ordinance that will be retroactive to all structures standing today. Where necessary, the installation of a booster system to amplify radio communications will be required to ensure that emergency responders' equipment will receive a strong enough signal to function properly. Mr. Kuhn asked if the Fire Marshal had any comments. Mr. Alston said the primary reason for the ordinance amendment is for the safety of Charlestown's emergency providers. The proposed ordinance was modeled after the ones in West Chester Borough, West Whiteland Township and others, and he's satisfied with the wording. Mr. Philips asked what the cost will be for those who must install the booster equipment. Mr. Alston said the typical cost range would be $2,000 - $3,000, perhaps up to $6,000 in some cases. Mr. Philips asked if all emergency providers use equipment that will work with the booster. Mr. Alston said yes, because they all use the 800 frequency, which is standard for emergency providers. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Ordinance #141-2007, and Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Hearing Phoenixville Region Comprehensive Plan Mr. Thompson opened the hearing for the Phoenixville Region Comprehensive Plan. The following exhibits were placed into the record: T-1 Act 247 County Referral to the Chester County Planning Commission dated 7/12/07 T-2 Transmittal Letter enclosing Draft Comprehensive Plan to Abutting Townships, the Charlestown Township Planning Commission and the Great Valley School District dated 7/12/07 T-3 Certificates of Mailing to Abutting Townships and the Great Valley School District dated 7/12/07 T-4 Public Notice T-5 Proof of Publication from Daily Local News for August 13 and August 20, 2007 T-6 Review comments from West Whiteland Township, dated 7/31/07 T-7 Review comments from the Chester County Planning Commission dated 8/21/07 T-8 Draft Resolution to Adopt the Phoenixville Region Comprehensive Plan T-9 Proof of Publications from Daily Local News advertising Planning Commission meeting dates, times and locations for 2007, including the date of the Region Comprehensive Plan review, dated 1/12/07 T-10 Draft Minutes from the Charlestown Township Planning Commission recommending Adoption dated 8/14/07 T-11 Phoenixville Region Comprehensive Plan Draft, June 2007 Mr. Willig said the Plan has been developed over several years among Phoenixville Borough, East Pikeland, East Vincent, West Vincent, Schuylkill and Charlestown Townships. Public comments were solicited during presentations by each municipality, and many constructive comments were received. The Plan is accompanied by an implementation agreement, which requires each member of the group to review its individual Comprehensive Plan and bring it into compliance with the Regional Plan within two years. He said Charlestown's Comprehensive Plan is close to compliance now and won't require many changes. Mr. Willig said that once the Regional Plan is adopted by all the members, any zoning ordinance changes from any municipality would undergo plan review by the regional group. A regional committee consisting of one member of each governing body and one member from each Planning Commission will be created to perform reviews. Which applications are to be reviewed is spelled out in the Regional Plan. In addition, each municipality would also have the option of referring any subdivision or land development plans it chooses to the group for review. The regional group would have an advisory status similar to that of the Chester County Planning Commission, and the review period would run concurrently with the CCPC's review. The only financial responsibility for each municipality will be for consultant review time. Mr. Kuhn asked if there is any downside to adopting the Regional Plan, and Mr. Willig said no. From the applicant's standpoint, there's no additional review time needed, and from the municipality's standpoint, the regional group's recommendations are advisory only. Being part of a regional comprehensive plan group also provides each municipality a defense from any requirement to provide for a use that is provided for elsewhere in the region. For example, since Charlestown Township has quarries, the other member municipalities would not have to provide for this use. Mr. Kuhn asked for the status of the other municipalities in the adoption process. Mr. Willig said no others have adopted the plan thus far, although the Secretary added many have scheduled their hearings to consider it during September. Mr. Willig said Schuylkill Township appears to be ready to move forward, with East Pikeland Township and Phoenixville Borough about a month behind. Mr. Thompson asked for the status of the implementation agreement, and Mr. Willig said it would be approved as part of the resolution to adopt the plan. Mr. Thompson said he reviewed the second draft of the agreement in April and it dealt with many of the previous issues. He wished to confirm that the draft he last reviewed is in fact the latest draft. Mr. Rodgers asked how a municipality can opt out of the agreement. Mr. Willig said the process takes about a year, and during that time, the municipality would be responsible for the ongoing costs of the group. He noted that the main reason to opt out would be if certain other municipalities did so. For example, without East Pikeland's participation, Charlestown would have no connection to Phoenixville Borough. The hearing was closed. Mr. Philips moved to adopt Resolution #685-07 adopting the Phoenixville Region Comprehensive Plan, subject to confirmation that the Solicitor has reviewed the most recent draft of the Implementation Agreement, and Mr. Rodgers seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Old Business Establishment of a Crime Tip Reward Fund/Program The Board continued discussion on the establishment of a crime tip reward fund in response to recent vandalism that has taken place in the Township. Mr. Kuhn said the Solicitor confirmed that the Second Class Township Code does include provisions for offering rewards leading to the conviction of a crime. He said Mr. Philips was the most vocal with concerns over how to establish a program that would be manageable from an administrative standpoint, and not be arbitrary in its determinations on what qualifies for a reward or who is entitled to it. Mr. Thompson said he checked other townships represented by his firm, and only West Whiteland Township has a crime stoppers program, which is handled on a case by case basis with their police department. They have an ordinance outlining the program which uses the same language as the Second Class Township Code. Mr. Philips said he'd support the program for crime on Township Property only, and would like to see a document drafted for review that would outline the program. Mr. Kuhn said he'll obtain guidance from the State Police. New Business - Continued Desfor Conservation Easement Funding Mr. Kuhn stated that the County has awarded a grant through the French & Pickering Creeks Trust in the amount of $426,000 and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for another $400,000 toward the purchase of a conservation easement for the 46 acre Desfor property at the corner of Merlin and Yellow Springs Roads. The Township's contribution toward this easement purchase would be $221,000. Mr. Philips moved to approve the expenditure of $221,000 from the Open Space Fund toward the acquisition of the Desfor easement, subject to a subrogation agreement from the Desfors' bank. Mr. Kuhn seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Authorize Advertising for Road Salt Bids to Open October 1, 2007 Mr. Rodgers moved to authorize advertising of the 2007-2008 Road Salt Bid for opening for October 1, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154, and Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Authorize MMO (Minimum Municipal Obligation) for Pension Fund for 2008 Mr. Rodgers moved to authorize funding the employee pension plan for 2008 in the amount of the minimum municipal obligation provided by Trustees Insurance, and including this amount in the budget for 2008. Mr. Hogan seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Census 2010 The Secretary explained that preparations are beginning for the 2010 Census, for which the Township works with the U.S. Census Bureau to provide them with address information. The Bureau allows for three participation options. Mrs. Csete explained that she participated in the process for the 2000 census, and the procedure looks very much the same for the upcoming census. She recommends the Township elect to take Participation Option #1, which is a full check by appointed Township employees of the address list provided by the Census Bureau for correctness and completeness. This option requires that the employees involved with the Census Bureau sign a confidentiality agreement with regard to the information the Bureau provides. Also, the Board of Supervisors is required to appoint a Program Liaison and the Program Reviewers. Mr. Hogan moved to select Participation Option #1, to appoint Linda Csete as Program Liaison and both Linda Csete and Jan Bird as Program Reviewers. Mr. Philips seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School. Respectfully Submitted, Linda Csete Township Administrator     CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING September 17, 2007 The second business meeting for September was held September 17, 2007 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Kevin Kuhn, Chairman, Mike Rodgers, Vice Chairman, Paul Hogan, Hugh Willig, Jim McErlane, Esq., Surender S. Kohli, P.E., Tom Comitta, Gary Bender, Linda M. Csete, Township Administrator, and those on the attached list were present. Mr. Kuhn called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Announcements Mr. Kuhn announced that this morning, he and Open Space Director Aliena Gerhard met with Fran Rupert of the DCNR, and Kim Burgess and Bill Gladden from the County to tour four properties that are under consideration for open space preservation. Citizens' Forum for Non-Agenda Items - None Approvals Minutes of Sept. 4, 2007 Meeting Mr. Rodgers moved to approve the minutes of the September 4, 2007 meeting, and Mr. Willig seconded. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Old Business - None New Business Presentation - TND Graphic Design Standards Mr. Allen introduced Jim Wentling to present his background in TND Planning. Mr. Allen explained that the Planning Commission is looking into the process that will be needed after the TND ordinance is adopted by the Board of Supervisors, and suggests forming a TND review committee to facilitate planning between the developer and the township on TND projects. The committee would need a consulting architect, and Mr. Comitta had recommended they consider Mr. Wentling. Mr. Allen explained that in the TND ordinance, basic design guidelines are included, but the next step is for the applicant to develop the more specific design manual itself. Mr. Wentling said he's been a registered architect for 27 years, and his 9-member firm has worked on residential projects from Massachusetts to Georgia and as far west as Iowa. They do a fair amount of TND work, but also do conventional projects. He said he's consulted for homebuilders in the past that were working under a set of design guidelines. He said he's available to act as consultant to the Township, and his role in the proposed committee would be to review the design manual submitted by the developer and provide feedback. Mr. Kuhn asked for confirmation that the architect would first review the Township's design guidelines, then the developer's more specific guidelines, and provide comments. The committee would have the final say. Mr. Allen agreed that this would be the process. He said the Planning Commission could fulfill this role but felt they weren't the right people, as you need individuals who are more familiar with the functionality and availability of materials and how they work out in the real world. The subcommittee will act as an interface to determine if the developer's manual meets the intention of the ordinance. They would settle the details up front, with a recommendation on the manual by the Planning Commission and final approval by the Board of Supervisors. In the next step, the detailed drawings are submitted with the building permit application. The committee would get involved again if there were changes needed. Mr. Motel said they were expecting the committee to meet twice a month, and to consist of five members, including one supervisor, one or two planning commissioners, the consulting architect, possibly Tom Comitta, and a representative of the community. Mr. Willig suggested that the process be written up so it's clear who is responsible for each step. Mr. McErlane asked for a description of the exhibits included with the proposed TND ordinance, and Mr. Comitta described them as follows: Exhibit A - General Design Principles Exhibit B - Manual of Written and Graphic Design Guidelines Exhibit C - Development Strategy Plan - showing all 5 TND districts Mr. Comitta said Exhibit D would include Perry Morgan's sketches that are being prepared for the October 9th Planning Commission meeting. Preliminary sketches will be shown to the Board this evening. They tie into Areas 1 and 2 of the TND District, and Mr. Allen said that they aren't specific in all details but provide an idea of what the Township wants. Mr. Motel added they received feedback from one of the developers at the September 11th Planning Commission meeting, who viewed the inclusion of these sketches favorably, saying that it provides them with good feedback on what the Township is looking for. Prior to a presentation by Perry Morgan of his TND Area 1 & 2 sketches, Mr. Comitta distributed information on LEED and energy efficient building, known as BLUER. Mr. Morgan showed the following sketches: Exhibit D, shows Whitehorse Road as a boulevard divided by a grass strip, with two lanes in each direction and angled parking along the sides. He said parallel parking could also be done. The road is flanked with retail on both sides with second floor offices. Total retail is 70,000 square feet, with 50,000 square feet of office space. The building on the south side of Whitehorse is built into the grade to act as a retaining wall, with two stories in front and one in back, along with parking. The building blocks the view of the cars from the road. Architectural Sketch #1 shows that the buildings have two "fronts" with parking in the rear. Architectural Sketch #2 shows the building proposed for the corner of Morehall Road and Whitehorse Road Overall sketch of Devault, showing a cut-through road that links Whitehorse Road to Route 29. Roads in the Spring Oaks area (Area #1) meander so as to discourage cut through traffic. He noted that the proposed TND is different from many others in that in Devault there is already an existing framework of roads to work from. Top View Sketch #1 shows the landscaping and roofs of the buildings shown in Architectural Sketch #1. It shows the main street feel and the character of the buildings, which are small in scale. One building could be used by an anchor store at 12,000 square feet. Top View Sketch #2 shows the top of the corner building, which wraps the corner in an "L" shape, and keeps in character with Charlestown. Top View Sketch #3 Top View Sketch #4 Architectural Sketch #3 showing the commercial area where the Post Office is presently located. Architectural Sketch #4 shows the municipal complex area and recreation area, with its buffer to the wetlands that are adjacent to Route 29. Sketch shows the buffer of the live-work unit area that provides a buffer from Devault Foods. Architectural sketch shows the single family live-work units that can have retail or office below with residential above. He said these could also be attached units. Parking for the units is in the back. Top view of Devault Village Sketch of the municipal area and recreation building. He said there can be a parking area nearby to link to the trail system. Mr. Morgan said the sketches feature sidewalks on both sides of the street, front porches, trails, and a lot of green space. Because of the undulating topography, many areas are naturally buffered from one another. Although the Fillippo parcel adjacent to Spring Oaks is close to the proposed Turnpike Slip Ramp, it's 65 feet above it and from the ground won't be visually intrusive. Attempts were made to create shared parking areas between uses to minimize asphalt. Sue Staas asked if the homes in Spring Oaks would be single family homes. Mr. Morgan said it will contain a variety of singles, townhomes and duplexes. Some will have alleys; some garages will be attached while others will be detached. There won't be a lot of any one type. The townhouses and duplexes will be positioned toward the inside of the site. Charlestown Park - Army Corps of Engineers Right of Entry Agreement Mr. Kuhn moved to ratify the execution of the Right of Entry Agreement for the Army Corps of Engineers to allow access to Charlestown Park for the abandonment of their Monitoring Well #MW-4, which will be filled in and capped. Mr. Willig asked if it was advisable that this abandonment take place, and Mr. Kuhn said yes, that this was the solicitors' opinion. The agreement includes a sentence that the process will be in accordance with Chester County Health Department regulations. Mr. Rodgers seconded the motion. Mr. Kuhn called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor. Hearings Traditional Neighborhood Development Ordinance Mr. McErlane opened the hearing for the TND ordinance and the proceedings were recorded by Tom Corcoran, Court Reporter. There was no testimony this evening. The hearing was continued to October 15, 2007, 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Altemose Curative Amendment Application Mr. McErlane opened the hearing for the Altemose Curative Amendment application, and the proceedings were recorded by Tom Corcoran, court reporter. Mr. Ryan continued cross-examination of Township Planner Tom Comitta. Mr. Tupitza also crossed, as he wished to incorporate Mr. Comitta's testimony into the hearing for Robal Associates. The Altemose and Robal applications being essentially similar in nature, he wished to do so to be expeditious. Following cross, Mr. Ryan indicated he would incorporate Mr. Tupitza's cross examination questions into the Altemose record as well. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Bender moved all exhibits into evidence. Mr. McErlane indicated that the hearing was now closed, subject to the receipt of either findings of fact or a brief by Mr. Ryan within 30 days, and a response by Mr. Bender within the following 30 days. Robal Curative Amendment Application Mr. McErlane opened the hearing for the Robal Curative Amendment application, and the proceedings were recorded by Tom Corcoran, court reporter. There was no testimony. The hearing was continued to October 15, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154. Other Business Small Equipment Rental Mr. Hogan indicated that employee Mark Cabot has been using his own lawnmower and other small equipment when performing work for the township, and that he should be compensated. The Treasurer suggested he provide an hourly rental charge, which Mr. Hogan suggested be $5.00 per hour. The Board members were in agreement, provided that any maintenance or replacement of the equipment would be Mr. Cabot's responsibility. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 P.M. The next meeting is scheduled for October 1, 7:30 P.M. in Room 154 of the Great Valley Middle School. Respectfully Submitted, Linda Csete Township Secretary     CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEVAULT FOODS 1 DEVAULT LANE, DEVAULT, PA 7:30 P.M. September 24, 2007 Present: Board of Supervisors: Kevin Kuhn, Chairman, Paul Hogan, Charlie Philips, Hugh Willig Planning Commission Members: Andy Motel, Chairman, Mike Allen, Vice Chairman, June Gorman, Michael Churchill, Rick Reis, Wendy Leland (arrived later) Also Present: Mark Thompson, Esq., Tom Comitta, Surender Kohli, P.E., Linda Csete Members of the Public Present: Tim Townes, Jack Loew, Eli Kahn, Eric Schrock, Tom Fillippo Call to Order: 7:00 P.M. Announcements - None Citizen's Forum No matters were brought forward at this time. Traditional Neighborhood Development Discussion Presentation by J. Loew & Associates - Tyler Griffin Tract, 22.4 acres Tim Townes and Eli Kahn presented 3 sketch plans for the Tyler Griffin tract at the corner of Charlestown Road and Route 29. Mr. Townes showed the following plans: 1. 150,000 sq. ft. Office Building under present B-1 Zoning The plan shows a single point of access from Route 29. No access is shown from Charlestown Road, but when PennDOT widens Charlestown Road, J. Loew & Associates will ask for them to re-grade the manmade slopes they placed along the property during previous road improvement work, so they can plan for future access. The current plan requires no conditional use approvals. Mr. Kahn described the proposed building as similar to those J. Loew & Associates has built in Lionville and at the Commons @ Great Valley. This would be a three story building visible from the Turnpike that would be considered a prominent, high-end building. He said they have some users in mind that are looking for this type of location for a "signature" building, rather than being one of many companies in an office park. 2. Age Restricted Residential Plan The Plan shows 14 buildings with 18 units per building for a total of 252 residences. Group facilities are shown at the back of the site, which maintains about 50% green space. The buildings would be three stories with garages underneath. Building materials would include stucco, brick and plank, and would feature peaked roofs, porches and columns to make it residential in appearance. Mr. Motel asked if the access on Route 29 can be moved to line up with the proposed connector road from the TND, and Mr. Townes said yes. Mr. Townes indicated they could do this type of development with 175 townhouses with a TND-like design. 3. Residential Plan - Non Age Restricted showing 175 units This was an older plan that Mr. Townes had shown in the past. He said this plan could be done with 115 units. Mr. Kahn said a new concept that allows for more diversity in the community is a plan that is "age targeted" but not restricted. They estimate only 10-11 school children in this community. Mr. Churchill asked for the difference in traffic volume, and Mr. Townes said the office building would generate 1,652 trips per day rather than 650 for the age restricted plan. The non-age restricted plan would only be slightly more than 650. Mr. Townes circulated a handout Comparison Analysis that compares data on tax revenue generation and traffic for the first two plans. Mr. Kahn said a residential development would support the shops and restaurants in the TND 24-7, as compared to an office building which would bring business in primarily at lunchtime. Mr. Kuhn said he was disappointed with the densities proposed for either sketch plan #2 or #3, questioning if this equates with the cost of constructing the office building. He said the increased traffic of the office park is still not a large impact on the area. Age restricted residential density was set by the supervisors at 2.25 units per net acre, and he has a hard time justifying any increase over that. Mr. Townes said they wouldn't be able to do any residential plan with less than 100 units, and if the Board would give them a number in that area they could see whether they could make it work. Mr. Philips said he might be agreeable to 100 units but he would be amenable to an office building, too. Mr. Willig said they need to weigh both options further, and Mr. Hogan indicated he would prefer residential development on the tract. Mr. Kuhn said the Board will consider it further and get back to J. Loew and Associates. Approval Process Flowchart Mr. Comitta distributed copies of a flowchart he prepared to show the approval process for a TND submission. There was considerable discussion on where the new Design Review Committee comes in to the review process. The flow chart shows the committee coming in near the end of the process when the building permit and plans are submitted for review. Mr. Allen said the committee should be involved up front. It was determined that language will be added to the ordinance indicating that the best quality of materials is expected in the project, and the developer will be required to produce a draft design manual at the time of sketch plan submission at the beginning of the process. Township Building In response to Mr. Motel's question, Mr. Kuhn indicated the Board does want to include a municipal building in the TND, and that it must be large enough to accommodate a meeting room and its associated electronics. Mr. Motel asked about size, and Mr. Morgan said the building he included in his plans would include space for the township, a library, post office and police sub-station and include about 28,500 square feet. The township office portion would be approximately 10,000 square feet. Mr. Comitta said Morgan Township, Berks County recently researched this question, and the Secretary was asked to obtain a copy of the study. (Mrs. Leland arrived at this time.) TND Area 2 The following items were addressed. Roads - Mr. Comitta suggested that Mr. Morgan check with PennDOT on whether they will approve two mid-block crosswalks, as he's under the impression they will only permit one. Mr. Motel asked if Whitehorse Road should have two through lanes in each direction or only one. Mr. Comitta responded that he thinks it should be one lane, with a separate turning lane. Mr. Motel suggested that a road profile of the intersection be included in the ordinance. Mr. Morgan said he'd prefer parallel parking to angle parking along the sides of the road. Corner Building - Mr. Motel asked about the wraparound building shown at the corner of Whitehorse Road and Route 29, and the board was generally in favor of the design shown. Anchor Stores - With regard to the size for the anchor stores, the Board reached a consensus to increase this to two 15,000 square foot spaces. Active Recreation - Mr. Kuhn indicated that the Township would have the ability to maintain the proposed active recreation fields through the existing Parks & Recreation Board. He also suggested a small rest room building near the trail head. Signs - Mr. Comitta said he'd have information ready for the October 9th Planning Commission meeting. Parking - Mr. Morgan said more parking is needed near the trail head. Turnpike - Mr. Morgan will provide information on Penn State's cooperative program where they work with the state on stormwater management and bio design. Spring Oaks Connector to Fillippo Tract - The connector road was shown on one of Mr. Morgan's sketches. Mr. Comitta indicated that more buffering may be needed between the Fillippo tract and the closer set of live-work units. Entre Computer Tract - Mr. Comitta suggested this property and other smaller parcels near the TND areas be considered "context sensitive" and be given TND-like guidelines but allow additional uses for more flexibility, and give some relief from other TND requirements. Bike and Trail Network - Mr. Kohli confirmed that there is no possibility of a pedestrian path through the Turnpike tunnel over Route 29. The Board indicated their agreement that the bike and trail plan be included as an attachment in the TND ordinance. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Linda M. Csete Planning Commission Secretary

Home      Site Overview      Contact Us Please report any problems with this site by clicking here. Site development, maintenance and funding by Township resident Jacob D. Merriwether. Hosting by PLH Worldgroup Communications, Inc.