WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 2007

 

MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                  MEMBERS ABSENT

Jim Zeiters                                                                                         David Wingeard

Marlin Moyer                                                                                    Rick Bolt

Bill Ostermayer

Carol Buskirk

Gerald Longenecker

 

STAFF PRESENT

Robert Leonard, Zoning Administrator

Al Brulo, Township Engineer                                                           Brian Dickson, DCPC

 

OTHERS PRESENT

Chris Hoover                                                                                     Craig Bachick

Andrew Williams

 

I.               TO ORDER

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Zeiters. 

 

II.             ROLL CALL

 

              Noted by recording secretary.

 

III.           APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Longenecker to approve the April 26, 2007 regular  meeting minutes as amended.  (Add to page 2 that Mr. Wilson requested the plan be tabled until the June meeting.)  The motion passed unanimously.

 

IV.           PUBLIC COMMENT

 

V.          SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

A.             Conferral/Sketch Plan

 

B.             Preliminary and/or Final Subdivision/Land Development Plans

 

1.     #06.017 F/LD Summit Restaurant EAST – Mr. Hoover was in attendance to represent the plan. 

 

Engineering Comments: Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated May 17, 2007.

#6  The applicant shall provide a sidewalk easement for the sidewalk proposed as shown on the plan. 

#7A  The report states that the auto detailing business is not planned at this time, however it appears that approximately 280 feet of sight distance is available in each direction from this drive.  This is insufficient.  PENNDOT and Township sight distance criteria require approximately 390 feet of sight distance in each direction.  Exact requirements are based on the approach grades at the driveway.

#7B  A new sheet was provided for the auto turn analysis.

#8  The plan shows a level of 1.06 footcandles near the western property that exceeds the allowable 0.5 footcandles at the property line.  Revise the light fixture location so the level meets the ordinance requirements.

#9  During the April Planning Commission, the applicant stated that they will analyze the feasibility of working with the receiving property owner to direct drainage north along Harper Drive to an existing cross-pipe under Jonestown Road.  This would likely require an easement and additional E & S.  Add note regarding cooperation with Harper Drive development.

 

Zoning Comments:  Mr. Leonard presented comments from his report dated May 17, 2007:

#2  Limits of disturbance on grading and E & S plans can be tightened up in northeast corner.

 

EAC Comments:  Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC comments dated May 11, 2007:

#1  Landscape plan shows three trees that are to be preserved.  These should also be shown on the grading plan, and E & S plan along with measures to protect them during construction, i.e. showing fencing placed on the drip line to prevent root damage.  This must be placed early in the construction sequence.

Chapter 168 #1 The Landscape plan has a note regarding the use of water quality plantings within the drainage easement and infiltration area, however, this should be shown on the plan with hatching in those areas.  The maintenance notes on the plan should say these areas will not be mowed.  The notes on the BMP must be consistent with the approved post construction stormwater plan.

 

Motion #1

Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Longenecker, to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.     Section 173-11A Preliminary plan requirements

2.     Section 173-37A Dedication of parkland

3.     Section 173-11B(2)(c) Driveway profile provided at specified scale

The motion passed unanimously.

 

Motion #2

Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Longenecker to recommend approval of final subdivision/land development plan #06.017 Summit Family Restaurant, East, tax parcel #68-024-142, 139, 120 & 074 contingent upon:

·       Approval of waivers by BOS

·       Approval of the E & S Control Plan by DCCD

·       Approval of the sewage planning module by DEP

·       Submission of an improvement guarantee and execution of agreements

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township staff, Township Engineer, and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances.

The motion passed unanimously.

 

2.     #07.002 P/SB/LD Evergreen Ridge – Tabled.

 

3.     #07.005 P/SB/LD Oak Grove Manor – Tabled.

 

4.     #07.006 F/SB Roger & Alice Cackovic – Tabled.

 

5.     #07.007 F/SB Olde Towne Hanover –Mr. Bachick was in attendance to represent the plan which combines 5 parcels and then re-divides them into 3 parcels, in preparation for a mixed use land development plan.

 

Mr. Brulo presented comments from his report dated May 17, 2007 as follows:

#6 The plan is located in West Hanover and East Hanover Townships and must be reviewed by each municipality.  Also, West Hanover should consider approving the plan conditioned upon review and approval of East Hanover Township.  After some discussion is was agreed that approval should not be contingent upon East Hanover Township approval, however, EHT should be offered the courtesy of comment.  A written release will be provided from East Hanover Township.

 

Mr. Bachick requested the sewage plan module postcard be sent in early.

 

Mr. Leonard presented comments from his report dated May 10, 2007 as follows:

#4 Request HOP for new lots, and add note access to be from internal system of land development plan to follow.

 

Mr. Dickson, DCPC, presented the following comments dated May 23, 2007:

#14 While there is no current plans to develop the Flood Plain area, the County advises the Township to impose appropriate deed restrictions on the land to protect the area.

 

Ms. Buskirk reviewed the EAC comments.

 

Motion #1

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer, to recommend approval of the following waivers:

1.     Section 173-11A Preliminary Plan Requirements

2.     Section 173-37 FILO

    The motion passed unanimously.

 

Motion #2

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of final subdivision plan #07.007 F/SB Olde Towne Hanover of Williams Holding Group; owner/applicant, tax parcel #68-024-088, 208, 094,116, & 096

Contingent upon:

·       Granting of waivers by BOS

·       Addressing outstanding review comments from the Township Staff, Township Engineer, and other reviewing agencies, boards and committees

·       Other items determined necessary by Township Ordinances.

The motion passed unanimously.

 

6.     #07.008 P/LD Olde Towne HanoverMr. Bachick noted that this plan develops the parcels combined in the minor subdivision plan.  The purpose of the plan is to have a mixed residential/non-residential use on about 23.9 acres in the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District. 

 

Mr. Brulo presented the following comments dated May 17, 2007:

#1E  Identify all areas that may need a waiver such as brick pavers, no turnarounds on alleys, infiltration beds under roads, angled and 90 degree parking on streets, etc.

#28  Provide a Traffic Impact Study

#48  Emergency services needs to review the plan for internal circulation and suitability of the location the emergency access and type of emergency access materials and curbing.

#49  Provide a warrant analysis for any proposed guide rail along roads or alleys.

 

Mr. Leonard presented the following comments dated May 13, 2007:

#4  Identify Township as adjacent property owner by Spruce Street, if applicable.

#7  More clearly define the EPOD’s on the north side in relation to the proposed wall.

#17  Roll curb detail on sheet 27 doesn’t look like roll curb.

Show and note sidewalks and pedestrian paths.

 

Mr. Dickson’s comments were administrative in nature.

 

Ms. Buskirk noted the EAC comments dated May 11, 2007.  Mr. Kretzing addressed the parking questions.

 

Motion

Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Moyer to table plan #07.008 P/LD of Olde Towne Hanover pending outstanding staff and engineering comments.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

VIII.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    #2007-01 Rezoning Request, Jeffrey T & Sandra Fister/Barry & Sandra Marlin – Mr. Leonard reported that the Fister’s 5.01 acre parcel is located north of the PENNDOT maintenance shed at the intersection of Jonestown Road and Blue Ridge Avenue.  The parcel has road frontage along Blue Ridge Avenue, and currently has a small contracting business on it.  The Marlin’s two parcels equate to 1.05 acres to the west of the PENNDOT maintenance shed.  These parcels have minor road frontage on Allentown Boulevard and currently has a small mixed use office building on it.  The owners are asking to have the properties rezoned from Business Enterprise (BE) to Commercial Highway (CH). 

 

Chairman Zeiters noted that this request was presented previously.  Mr. Moyer expressed his concerns regarding spot zoning.  Mr. Leonard noted that DCPC Comments did not favor changing the zoning.  Mr. Dickson explained that the County would prefer that West Hanover Township change the Comprehensive Plan first.  Ms. Buskirk noted she missed voting on the last change request, but didn’t support the change due to environmental concerns.  Mr. Longenecker expressed his concerns about the Comp Plan vs Zoning. 

 

Motion

Mr. Longenecker moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to recommend approval of Rezoning Request #2007.01 Jeffrey T & Sandra Fitser/Barry & Sandra Marlin, 7045 Blue Ridge Avenue and 7050 Allentown Boulevard from BE to CH.  The motion passed 4-1 with Ms. Buskirk voting nay.

 

A public hearing will be scheduled with the Board of Supervisors.

 

B.    #2007.02 Text Amendment – James P Diffendal, Double K Tavern – Mr. Leonard  reported that the applicant is requesting a text amendment to allow self storage units in the Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District.  There was considerable discussion of uses in the NC Zoning District and the limits for conditional uses. 

 

Chairman Zeiters noted he remembered the Hanoverdale issues.  If approved, a land development plan would be required, which will affect the bar upgrades.  Ms. Buskirk remembered the last rezoning discussion limiting size.  Ron Curcillo and Jim Diffendal answered questions – and stated it is designed for a small scale, quiet type of business, which they feel does fit Township needs.  Mr. Longenecker noted he has used storage facilities and they do support neighborhoods.  Mr. Marlin expressed his concerns with the over-expansion of this type of business.  Mr. Leonard reviewed the Conditional Use requirements.

 

Motion #1

Mr. Ostermayer moved to recommend the use as a permitted use in the NC Zoning District.  The motion died due to lack of a second.

 

Motion #2

Ms. Buskirk moved, seconded by Mr. Longenecker to table the request for further information and consideration of conditions.  The motion passed 4-1 with Mr. Ostermayer voting nay.

 

IX.           OLD BUSINESS

 

X.             OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

 

A.          Memo from Manager – Amendments to Zoning Ordinance – The memo was discussed and noted that the BOS would like the PC to consider minor amendments to airports and accessory apartments for later revision.  Further discussion will occur at the June 13 workshop meeting.

 

XI.           ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

NOTE:  Meeting transcribed from notes – due to technical difficulties of recording equipment.