WEST HANOVER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

7171 ALLENTOWN BOULEVARD, HARRISBURG, PA  17112

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007

 

MEMBERS PRESENT                                                                  MEMBERS ABSENT

Jim Zeiters       

Carol Buskirk  

Bill Ostermayer

Rick Bolt

Marlin Moyer

Gerald Longenecker

David Wingeard

 

STAFF PRESENT

Robert Leonard, Zoning Administrator

Al Brulo, Township Engineer                                                           Jason Finnerty, DCPC

 

OTHERS PRESENT

Bill McCahan                                                                                     Larry Hartman

Cathy Pierich                                                                                     Rob Shaffer

Larry Hatter                                                                                       Craig Bachick

Pat Cassel                                                                                          Roger Cackovic

Drew Williams                                                                                  Tom Wilson

Linda Turns                                                                                        Bob Jones

Bud Grove                                                                                          Chris Scott

Justin Kuhn                                                                                        Mark Cummings

Nathan Crawford                                                                               Todd Wilson

Rich Hart                                                                                            Mr. Peifer

 

 

I.           CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman

 

II.              ROLL CALL:  Noted by Secretary

 

III.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES:      Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk to approve the August 23, 2007.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

IV.            PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Chris Scott, 253 Berkstone Drive  - Mr. Scott thanked Mr. Leonard for letting him know that the Harper Drive Motel plan was tabled for the evening.  Mr. Scott stated that there will be at least 300 residents at the next meeting along with the news media.

 

Mr. Ostermayer read the following statement into the record:

 

1.          I want to go on record that I am 100% AGAINST this Hotel in a RESIDENTIAL Development area!  This is NOT in the best interest of the people of West Hanover Township! Nobody in their RIGHT mind would put a Hotel in a Residential Area!  I think it is high time the Supervisors bite the bullet and change the (Land use ordinance) back to Residential!

2.          If this Hotel goes through and gets built in this Residential Area, I personally would like to see the Supervisors take FULL Responsibility for the damages that will be caused by MILDEW growing on their houses, and the lack of SUNLIGHT for people to stay healthy.  I think it’s insane and I plan to do all I can to keep this Hotel out of this Residential area!!  Thank you!!

 

V.          SUBDIVISION/LAND DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

 

A.             Conferral/Sketch Plans

 

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

 

1.     #06.008 F/LD Townes at Briar Creek – tabled (12/18/07)

2.     #07.002 P/SB/LD Evergreen Ridge, Classic Communities – tabled (12/8/07)

3.     #07.005 P/SB/LD Oak Grove Manor, Diocese of Harrisburg (10/5/07) – Tom Wilson and Justin Kuhn were in attendance to represent the plan.

 

Mr. Brulo reviewed comments from his report dated 9/20/07:

Mr. Brulo stated he is most concerned with the roadway comments.

#6A There are multiple proposed driveways that have deficient sight distance along Sterling Road and Oak Grove Road.  These proposed driveways need to provide the adequate sight distance based on the SALDO.

#6B The developer is not mitigating their traffic impact at Allentown Blvd and Oak Grove Road, however the developer is proposing a fair share contribution to the future signalization of this intersection.

#7 Complete grading of the swale is required on the plan.

#11A The final grading of each lot is required to be shown on the preliminary plan.  Also provide first floor elevations for each proposed structure.

#11B A phasing plan and schedule are required.

 

Mr. Leonard presented comments dated 9/18/07:

#2 Did not see street lights at intersections with Oak Grove Road or close by.  Light symbol not in the legend.

#3 Submit state HOP application

#5In pre-app discussions, this project was warranting a traffic light at Oak Grove Road and Allentown Blvd.  Now this developmental impact is only about 3%, is this correct?

#6 Split loop road “A” into two road names.  Submit road names to county 911 for ok, in their system.

 

Ms. Buskirk presented the following EAC comments:

#2 Consider using porous pavers or other porous materials on driveways to assist in infiltration or stormwater runoff.  Mr. Wilson expressed concern that homeowners will seal the driveways making them no longer porous.

#2 Stormwater: Infiltration beds are to be provided on each lot.  EAC recommends rain gardens.

#4 The inlet and outlet on the south side of the stormwater basin appear to be too close together.

 

Mr. Bolt asked that a note be placed on the plan that the driveways must front as shown on the plan. 

 

There was considerable discussion regarding the roadway, traffic problems and lack of a grading plan.

 

MOTION: Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Wingeard to tabled the plan due to outstanding staff and engineering comments, contingent upon submission of a written time extension.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

4.     #07.006 F/SB Roger & Alice Cackovic (Action by10/3/07) –Rob Shaffer was in attendance to represent the plan.. There was some question last month that need the solicitor’s opinion.  Mr. Yost provided an agreement which Mr. Leonard read into the minutes (a copy is attached).  The solicitor agreed it was ok to continue with review of the plan, however the agreement is to be recorded between the owner and the township stating no structure shall be built unless a road is constructed to township standards.

 

Mr. Brulo asked if the current plan needs to show the road can be built? And does that issue go away with the agreement?  Mr. Bolt wanted the cartway included not just the ROW. 

 

Mr. Leonard noted a time extension has been granted until November 7, 2007.

 

MOTION: Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk to table the plan until resolution of the roadway issues and what needs to be shown on the plan.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

5.     #07.012 P/LD Harper Drive Sleep Inn (11/21/07) – Tabled per applicants request.

 

6.     #07.013 F/LD Revised Klein Dentistry – (12/26/07).  Mr. Crawford was in attendance to represent the plan.  Mr. Crawford stated the purpose of the plan is to remove the Phase II portion of the plan.  This is necessary to have the escrow released.

 

Mr. Brulo noted his comment were administrative in nature.

Mr. Leonard stated he had no additional comments

Ms. Buskirk noted the EAC had no comments.

 

MOTION #1: Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk to recommend approval the following waivers:

1.              173-12 Preliminary plan requirements

2.              173-37B Open Space

3.              173-37B Exemption from land dedication and waiver of FILO

The motion passed unanimously.

 

MOTION #2  Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Ms. Buskirk to recommend approval of plan #07.013 F/LD Revised Klein Dentistry contingent upon:

·       Approval of sewage planning module exemption from PA DEP

·       Providing an improvements guarantee for sidewalks and infiltration area

·       Approval of waivers by BOS

·       Incorporating Township engineers and staff review comments

·       Others items as determine necessary by township ordinances

The motion passed unanimously.

 

7.     #07.014 P/SB Bella Vista Business ParkTodd Wilson and Rich Hart were in attendance to represent the plan.  Mr. Wilson explained that this is an 8 acre lot on the north side of Rt. 39.  Seven lots are to be created for business use in the IE Zoning District. 

 

Mr. Brulo presented his comments dated 9/20/07:

#4 Continued coordination is needed to confirm that the area offered as dedicated ROW along Rt. 39 is consistent with the plans being prepared for PENNDOT.

#20 Clearly callout which structures will be demolished and a schedule.  Provide the area of disturbance on the E & S Control plan.

#29 We recommend the Township consider requesting the applicant to enter into an agreement to provide a contribution towards the Exit 77 improvements.

 

Mr. Leonard presented his comments as follows:

The PSAB recommends the driveways for each lot be aligned directly across from each other.

#1 All EPODS must be identified by metes and bounds.

#2 Limits of disturbance on E & S sheet 9 not found

#4 Add note about screening in buffer areas of Lot 7

 

Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC Comments:

#1 EAC recommends interior planting islands of native plants.  Mr. Wilson stated the plan design is to accomplish the same goal.

#2 Consider using porous paving for Tuscany Drive.  Mr. Wilson stated that road is to be dedicated to the Township and must be to township standards.

 

MOTION: Mr. Wingeard moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer to table plan #07.014 P/SB of Bella Vista Business Park due to outstanding staff and engineering comments.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

VI.            OLD BUSINESS

 

A.             SALDO Updates – tabled

B.             Zoning Ordinance – Review of farm animals – tabled

 

VII.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.    Rezoning Request #2007.04 –Hatter/Hall property Allentown Blvd – Mr. Hatter was in attendance and gave a brief history of the property.  Mr. Hatter desires to have the property rezoned back to CH from BE.  Recently the Fitser and Marlin properties (adjoining properties) were rezoned to CH.

 

Considerable discussion took place on how much actual buildable area there would be on the property due to environmental restrictions.  Mr. Leonard noted that some of the EPODS are man made however, it will still be a challenge to develop.

 

MOTION: Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Wingeard to recommend approval of rezoning request #2007.04 of Mr. Hatter and Mr. Hall from BE to CH.  The motion passed 6-1 with Ms. Buskirk voting nay.

 

B.    Rezoning request #2007.05 Hulstine Property on Hershey Road – No one was in attendance to represent this request.  Mr. Leonard stated the applicant desires the property to be rezoned from R1 to NC.  Mr. Peifer of 621 Hershey Road (adjoining property owner) wondered how this change would impact his property. 

 

After considerable discussion it was agreed to leave the zoning as it currently is.

MOTION: Mr. Moyer moved, seconded by Mr. Longenecker, to recommend denial of rezoning request #2007.05 Hulstine of Hershey Road and have the property remain at R1.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 

VIII.        Preliminary and/or Final Subdivision/Land Development Plans (Con’t)

 

8.    #07.008 P/LD Olde Towne Hanover (10/20/07-Craig Bachick and Justin Kuhn were in attendance to represent the plan.

 

       Mr. Brulo presented comments dated 9/20/07:

       #1E Provide justification for the Minimum distance between intersections waiver.

       #1G Provide a geotechnical analysis of the feasibility of infiltration under the roads

       #1I On street parking wavier – May not be needed. Provide an analysis of the impact of angled parking on the streets relative to safety and sight distance.

       #3 Now that the sight distance table has been included, the required sight distance is not available for a number of residential units and intersections. 

       #4 Submit a revised traffic impact study

       #6 Applicant has indicated that an application for a conditional letter of map revision will be prepared to address the floodplain discrepancy.

       #7 The center draining of the road is not acceptable.  There was considerable discussion pertaining to this issue.  After the concept was explained in detail, Mr. Brulo indicated he would be ok with it.  Mr. Longenecker has serious concerns with ponding.

 

       Mr. Leonard presented his comments dated 9/20/07:

       #1 Show watercourse and SPOD for southern strip between wetlands, and beyond?

       #2 Submit copy of map change application for floodplain map revision.

 

       Ms. Buskirk presented the EAC Comments:

       #2 Was the E & S plan submitted to DCCD?  Mr. Bachick indicated the first phase has been approved.  The wall design will come in with the final plan submittal.  Mr. Brulo indicated he had not yet seen the wall design.

       Ms. Buskirk asked that Mr. Brulo confirm the steep slopes on the site.  Mr. Leonard agreed to talk with Mr. Brulo regarding the area in question.

 

       MOTION #1

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

1.     Section 173-25E(3) Intersection curve radii

2.     Section 173-25F(10) Vertical curbs

3.     Section 173-25C(1) Street and right of way width

4.     Section 173-27 Sidewalks and pedestrian paths

5.     Section 173-25E(4) Minimum distance between intersections

6.     Section 173-25G(2) Permanent turnarounds

7.     Section 173-25F Infiltration beds under the roadways.

8.     Section 173-25C(2) Street parking

9.     Section 173-25F(2) Roadway wearing surface

10.  Section 173-37 Parkland dedication

The motion passed with Mr. Bolt and Mr. Longenecker abstaining and Mr. Moyer voting nay.

 

MOTION #2

Mr. Ostermayer moved, seconded by Mr. Wingeard to recommend approval plan #07.008 P/LD Olde Towne Hanover contingent upon:

·       Recording of Final Subdivision plan prior to BOS action on Land Development Plan

·       Granting of waivers by BOS

·       Approval of floodplain map revisions

·       Address of all outstanding staff and engineering review comments.

The motion passed with Mr. Bolt and Mr. Longenecker abstaining and Mr. Moyer voting nay.

 

IX.        NEW BUSINESS (con’t)

 

C.             Text Amendment #2007.03 – JBB Enterprises NC changes  - It was noted that the applicant was not in attendance.  Mr. Grove explained the amendment based on the information he had. 

 

Mr. Leonard reviewed the memo presented by the applicant and noted that better definitions were intended.  There was considerable discussion on this change would effect all other NC Zoning Districts.  There was also discussion on making the area residential as opposed to making changes to the NC Zoning.

 

Chairman Zeiters recommended wording be changed to allow SFD and duplexes only with density similar to R2. 

 

MOTION: Mr. Bolt moved, seconded by Mr. Ostermayer, that the changes are ok in concept, with some re-working from the Zoning Officer to be presented at the next PC meeting.  The motion passed with Ms. Buskirk and Mr. Longenecker voting nay.

 

X.             ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION

 

A.          Scheduling of Meeting RE: Transportation plan updates:  It was agreed the public meeting would be held on November 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. during the PC workshop.  Staff was direct to advertise the meeting as a public meeting.

 

XI.       ADJOURNMENT

 

              The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.