PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. with all members in attendance except Young and Stoneback. Also present were Planning Director Amanda Jensen, Zoning Administrator John Embardino, Engineer Brian Dillman, Solicitor Bruno, and Supervisor Bob Lammi. Joe Nixon was present representing the news media. Vice Chairman Ron Grandinetti convened the meeting and led those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - On motion by Rickert, seconded by Wilkins, and agreed by all, the minutes of the March meeting were approved as written.

JOSEPH I, L.P. – Rt. 248 & Corriere Road – Attorney Ted Lewis, owner John Joseph and Engineer Mark Hintenlang were present with preliminary plans for two retail buildings on the tract of land off of Rt. 248 and Corriere Road. Township engineer’s comments were reviewed. Applicant did not have any problems with the comments but discussed the traffic impact study that is required. It was noted that they could get the Walmart study if it was done within the last two years, and revise it for their count. Also, the intersection of Corriere Road and Rt. 248 is in Lower Nazareth Township and this is where the study should be forwarded. Information on the Rt. 248 and Northwood Avenue intersection should come to Palmer Township. Rickert stated she was not pleased with the landscaping of the area. She would like to see more than just a few trees. Hintenlang asked what the Commission would like to see, give some suggestions. He will put trees around the perimeter and will add trees to the north side. Rickert stated more than just trees, green plantings, ground cover, etc. Flowering seasonal landscaping to make it aesthetically pleasing. Commission members feel the same; there should be color, green besides trees. Jensen noted she would like to see a pedestrian crossing across from the southwest corner of the one proposed building to the northeast corner of the other proposed building. Applicant agreed to this as well as curbing along the full length of Building B to align with existing curbing and will also place depressed curb for handicap spaces.

Grube motioned to approve the preliminary plan subject to all noted comments as well as all engineer’s comments in their letter of April 7, 2004. There was discussion on what the Commission would like to review again with this plan such as the landscaping. At this time, Grube withdrew his motion and motioned to table action on this plan until such time as a landscaping plan is submitted for review. Wilkins seconded this motion. Attorney Lewis asked what they Commisison wanted to see, more of what. The applicant was told to submit a plan adding various landscaping plants, color plantings, ground cover, etc. Grandinetti called for a vote which was all yea.

HAY TERRACE SOUTH – Hay Terrace/Kathryn Street – Sal Panto, Representing Strausser Enterprises, Engineer Steve Pany and Realtor Ron McPeak were present with plans for a total of 32 dwellings on the property. Engineer’s comments were reviewed and the waivers were discussed. Pany stated they are withdrawing the waiver request for the 10 foot travel lane free of storm water during a 25 year storm which is required. All comments were read and Commission members feels that the sidewalks along Kathryn Street and Hay Terrace should be required. There are children in this area and this would better safety wise. Rickert asked if they were agreeable with making a voluntary contribution of $1,000 per dwelling unit for traffic improvements. Panto noted they spoke with township officials and are willing to upgrade the Kathryn Street storm water pipe, trench restoration, catch basins, etc. in this area. They feel they are able to do this project for a little under the $32,000, depending on the scope of the project. This needs to be defined, what exactly has to be done and what they are proposing. Pany needs to get a plan of the improvements to the township engineer before they appear before the Board of Supervisors for approval. There being no further questions or comments Grandinetti called for a vote. Rickert motioned to recommend approval by the Board of Supervisors for the Hay Terrace South Preliminary/Final Plan subject to all comments by the township engineer being satisfied in their letter dated April 7, 2004; that all waivers be recommended for approval except for the sidewalk requirement on Kathryn Street, and they are withdrawing the 10 foot travel lane request; and that the applicant supply the township engineer with a plan showing their proposed improvements to the Kathryn Street storm water project subject to the satisfaction of the township engineer and the work being completed by the applicant. Wilkins seconded this motion, and it was agreed by all.

PLANNING DIRECTOR UPDATE – Jensen informed the Commission that Melhem has officially withdrawn his plan.

Grandinetti welcomed Tony Rizzolino to the Commission as did the rest of the members.

Wilkins asked Lammi for the explanation of the active adult communities that were at the last Supervisors meeting. Lammi discussed this with the members.

On motion by Wilkins, seconded by Grube, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.