PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2004

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. with all members except Stoneback present. Chairman Young convened the meeting by leading those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING – On motion by Grandinetti, seconded by Rizzolino, and agreed by all, the minutes of the October meeting were approved.

ESTATES AT NORTHWOOD – Don Frederickson, engineer for the developer was present to review the proposed housing development plan off of Northwood Avenue. This plan consists of 17 single family dwellings, two already existing. Frederickson noted the developer would like to meet with the Board of Supervisors to discuss the storm water detention pond. He noted that they would need the Board’s cooperation with this project as far as acquisition of right-of-ways. There is a “non-professional” built pipe into a box for water runoff, which is clogged and whenever there is a rain storm the area gets flooded. Frederickson noted Pugliese would like to update this system but is having a difficult time with the property owner. He would like the township’s cooperation with this. Supervisor Lammi noted Pugliese had met with the Board in regards to this water system and noted the Board was in agreement with the overall concept of this water system. Dillman noted that the developer was proposing the piping system instead of the detention pond as there was rock in the area. Engineer’s letter was discussed. The waivers/deferrals are to be formally submitted in writing. Applicant is to discuss the existing dwellings setbacks, which will now be front yard. This setback can be decided by the Zoning Officer. There was much discussion on the existing trees and which will be removed. Frederickson noted the existing tree row, which consists of mostly scrub trees, will be removed since it is in the grading area of the proposed new roadway. The applicant must follow the township ordinances on grading and this is in the SALDO. Frederickson also noted they will try to save the more prominent trees but added that they will be replacing trees in a 3 to 1 ratio.

There was further discussion on sidewalk/curbing for the development. The applicant is asking for a deferral of the sidewalks and curbing along Northwood Avenue. The Commission was divided on their feelings on this topic some noting it would be good in a safety perspective for children to be able to stand for a bus stop on sidewalk since Northwood Avenue is a very busy roadway, while others feel there is no sidewalk/curbing on the complete roadway and other places in the township children wait for school buses and walk busy roadways. This will be decided by the Board of Supervisors. Applicant is going to pay the recreation fee in lieu of land as there is no land to give and engineer felt he was willing to do a voluntary contribution for traffic improvements of $1,000 per dwelling. On motion by Rickert, seconded by Wilkins, and agreed by all, the Commission agreed to table action on this plan.

ZONING AMENDMENT – Fencing Ordinance – Commission discussed this proposed change from the Zoning Officer. They feel the Board of Supervisors would like to see multiply change requests at one time instead of piecemeal. Lammi noted this request was due to residents having to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board for a fence installation. The ordinance now reads that fences shall be split-rail or wood picket-fence. Some residents would like to install vinyl or other types and it is not allowed. Commission would like to discuss this further but did feel this requirement should stay in the ordinance but have additional material type fences added. Jensen is to get with Embardino and discuss this.

OVERLAY DISTRICT – Jensen the reported on the overlay district in Bethlehem Township. She had spoken with their Planning Director Howard Kutzler and he noted they follow the base zoning unless the applicant chooses to use the benefits of the overlay. If the overlay is used, there are requirements that need to be met. The base zoning in the overlay district in Palmer is either HI or GC. Further discussion will take place in the future on this.

At this time Robert Lammi gave a presentation of the Brookings Report which had to do with development/progress/growth in Pennsylvania. It was a very informative presentation and there were questions and discussions at the end of the session.

Public Comment – Supervisor Lammi then discussed the flooding during the Ivan storm. When he was able he drove around and looked at the damage, flooding, washouts throughout the township to see what storm water systems worked. He also checked with the fire department to see where the pump jobs were at which areas in the township. He determined that the areas that had storm water systems designed years ago worked and the areas with no system, of course flooded. He noted it is very important to do the storm water work, as we are doing now, to help with water damage in the future.

On motion by Grube, seconded by Wilkins, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.