PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

JUNE 14, 2005

 

            The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. with all members except Rizzolino in attendance.  Also in attendance were Planning Director Amanda Jensen, Engineer Brian Dillman, and Supervisor Liaison Robert Lammi.  Chairman Young convened the meeting by leading those present in the Pledge to the Flag.  Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as written on motion by Grandinetti, seconded by Stoneback and agreed by all.

 

            THOMAS & ELLEN MOSKELLA – Thomas Moskella, Owner and his engineer Don Frederickson were present with plans to subdivide a parcel into 2 lots; one with an existing home and one for a buildable lot.  Frederickson is aware that they need a variance from the Zoning Hearing Board for relief for frontage.  There is one accessory structure on the one lot and they will have 32,000 sq. ft. on for the proposed new lot.    They will be taking down one garage.  The engineer’s comments were reviewed and it was noted that the item regarding the set backs should be 5 feet not 12.   Frederickson discussed the driveway apron stating that it would look like a street access instead of a driveway and will be asking for a waiver for this.  Young asked about the Zoning Administrator’s comment.   Jensen noted if the U shaped driveway connection was eliminated it should be removed and replaced with restriction. The applicant expressed his interest to keep the U shape driveway.   Dillman noted they would want to get cross easements in the driveway area.    The property line was discussed.  Frederickson asked the Commission their thoughts on the line, noting they would have to get a variance or just kink the line.  Members felt since they were going to the Board for the frontage relief ask for this also. If the Zoning Board does not grant the variance then they should go with the kinked property line.  Frederickson thanked the Commission for their input and will submit a plan in the future.

 

            ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – Young asked if all members read the cable ordinance amendment and if they were okay with it.    Jensen noted she had one comment for Bruno noting that there already is a “B” sub-section in Section #166.  There should be a numbering or lettering change.  Motion by Grube, seconded by Wilkins, with Wilkins noting that in the future the Supreme Court will be changing this; it was agreed by all to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors.  

 

            Waiver request – Michael Romanic – Young asked why this is before this Commission and not to the Board of Supervisors for a decision.  Jensen noted this is just an informational stage for this Commission and then it will be passed onto the Board to make their decision.  Young highlighted the history of these two lots.

 

            PLANNING DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS – Sketch flow chart planning process.  Need comments from Young and Lammi, Dillman and Jensen reviewed his comments.

 

            Young asked since the Commerce Bank request to the Zoning Hearing Board has been denied, why is the sign on the corner still there.  It needs to come down. 

 

            Wilkins asked if as much as possible could be e-mailed to the Commission.  He prefers that to mailings. 

 

            Stoneback asked about the sign at Magnetic Windings.  It is very large, and asked if it is legal.  It is an eye-sore.   It was noted that the colors were changed but it is still a large object in the area and not very nice for the area.

 

            Rickert noted she feels the traffic between William Penn Highway and Freemansburg is running smooth and the traffic pattern worked out well.

 

            Grube asked when the bike path behind Home Depot was going to be reopened.  It is ready but a fence needs to be installed and due to insurance purposes.   Lehigh valley sites need to get some papers filed and a few other items completed.  

 

            On motion by Rickert, seconded by Stoneback, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

 

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.