PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. with all members in attendance except Stoneback and Young. Also present were Planning Director Amanda Jensen, Engineer Brian Dillman, Solicitor Charles Bruno and Supervisor/Liaison Robert Lammi. Courtney Lomax of the Express/Times and Joe Nixon of the Morning Call were present for the media. Chairman Grube opened the meeting by leading those present in the Pledge to the Flag.

MNINUTES OF NOVEMBER MEETING – On motion by Rickert, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, the minutes were approved as written.

PALMER BUSINESS PARK – Nick Pugliese, developer and Andrew Woods of Finelli Consulting Engineers were present with plans for a proposed three story office building and a restaurant and parking area. This parking area could be used for both buildings and Jensen asked for a pedestrian connection. Pugliese did not have a problem with this and felt it was a good idea. Also discussed a vehicle shared parking area. Lots will have to be joined. Woods noted this is the way they are now but they will be consolidated the lots in the future. Engineer’s comments were reviewed. Zoning officer has determined that the swale is not a natural swale so applicant can disregard this comment. The driveway set back was discussed. Woods stated they would be requesting a waiver for this. Jensen stated that any waivers must be submitted in writing. Traffic pattern was discussed and Pugliese stated the one drive is just for egress, not an entrance. Pugliese stated he would like to have the pedestrian access across the roadway for safety reasons. Woods stated he would be requesting a waiver for the sidewalks along the property frontage on Corporate Drive and Kunkle Drive. Jensen stated they would do better with requesting a deferral, the Board of Supervisors typically does not grant waivers for this. Pugliese agreed with the voluntary traffic contribution. Dillman stated he and Woods can discuss the storm water items that they have questions on as well as any traffic comments. Any deliveries would be the office supply type, small office deliveries. As far as restaurant, Woods stated he would speak with the zoning officer on any restrictions for these deliveries. Departmental comments were reviewed and applicant does not have any questions or comments. No comments/questions by the commission members. All agree it is a good plan. On motion by Rickert, seconded by Wilkins, and agreed by all, the Commission voted to table action on this plan.

SCHAFER’S PLACE – Daniel Gray, Knight Engineering, Inc. was present with plans for Schafer’s Place on Berks Street along with other representatives. Township engineer’s comments were reviewed and they discussed the loop drive and the two way entrance off of Berks Street. Gray stated they added in landscaping and there will be a 15 foot wide planting strip. Applicant will be requesting a waiver of the 15 foot set back down to 10 or so. Jensen would like to see landscaping plan for density because of headlights going into homes in these areas. Dillman stated there should be the 25 foot buffer which is required. The buffer strip on the southern side would be a split up buffer. Jensen stated they should check the density of this buffer also for headlights. Dillman suggested berming in this area. Gray noted that the mailboxes would be installed and the dumpsters would be fenced in. Lighting plan to be submitted. Woods asked if the parking lot should have lighting to a certain candlelight. Asked what the Commission required. Dillman stated the Supervisors will make a decision if there is a change and that they should go by what the zoning ordinance requires. Discussed the street trees and the placement of them. Jensen noted we usually have the street trees between the sidewalk and the parking area to signify that they would be township street trees and to assure no one could cut them down. Gray noted there was not enough room?????? Gray stated they would like to give adjoining property owners the 25 foot of land – to each side of this strip of land but have an easement on this in case there would be a reason to use it for access into the development. Departmental comments were then discussed. Wilkins noted the fire department’s comments and questioned the width they need for their apparatus. Applicant will speak with Fire Commissioner on the two comments – the outrigger width needed and the drive width. Jensen pointed out the Shade Tree Commission comments and they are in agreement with them. Rizzolino stated he would like to see the shrubs that they proposed for the buffering area. Rickert questioned the 25 foot piece that will be vacated and feels it should be given without any future plans of an easement. The developer or future owner of the property would not have the easement agreement. Developer and Commission members agreed that this property should not have an easement attached to it. Grube called for a motion. Wilkins motioned to table action on this plan. Rizzolino seconded this. Grube asked if there were any comments by audience members.

Chris Martin – 328 Berks Street noted that these properties are facing his home. He asked if they can face Berks Street and also stated that the two stories will overburden his home. Adjoining property owners had a verbal agreement with the prior owners of this tract that they were able to use their property for turn a-rounds. There will have to be some concessions made.

Grube then called for a vote. Vote was yea all.

PLANNING DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS –

Jensen stated that Weis Food Store is working on the old Giant store and noted they will open in the early part of 2007.

WaWa will be started after the sink hole is fixed.

Jensen stated that there have been some questions on the Zoning Board minutes in regards to Wolf’s Run IX and the allowance of the roadway in one of the flood plain area and not in the other. Questioned why this was done this way. She will check on this.

Bob Lammi discussed mailboxes in high density developments. He has seen a development that the developer was required to install the mailboxes so they are uniform and not so many different types. This is something that could be worked on for future.

Jensen thanked the Commission for a great job they did this year and sticking by hard decision that were made. She stated they have a great Commission and knows there are hard decisions that have to be made. Lammi stated he feels the same way and speaks for the Board of Supervisors. They are very pleased with the way things are going with the plans that have been before this Commission and pleased that they are dealing with planning.

Commission members thanked Jensen for her comments and feel the same as her. She also does a great job with dealing with the developers/engineers.

Grube wished everyone a Happy Holiday!

On motion by Rickert, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.