PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

The reorganization meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 with all members in attendance except Young. Also present were Planning Director Amanda Jensen, Engineer Brian Dillman, Solicitor Charles Bruno and Supervisor Liaison Robert Lammi. Sara Moustaff of the Express/Times was also present. Vice Chairman Grube opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the Pledge to the Flag. He then turned the meeting over to Temporary Chairman Robert Lammi.

Temporary Chairman Lammi called for nominations for Chairman. On motion by Rickert, seconded by Stoneback, Thomas Grube was nominated as Chairman. Nominations are closed on motion by Rickert and seconded by Grandinetti. A vote was taken and Thomas Grube was unanimously declared Chairman for 2006.

Lammi then turned the meeting over to newly appointed Chairman who called for nominations for Vice Chairman. On motion by Wilkins, seconded by Rizzolino, Virginia S. Rickert is nominated for Vice Chairman. Grube called for a vote to close nominations and a vote was taken. Virginia S. Ricker was unanimously declared Vice Chairman for 2006.

Chairman then calls for nominations for Secretary. On motion by Grandinetti, seconded by, Wilkins, Jo-Ann Stoneback was nominated for Secretary. Chairman then calls for a vote to close nominations and a vote is taken. Jo-Ann Stoneback was unanimously declared Secretary for 2006.

Chairman then calls for approval of the minutes of the December meeting. On motion by Grandinetti, seconded by Stoneback, and agreed by all, the minutes were approved.

ROSS & JILL MC LENNAN – 4 GEORGE COURT – MINOR SUBDIVISION – DEADLINE – 04/09/06 - Wilkins noted he is going to recluse himself from this item as he is a neighbor and friend of the applicant and the outcome could have some effect on him in the future. McLennen noted he spoke with his engineer, Don Frederickson who noted the comments would be addressed. The applicant needs to get zoning approval for some items. McLennen explained to the Commission what he was proposing. Dillman then reviewed some comments from their engineering letter. Dillman noted the waiver/deferral requests have to be in writing to the township. Jensen pointed out that it is a wooded lot and we would want to see the mature trees maintained as much as possible. There is some scrub but the other mature trees should be maintained. The trees should also be shown on the plan. On motion by Rickert, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, the Commission voted to table this plan.

THE NORWOOD COMPANY – FAMILY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, et al – 2251 NEWLINS MILL ROAD – Final Land Development Plan - DEADLINE – 04/09/06 – Representatives were Paul Szewczak of Liberty Engineering, Inc. and Thomas Meagher from the Norwood Company. Szewczak noted they want to get going on this project and noted it is proposed to be a single story warehouse/manufacturing company. Grube then pointed out to the applicant that this Commission can not give any conditional use approvals without knowing what is proposed. Bruno noted that without knowing the use how can any type of approvals be given, depending on the use it could have an impact on traffic and other items in SALDO. Meagher noted it is either light manufacturing or warehousing, either way it meets with the zoning, and it will be fully sprinklered. Jensen noted that warehousing is not allowed in this district and manufacturing is a conditional use and it is a very broad aspect to have this Commission or Board of Supervisors try to make a fair determination. Szewczak stated they wanted to get started due to the fact that going through the process of a very timely matter. Jensen noted that typically this Commission and Board of Supervisors are not a long process. Szewczak noted that DEP is a very long process and needs to start the project. Rickert felt there are too many issues that need to be answered before any type of approvals could be received. Szewczak asked if the Board would accept a traffic study fee in lieu of a study? This is something the Board of Supervisors would have to consider. Rickert asked if they were considering continuing widening of Newlins Mill Road as there were two very large trees. This is something they are taking into consideration. The consensus of the Commission is that this is not a problem and the Norwood Company has been around and built various buildings in the township, but they definitely need to know the use. Bruno asked to confirm that there was no need to schedule a conditional use hearing and asked that a letter be sent in this regards. Szewczak agreed. On motion by Stoneback, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, the Commission voted to table action on this plan.

Planning Director’s Comments – Jensen spoke on the Dark Clause for the old Giant store on William Penn Highway. This clause ends on February 23 and there is a period of time that Weis Supermarket has to move in. They hope to be in and opened by Thanksgiving.

Jensen then thanked everyone for making a hard decision in regards to Commerce Bank and sticking to what they believed. Their feelings were mentioned numerous times and the Board of Supervisors felt the applicant completed what they needed to. Wilkins noted there are some hard feelings when some things don’t go our way but don’t get discouraged. We all care for our community that is why we serve on this Commission.

Lammi spoke on behalf of Supervisors noting they felt Commerce bank did a good presentation. This is the way the Board voted and they do listen to what this Commission says. Dillman spoke that he feels it is a little like what they do; they recommend and maybe the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors do not take their recommendations; but there are very few times this happens.

Lammi then spoke on the Norwood application. He can’t disagree with what the Commission did tonight but he doesn’t want new businesses to be discouraged by not being able to start a project. This is something that should be looked at. This may be the way the applicant needs to proceed.

PUBLIC COMMENT – None.

On motion by Wilkins, seconded by Stoneback, and agreed by all, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.