PALMER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008

The regular monthly meeting of the Palmer Township Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 with all members in attendance except Rizzolino, Rickert and Young. Also in attendance were Planning Director George Kinney, Solicitor Charles Bruno, Engineers Brian Dillman and Brian Harman and Supervisor/Liaison Robert Lammi. Chairman Grube called the meeting to order with the Pledge to the Flag. Grube welcomed George Kinney, our new Planning Director.

MINUTES OF THE MARCH MEETING – On motion by Wilkins, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, the minutes of the March meeting were approved as written.

VICTOR RICCI – Park Avenue – Sketch Plan – Victor Ricci and his son Brian were present with a sketch plan of what they are proposing for their property. They are the owners of Park Avenue Market and property which includes the all Seasons Recreational Vehicle business. Ricci noted his lot is approved for two uses and would like to make it a four use lot. Asked why this is a planning and not a zoning issue. Bruno explained the procedure to him and what is required for a zoning issue and/or a planning issue. Ricci stated he was looking for feedback from the planning members as well as the engineer and solicitor so he can determine if he should proceed with his project. Bruno explained that the additional use for this property is a zoning issue. Commission reviewed the plan and Ricci noted that the market and the recreational vehicle business are both on one lot; he pays one tax bill for the entire property. He is proposing removing one existing building and would like to erect a new building into the bank area. All Seasons uses a trailer for sales and he wants to get rid of trailer as well as demolish the sales building. They will have enough parking with having 56. As you enter All Seasons the building would look like a single floor building and that would be the sales office for that business. As you enter Park Avenue Market parking lot and go towards the new proposed building it will be a two story building with the first floor housing a credit union office, hair salon, some type of business like that. Township Engineer’s letter was reviewed. Ricci questioned the traffic impact study. They feel their proposal is not going to create a large volume of traffic which would constitute a study being done. Dillman explained the process of plans and this request would have to go to the Board for relief. They discussed sidewalk along Rt. 248 and Dillman informed him of his ability to request any waivers or deferrals. Ricci explained the entrance/exit area off of Park Avenue. He also asked if a trip calculation is required and Dillman stated yes and that this shouldn’t take his engineer long to get. Wilkins stated it is a definite improvement from what is there and stated he would also like to see what the southern portion would look like. The zoning officer’s comments stated this is two lots. Applicant noted it is one. This is to be checked. Commission members feel the design is good and that it would improve the area. There is only so much that they can do with the corner. Stoneback asked if the entrance to All Seasons will still be and Ricci stated yes. She also felt this would be a nice improvement. Bruno feels the next move would be to go to the zoning officer and get feed back to the extent of zoning relief he would need. That would be the first hurdle to go through. Then the next step after zoning would be a land development plan back to this Commission. Ricci thanked the members for their input and help and will get in touch with the Zoning Officer.

Planning Director’s Comments – Grube introduced George Kinney for anyone who did not meet him yet. Kinney noted to everyone that he would be available if anyone needed anything, just call him in his office. Wilkins welcomed him and noted that some of the members liked to call the planning director after the pre-planning meeting to see what was discussed so they are informed before the meeting. Kinney stated they should call anytime.

Dillman distributed standard construction documents that they are revising for the township. This is something that is given to developers during pre-construction meetings. He asked that everyone review them and have comments for the May meeting. Bruno noted that he is creating a lot grading ordinance and an improvements security ordinance also for next meeting and stated that the Board of Supervisors will have a public hearing in May for these three ordinances.

Bob Lammi asked about the revisions to SALDO and if these changes are going to be incorporated into these ordinances. Bruno stated he wasn’t working on that, the previous Planning Director was. Kinney to check on this.

Wilkins stated that he and other Commission members always put their trust into the township engineer’s review letters. They are very thorough and very informative.

On motion by Wilkins, seconded by Grandinetti, and agreed by all, meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Diane Grube, Corr. Sec.