The regular meeting of the Middle Smithfield Township
Planning Commission was held at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 17, 2008 at the
Members present: Bob Vandercar, Scott Schaller, Jay Huffman, Parin Shah, Bob Early, Also present were Kevin Kochanski, Tim McManus, Fred Courtright and several interested parties.
Reorganization of the officers was as follows:
Chairman-Jay Huffman upon a motion by Bob Early, second by Scott Schaller. The motion carried 5-0.
Vice chairman-Bob Vandercar upon a motion by Jay Huffman, second by Bob Early. The motion carried 5-0.
Secretary- Dee Rake upon a motion by Bob Early second by Parin Shah. The motion carried 5-0.
Regular meetings were scheduled to be held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month upon a motion by Bob Early, second by Bob Vandercar. The motion carried 5-0.
Minutes of previous the meeting held December 12, 2007were
approved upon a motion by
The Zoning Officer’s report was accepted for review upon a
motion by
There were no plan submissions.
A sketch plan for a land development plan was submitted by Lou Cozza on behalf of ESSA Bank and Trust. Mr. Cozza explained that the plan was being submitted as part of the Bank’s due diligence on the Kessler property which expires at end of the month. Review letters from the Engineer and Planner were discussed at length. The current non conforming lot coverage was discussed and it was noted that the plan would reduce coverage to 68.5%. There was also concern regarding the non conforming lot size. Kevin Kochanski advised that the lot requirements can go down to one acre with a shared driveway and right in – right out only. Two uses would be permitted by right. Fred Courtright’s comments #5 and #8 must be addressed. It was suggested that PA American Water should be contacted to determine if central water would be available to allow the plan to be adjusted to alleviate conflicts with the Penn DOT bypass right of way. The Commission also requested that the developer consider extending the sidewalk from the Friendly’s site. Fred Courtright advised that the new storm water ordinance must be followed.
The Commission reviewed proposed Ordinance 158, an ordinance establishing a Park and Recreation Board consisting of five members. The ordinance corrects errors that were made in establishing the Park Commission. Tim McManus suggested that the Supervisors may want to pull the Rules and Regulations from the ordinance and establish them by resolution as it would make amending the rules an easier process. Bob Vandercar made a motion to recommend adoption of the ordinance. Bob Early seconded the motion. The motion carried 3-0.
The minor subdivision for the Josephine Squires Estate was reviewed. Fred Courtright advised that he had reviewed the revised plan submitted by George Fetch and only half of his previous comments were addressed. Bob Early made a motion to recommend disapproval of the plan based on remaining comments unless time extension is received prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting. Bob Vandercar seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
The minor subdivision plan for Ortiz/Spano was discussed. Fred Courtright advised that he had reviewed the revised plan however only half of his previous comments were addressed. Bob Spano advised that they are going to withdraw the plan. It was noted that the plan was verbally withdrawn however Mr. Spano will send a letter confirming the withdrawal prior to the Supervisors meeting. No action was required by the Planning Commission.
Frank Smith presented the minor subdivision for the Hopkins Family Trust. He summarized a narrative prepared to explain the events leading to the lot line adjustment. It was noted that a note should be added to plan indicating the presence or absence of wetlands on the site. Bob Early made a motion to recommend conditional approval subject to addressing the Engineer’s remaining comment. Bob Vandercar seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Bob Vandercar made a motion to table action on the Evergreen II conservation subdivision plan following discussion relating to their Engineer notifying the Engineer and Planner that they are restructuring the plan and will need to re-do the 4 step process submitted recently. They are basically starting over. Bob Early seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Hemlock Ridge remains tabled as they are still revising the plan to address the Conservation District’s comments.
There were no public comments.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned in regular order at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherry Predmore, Recording Secretary
January 17, 2008