Planning Commission

The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its regular meeting on July 5, 2023, with Chair Jake Gruver presiding. All five members were present — Jake Gruver, Randy Paul, Chad Lebo, Dwight Hoffman, and Don Hentz — along with Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Ben Warner from the Tri-County Planning Commission. The brief session, adjourning in under 50 minutes, focused on advancing the Bechtel Farms land development plan and beginning review of a draft solar ordinance.

• Bechtel Farms land development plan approved unanimously (4-0): The commission approved the plan subject to conditions outlined in a June 29, 2023 review letter from engineering firm HRG, Inc. (Administrative Comments 1–4).
• Two SALDO waivers granted for Bechtel Farms (4-0): The commission waived the preliminary plan procedure requirement (Section 404) and the curb/sidewalk requirement (Sections 606/607), with a condition that if the township mandates curbs or sidewalks in the future, the developer must install them per the ordinance then in effect.
• Draft solar ordinance reviewed: The commission discussed a rough draft solar ordinance at length, focusing on highlighted provisions. No vote was taken; the topic remains open for future meetings.
• Stormwater and terminology updates pending: A new stormwater management ordinance and updates to ordinance terminology appeared on the agenda but had no comments from the solicitor and were not acted upon.