Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its combined reorganization and regular meeting on January 3, 2024, with all five members present: Jake Gruver, Randy Paul, Don Hentz, Chad Lebo, and Dwight Hoffman. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky, engineer Alex Greenly, and Tri-County Planning Commission representative Ben Warner also attended. The commission re-elected its leadership unanimously, then worked through a productive slate of land development reviews, conditionally approving three projects before adjourning in under an hour.
- Leadership re-elected unanimously: Jake Gruver was re-elected Chairman, Randy Paul as Vice-Chair, and Dwight Hoffman as Secretary for 2024.
- Billow Subdivision conditionally approved: The commission granted three SLDO waivers (preliminary plan procedure, plan scale, and curbs/sidewalks) and conditionally approved the subdivision plan pending completion of engineer Alex Greenly's administrative comments from December 21, 2023.
- 455 Middle Road Solar Field conditionally approved: The Anderson Land Development Plan for a solar panel farm received two SLDO waivers and conditional approval, contingent on addressing engineer comments and posting $55,640 in financial security.
- Tobias Family Trust subdivision conditionally approved: Three SLDO waivers were granted and the plan was conditionally approved pending completion of engineer comments dated December 20, 2023.
- Halifax Commons corner lot (U & ME Properties): No new comments on the corner lot plan review. The applicant must submit a time extension by January 8, 2024.
- Stormwater management ordinance and terminology updates: Both items remained on hold with no new comments from the solicitor.
- Camp Hebron Cabins: The commission discussed proposed changes to Camp Hebron's cabin plans and advised the organization to submit revised plans for review before the matter can advance.
- Public comment — drive-thru coffee shop inquiry: A prospective buyer of "Fern and Petal" attended to ask about requirements for opening a drive-thru coffee shop. The commission advised obtaining building permits from Halifax Township and checking with the Commonwealth regarding business certifications for a drive-thru operation.
Who was there
Jake Gruver (Chairman, Planning Commission) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Don Hentz (Planning Commission Member) · Chad Lebo (Planning Commission Member) · Dwight Hoffman (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Alex Greenly (Engineer) · Ben Warner (Tri-County Planning Commission Representative)
Public comments
Meeting business
Reorganization
Dwight Hoffman nominated Jake Gruver for Chair, seconded by Chad Lebo. Motion carried 5-0.
Chad Lebo nominated Randy Paul for Vice-Chair, seconded by Dwight Hoffman. Motion carried 5-0.
Chad Lebo nominated Dwight Hoffman as Secretary, seconded by Randy Paul. Motion carried 5-0.
Regular Meeting
Randy Paul moved and Chad Lebo seconded approval of the December 4, 2023 minutes. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
Three waivers were approved (Preliminary Plan Procedure, Plan Scale, and Curbs and Sidewalks) by 5-0 vote. The Billow Subdivision Plan was then conditionally approved subject to completion of administrative comments from HRG engineer Alex Greenly's Review Letter #1 dated December 21, 2023.
Two waivers were approved (Preliminary Plan Procedure and Plan Scale) by 5-0 vote. The 455 Middle Road Solar Field was conditionally approved subject to completion of administrative comments from HRG engineer Alex Greenly's Review Letter #2 dated December 22, 2023, and financial security of $55,640.00.
Three waivers were approved (Preliminary Plan Procedure, Plan Scale, and Curbs and Sidewalks) by 5-0 vote. The Tobias Family Trust plan was conditionally approved subject to completion of administrative comments from HRG engineer Alex Greenly's Review Letter #1 dated December 20, 2023.
No new comments. A time extension will need to be submitted by January 8, 2024.
New Business
A discussion occurred about changes to the original plans. Camp Hebron was advised they would need to submit new plans with the proposed changes for review.
Adjournment
Dwight Hoffman moved to adjourn at 7:50 p.m., seconded by Randy Paul. Motion carried 5-0.
This page is an automated summary of official township records. For the authoritative version, always refer to the original document.