Planning Commission

The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its regular monthly meeting on November 4, 2024, with Chairman Jake Gruver presiding alongside members Chad Lebo, Don Hentz, and Dwight Hoffman; Randy Paul was absent. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky, township engineer Alex Greenly (HRG, Inc.), and Tanner Stroup of Tri-County Planning Commission were also present. The session focused primarily on ongoing ordinance modernization work, with one new commercial development inquiry and a public comment on phased construction of a previously approved project.

• Stormwater ordinance drafting continued: The commission reviewed updated language in Article 2 defining "Development" to broadly cover construction, paving, grading, mining, drilling, and subdivision of land — establishing when stormwater requirements would be triggered. A separate provision for small projects was tabled until next month.

• Ordinance terminology updates across multiple articles: Members worked through proposed revisions including new definitions for Flag Lots, Sinkholes, and Structures; replacing "minor street" with "Local Streets" in street classification; adding Flag Lots to the lots section; updating sewage facilities language; and setting preliminary plan submission requirements at twelve printed copies plus an electronic copy with a $1,000 initial deposit toward review fees.

• Rise Street Beverage site — new commercial inquiry: Engineer Keith Heigel of Light-Heigel & Associates presented early concept plans for a Dunkin' Donuts, Rise Street Beverage, and a pizza shop on a single site. He sought commission feedback on setback relief for an addition where a dumpster enclosure currently sits, whether to pursue a setback variance or a parking easement, and stormwater facility sizing for increased impervious coverage. No formal application was filed.

• CAE Self Storage — phased construction request: Jeff Roma, owner of CAE Self Storage, asked the commission about building his previously approved facility in phases rather than all at once, departing from the original site plans designed in late 2021.

• Hale Land Development: No new action was taken; a time extension through January 2025 had already been approved at both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors levels the prior month.

• Sign Ordinance: Tabled until next month.