Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on March 7, 2011, with Chairman Fred Ford presiding and members Randy Paul, Mark Reed, Bob Artman, and Steve Sipe all present (Sipe arrived shortly after the 7:00 p.m. call to order). Township Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Secretary Carolyn Nye also attended. The session focused on stormwater and land development issues across three properties, with multiple residents voicing concerns about property boundaries and drainage in the Lenker subdivision.
- Lenker Subdivision advanced to final plan consideration (5-0): Attorney Mark Silver and engineer Jim Snyder presented a revised stormwater proposal with larger retention ponds and infiltration measures to address longstanding neighbor complaints about runoff. The changes reduce frontage on some lots. The revised plan is intended to resolve ongoing litigation, and various waivers and engineering calculations will be submitted for Township Engineer review.
- Neighbors raised concerns over Lenker property lines and road access: Norma Shearer urged close review of property boundaries involving the Mutersbaugh and Sweigard parcels and expressed concern about the applicant's attorney discussing moving a boundary line. Jim Eppley flagged conflicts between the preliminary plan and existing surveys, and questioned whether a road serving Mike Sweigard's property would be eliminated. Chairman Ford read an email from Sweigard raising stormwater concerns.
- Conflicting sealed descriptions on Mutersbaugh property: Steve Sipe pressed Jim Eppley on two conflicting sealed legal descriptions for the Mutersbaugh parcel and raised concern about water discharging over a 40-foot right-of-way on that property.
- Lebo Trust subdivision plan accepted for review (5-0): A new subdivision plan from the Lebo Trust was unanimously accepted to begin formal review. Flo Mallonee asked for clarification on the scope of the proposed subdivision.
- Morris Rill notified of land development and stormwater requirements (5-0): Engineer Tom Wilson determined that Rill's project — involving 6,000 square feet of impervious coverage — meets the definition of a land development and requires a stormwater management plan. The commission recommended the Board of Supervisors send Rill a formal letter requiring submission of a full land development and stormwater plan if his project goes beyond basic sedimentation control.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Chairman) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Mark Reed (Planning Commission Member) · Bob Artman (Planning Commission Member) · Steve Sipe (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Township Solicitor) · Carolyn Nye (Township Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
APPROVED MINUTES
Randy Paul made a motion to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Mark Reed. Motion carried 4-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Attorney Mark Silver and Engineer Jim Snyder presented a revised stormwater proposal with larger retention ponds and infiltration measures to address runoff concerns raised by the Board and public. The revised plan reduces frontage on some lots and is intended to resolve ongoing litigation; various waivers will be requested and calculations provided for Township Engineer review. Bob Artman motioned to accept the items as proposed and put forth as a final plan for further consideration, seconded by Steve Sipe; motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Mark Reed made a motion to accept the Lebo Trust Plan for review, seconded by Bob Artman. Motion carried 5-0.
Tom Wilson reviewed his March 3, 2011 memorandum and the E&S Plan prepared by Burch Associates, determining that the plan falls under the land development definition and that 6,000 square feet of impervious coverage requires a stormwater management plan. The landowner indicated he does not intend to build structures. Bob Artman motioned to recommend the Board of Supervisors send a letter notifying Mr. Rill that a land development and stormwater management plan must be submitted if he intends to do more than a sedimentation control plan, seconded by Mark Reed; motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Norma Shearer asked the Board to carefully review property lines involving Mr. Mutersbaugh and Mike Sweigard. Jim Eppley raised concerns about conflicting preliminary plans and surveys, and questioned whether the road to Sweigard's property would be eliminated. Fred Ford read Mike Sweigard's email with concerns about the stormwater plan. Flo Mallonee asked for clarification on the Lebo Trust Plan subdivision. Steve Sipe asked Jim Eppley about conflicting sealed descriptions on the Mutersbaugh property and water discharge over a 40-foot right-of-way.
ADJOURNMENT
Randy Paul made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Steve Sipe. Motion carried 5-0.
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