Planning Commission
Summary
Halifax Township's Planning Commission met on April 4, 2011, with Chairman Fred Ford presiding. Members Mark Reed, Bob Artman, Bruce Warshawsky, and Tom Wilson were present; Steve Sipe and Randy Paul were absent. The meeting centered on land development reviews and infrastructure planning, highlighted by a proposed Sheetz relocation at Routes 147/225 and a $400,000 regulatory mandate facing the local sewer and water authority.
- Recreation Plan review recommended: The commission voted 3-0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors appoint an ad hoc committee to review the township's 2006 Recreation Plan and determine how it aligns with SALDO and Municipal Planning Code regulations. Kenneth Bechtel cautioned that recreation fee revenue cannot be used to pay down debt under the MPC and must be held in a segregated interest-bearing account. He also noted that recreation fees remain owed under the Bistline Plan.
- Sewer authority faces $400,000 chlorination building mandate: The Halifax Area Sewer and Water Authority must build a new chlorination facility on Peters Mountain per DEP and EPA requirements, estimated at $400,000. Tom Wilson stated a formal land development plan would be required under SALDO. Chairman Fred Ford will contact the authority's solicitor and engineer; no vote was taken.
- Sheetz relocation at Routes 147/225 moving forward: A PennDOT scoping meeting addressed Sheetz's plan to relocate to the southwest corner of Routes 147/225. Right-of-way issues involving adjacent property owners are being resolved, and PennDOT will allow Cedar Shopping Centers to proceed with the Halifax Commons development, including a highway occupancy permit and signal permit. Stormwater, curb, and sidewalk impacts remain under discussion. Bob Artman noted a new traffic study will be needed for the intersection.
- Lebo Plan review ongoing: Engineer Tony Trost addressed Tom Wilson's review comments on the Lebo Plan. Tom Wilson requested that wetland certification be noted on the plan for the tract where construction is proposed. A revised plan is due two weeks before the next meeting; roadway dedication was determined unnecessary.
- Tobias Animal Farm building under review: The commission discussed whether a new building at the Tobias Animal Farm triggers a land development plan requirement. Further research is needed before a determination can be made.
- Sweigard property purchase flagged: Mark Reed and members of the public raised the local school's interest in purchasing the Sweigard property as an issue for the township to monitor.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Chairman) · Mark Reed (Planning Commission Member) · Bob Artman (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Planning Commission Member) · Tom Wilson (Planning Commission Member) · Carolyn Nye (Secretary)
Public comments
Meeting business
Approval of Minutes
Mark Reed made a motion to approve the March 7, 2011 minutes as written, seconded by Bob Artman. Motion carried 3-0.
Business from the Floor
Flo Mallonee shared an article from the paper regarding a new type of planning proposed in the area.
Old Business
Tony Trost, engineer for the Lebo Plan, reviewed Tom Wilson's comments. Discussion covered contours, wetlands, roadway dedication, and stormwater issues. Tom Wilson requested Tony certify on the plan that wetlands are not existing on the tract where construction is proposed. Tony indicated he has a HOP and will provide a revised plan two weeks prior to the next meeting.
The Township received a March 2011 letter from Mr. Rill agreeing that if he decides to proceed beyond what he has already done (which required an Erosion and Sedimentation Plan), he will contact the Township.
New Business
The Solicitor reviewed the new SALDO pertaining to the Recreation Plan. Bob Artman made a motion to recommend to the Board of Supervisors that an ADHOC committee be appointed to review the Recreation Plan authorized in 2006 and determine how it fits with SALDO and Municipal Planning Code regulations, seconded by Mark Reed; motion carried 3-0. Ken Bechtel commented that recreation money is not supposed to be used for spending down debt per the MPC, and the Solicitor noted the collected funds must be placed in a segregated interest-bearing account.
Discussion addressed the Authority's DEP and EPA mandate to build a new chlorination building on Peters Mountain, estimated to cost $400,000. Tom Wilson stated a land development plan should be done per SALDO guidelines. Fred Ford will contact the Authority's Solicitor and Engineer regarding this issue.
Tom Wilson reported a scoping meeting was held at PennDOT regarding Sheetz wanting to relocate to the southwest corner of Routes 147/225, involving right-of-way issues with Mr. Schlegal's and Mr. Reinhard's properties. Mr. Reinhard is reportedly on board with giving up his right-of-way. PennDOT will allow Cedar Shopping Centers to proceed with Halifax Commons and issue their HOP and signal permit; curbs, sidewalks, and stormwater impact were also discussed.
Discussion involved a new building being constructed at the Tobias Animal Farm and whether a land development plan is required. Further research will be needed to determine this.
Public Comment
Bob Artman commented on the traffic study at the intersection of Routes 147/225 and how it will affect the proposed Sheetz relocation; Tom Wilson stated a new study will need to be done. Mark Reed and public attendees commented on the school's interest in purchasing the Sweigard property.
Adjournment
Bob Artman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mark Reed. Motion carried 3-0.
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