Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission held its annual reorganization and monthly business meeting on January 4, 2010, wrapping up in just 40 minutes. Chairman Jim Eppley was absent; Vice Chairman Fred Ford presided, with Bob Artman, Ted Weaver, and Jerry Hile (who arrived at 6:35 PM) in attendance, along with Engineer Jim Thiele and Solicitor Steve Dzuranin. The brief session retained all officers and advanced two carry-over land development matters.
- Officer elections: All three leadership positions were unanimously retained — Jim Eppley as Chairman (subject to his acceptance since he was absent), Fred Ford as Vice Chairman, and Bob Artman as Secretary.
- Tenaglia subdivision — sidewalk/curbing waiver granted: The commission voted 4-0 to waive sidewalk and curbing requirements for the James P. & Doreni L. Tenaglia final subdivision plan without adding a deed note binding future owners to install them. The applicants argued the notation would hurt property values and marketability; the commission agreed, noting the plan is a simple lot-boundary exchange with no land development and the township retains authority to require curbing or sidewalks corridor-wide in the future regardless.
- Tenaglia subdivision — recommended for approval: The commission voted 4-0 to recommend the Board of Supervisors approve the Tenaglia plan, contingent on submission of a deed of dedication.
- River Ridge Mobile Home Park — tabled: Applicant Tony Trost requested the preliminary/final land development plan be tabled due to an anticipated delay in obtaining PA Historical Museum Commission approval. The commission discussed remaining items the applicant must complete before a recommendation can move forward.
- Accu-Mold & Tool Co. as-built plan: No action taken; the applicant's representative was not present.
- Act 24 (Appalachian Trail Act): Discussion postponed to the next meeting.
Who was there
Fred Ford (Vice Chairman) · Bob Artman (Secretary) · Ted Weaver (Member) · Jerry Hile (Member) · Jim Thiele (Engineer) · Steve Dzuranin (Solicitor) · Shanemarie Ferguson (Recording Secretary)
Meeting business
REORGANIZATION
Jim Eppley was nominated to continue as Chairman (approved 3:0, subject to his acceptance since he was absent). Fred Ford was nominated to continue as Vice Chairman (approved 3:0). Bob Artman was nominated to continue as Secretary (approved 3:0). All motions were made by Ted Weaver.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bob Artman motioned to approve the December 7, 2009 minutes with a correction to item c. under the Tenaglia Plan so that it reads "to be in compliance with the governing setback requirements then in effect." Ted Weaver seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Mike Bistline indicated that Tony Trost requested the plan be tabled due to an anticipated delay in acquiring approval from the PA Historical Museum Commission. The commission discussed remaining items the applicant would need to complete before the Planning Commission could recommend conditional approval to the Board of Supervisors.
The applicants submitted a written request asking that the sidewalk and curbing waiver not include a plan note committing property owners to future compliance, arguing it would negatively affect property values and resale. Given that the plan involves only a lot boundary adjustment via land exchange with no land development, Bob Artman motioned to grant the waiver without the note (approved 4:0) and to recommend Board of Supervisors approval contingent upon submission of the deed of dedication (approved 4:0).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Discussion of Act 24: Appalachian Trail Act was postponed until the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Jerry Hile motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 PM. Ted Weaver seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
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