Planning Commission

The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on November 2, 2020, with members Flo Mallonee, Chad Lebo, Jake Gruver, and Randy Paul present; Dwight Hoffman was absent. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Engineer Cathy Lee also attended. The primary business was a sketch plan presentation for the Hornungs Hardware expansion and a discussion about the commission's own sketch plan review process.

• Hornungs Hardware expansion sketch plan: Engineer Bill Burch presented plans for Hornungs Hardware to expand in Halifax Township. The existing building would be converted to a rental equipment section, a new addition would serve as the retail store, and storage sheds would be removed. Impervious coverage would decrease from 71% to roughly 60%, and the stormwater design includes raingardens. Parking requirements will be met, though the commission discussed an excess number of parking spaces shown on the plan. Architectural plans are not yet complete.
• Flight Source extension: The commission granted Flight Source an extension until January 2021, pending comments from the Dauphin County Conservation District.
• Sketch plan fees and process: The commission discussed inconsistencies in how sketch plans are submitted and the staff time involved in reviewing them. There was confusion around the existing $50 sketch plan submission fee. The commission agreed to refer the matter to the Board of Supervisors for clarification and a policy decision.