Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Members Jake Gruver, Dwight Hoffman, Randy Paul, and Flo Mallonee were present, with Chad Lebo absent. Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky and Engineer Cathy Lee also attended. The brief meeting focused primarily on a sketch plan review for a proposed commercial development at the SR 225/SR 147 triangle and updates on several ongoing projects.
- Proposed commercial development at the Triangle (Peters Mtn Rd / South River Rd): Mark Magrecki of Penn Terra Engineering presented sketch plans on behalf of Primax Properties, LLC for an auto parts store and a potential quick-service restaurant. The key challenge is securing PennDOT approval for entrance and exit configurations on both state routes — a scoping meeting with PennDOT was scheduled for June 10. Ken Bechtel noted that a prior development proposal on the same parcel was blocked when PennDOT demanded a complete redesign of the traffic light and traffic flow.
- Easement discovered on triangle parcel: Surveying revealed a possible easement along the common boundary with the tire store to the north. Magrecki committed to investigating the status of any easements before planning advances.
- Stormwater for the triangle site: No stormwater design work has begun; the developer is waiting on PennDOT access resolution first. Options discussed include reserving unused land for surface runoff or underground retention.
- DDGJ project — plan recording timeline: Engineer Cathy Lee confirmed she had received the final corrected plans. The 90-day recording deadline starts only once all conditions are resolved, so adequate time remains for review.
- Creek Road construction runoff: Construction activity along Creek Road raised concerns about debris washing onto the township road during rain events. The road master was asked to monitor the situation.
- Separating stormwater regulations from SALDO: Randy Paul asked Solicitor Warshawsky for an update on separating stormwater management regulations from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. No progress was reported; the separation would effectively require a full SALDO rewrite, and the solicitor and engineer were asked to estimate the cost and timetable.
Who was there
Jake Gruver (Secretary) · Dwight Hoffman (Planning Commission Member) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Flo Mallonee (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Cathy Lee (Engineer)
Meeting business
APPROVE MINUTES
Dwight Hoffman motioned and Jake Gruver seconded to approve the April 5, 2021 minutes. Motion carried 4-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Mark Magrecki of Penn Terra Engineering presented sketch plans on behalf of Primax Properties, LLC for an auto parts store and potential quick service restaurant at the Triangle. The main concern is configuring entrances and exits on SR 225 and SR 147 acceptable to PennDOT; a scoping meeting with PennDOT is scheduled for June 10, 2021. Ken Bechtel shared that PennDOT previously required a complete redo of the traffic light and traffic flow for a prior development on the same parcel. A possible easement to the adjacent tire store property was discovered during surveying, and stormwater management planning is on hold pending the PennDOT access agreement.
ONGOING PROJECTS
Cathy Lee asked for clarification on the timetable for recording the final plans, which she had just received with all necessary changes. The 90-day recording requirement starts when all conditions are resolved, so there is sufficient time for her to review and record once she verifies all conditions are met.
Discussion was held regarding construction along Creek Road and the potential for rainwater to wash debris onto the township road. The road master may need to monitor the situation and report on any necessary action.
Randy Paul asked Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky for updates on separating stormwater management regulations from the SALDO. Warshawsky reported no changes yet. Separating the regulations would require a full SALDO rewrite, and the solicitor and engineer need to provide a cost and timetable estimate.
ADJOURN
Jake Gruver motioned and Dwight Hoffman seconded to adjourn at 7:52 PM. Motion carried 4-0.
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