Planning Commission
Summary
The Halifax Township Planning Commission met on September 8, 2021, at 7:00 PM for a brief 30-minute session. Members Dwight Hoffman, Randy Paul, Jake Gruver, and Flo Mallonee were present (Mallonee and Engineer Cathy Lee joined by phone), with Solicitor Bruce Warshawsky also attending; Chad Lebo was absent. The meeting focused on two subdivision matters and fielded preliminary development inquiries from residents.
- Paul/Bowman Subdivision recommended for approval with conditions: The commission voted 3-0 to recommend approval of the subdivision, contingent on the engineer's final sign-off and receipt of a hydrology study from DEP, which is required because the property sits in a high-nitrate area. Randy Paul abstained due to a conflict of interest.
- McCleaf Subdivision application accepted: The commission unanimously accepted the McCleaf Subdivision application into the review process (4-0).
- Airbnb inquiry at Harties Subdivision: Dan Snyder asked about operating a short-term rental in a cabin he is building at the Harties Subdivision. Randy Paul explained that under the township's building code, occupancy of five or more would classify the structure as commercial (R-4), while four or fewer occupants would remain residential. Snyder currently holds a pole building permit and plans to apply for a residential conversion.
- Potential subdivision on South River Road / Route 147: Jason Moshier inquired about subdividing land along Route 147. Kenny Bechtal advised him to obtain a PennDOT access permit and flagged sight-line concerns caused by sycamore trees along the highway. The commission suggested exploring possible access through the abutting Lenker Estates development. Moshier was also informed of the township's 1.5-acre minimum lot size for on-site water and sewer and was referred to local surveyor Bill Burch for help preparing subdivision applications.
Who was there
Dwight Hoffman (Planning Commission Member) · Randy Paul (Planning Commission Member) · Jake Gruver (Planning Commission Secretary) · Flo Mallonee (Planning Commission Member) · Bruce Warshawsky (Solicitor) · Cathy Lee (Engineer)
Meeting business
APPROVE MINUTES
Jake Gruver motioned and Dwight Hoffman seconded to approve the August 2, 2021 minutes. Motion carried 3-0, with Randy Paul abstaining since he was not at the last meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
All engineer comments have been addressed, but the subdivision is still awaiting a Hydro Study from DEP due to the property being in a high nitrate area. Flo Malonee motioned to recommend approval subject to engineer final approval of changes and receipt of the Hydro Study, seconded by Dwight Hoffman. Motion carried 3-0, with Randy Paul abstaining due to conflict of interest.
NEW BUSINESS
Jake Gruver motioned to accept the McCleaf Subdivision application, seconded by Dwight Hoffman. Motion carried 4-0.
Dan Snyder asked about a potential Airbnb at a cabin he is building on a lot in the Harties subdivision. Randy Paul explained that per the ICB, more than 4 occupants would classify the building as R-4 commercial, while 4 or fewer would be residential. They currently have a building permit for a pole building and plan to apply for a conversion to residential.
Jason Moshier asked about subdividing land on South River Road / Route 147. Kenny Bechtal advised he would need a PennDot access permit for Route 147 and noted sight line concerns due to sycamore trees, and suggested exploring potential access from the abutting Lenker Estates. Jason was given local surveyor Bill Burch's contact information for help preparing subdivision applications and was informed of the township's 1.5-acre minimum lot size requirement for on-site water and sewer.
ADJOURN
Dwight Hoffman motioned and Jake Gruver seconded to adjourn at 7:30 PM. Motion carried 4-0.
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