Planning Commission Meeting September 20, 2008

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR 9/10/08

The meeting of the New London Township Planning Commission opened at 7:30 p.m.

Present were:  Ron Ragan, Chair; Robert Barto, Vice-Chair; Members Mary Anne Steel, Eileen Sparling and Jim Mark.

There was no public comment.

Minutes

Ms. Steel motioned to approve the minutes of the 8/13/08 Planning Commission Regular Meeting and Mr. Barto seconded the motion.  The vote was unanimous.

Scarcelle – Development Question

Glen & Patty Scarcelle would like to put another house on their property at 240 Quimby Road for their daughter.  Mr. Ragan pointed out that since it is zoned AG and consists of more than 6 acres, they meet the requirements for having 2 dwellings on the lot.  Mr. Ragan discussed the potential legal issues that could arise if the new mortgage is in a different name than the property.  Mr. Ragan said that the best thing may be to subdivide to avoid any problems.  He suggested putting in some language that would run with the land in perpetuity that if the land is ever subdivided, configure the lot and position the house such that a 50’ extension of right of way is created in the event of any future subdivision.  Mrs. Scarcelle asked about fees and Mr. Ragan responded that with surveyors, perc tests, sewer module, etc. it would run about $8,000+ to subdivide. 

Cook Brothers – Development Question

Robert Cook came to the meeting to discuss his land development plan for the property at 896 and State Road.  He had questions regarding the lighting plan as per the Ordinance; he believes that pole lights will affect neighbors negatively and will cause a lot of complaints to come into the Township as a result.  Mr. Ragan stated that the poles need to be situated so that the lights shine inside Mr. Cook’s property.  Shielded lights are needed to prevent disturbing the neighbors.  Mr. Ragan stated that the Township would be willing to make concessions with lighting that would be on a timer, so it could be scaled back at night.  Mr. Cook brought up the issue of vegetation; Mr. Ragan suggested that in the initial submittal, Mr. Cook should show the existing vegetation, then the Planning Commission would check it out and recommend  what additional screening would be needed.  Mr. Cook then brought up the issue of sidewalk installation; the sidewalk would be in PennDOT’s right of way, and there is also a tree in the middle of where the sidewalk would go.  Mr. Ragan spoke of Concord Pets and how the Township allowed them to put the sidewalk back further, and that the Township would be willing to work with Mr. Cook and the tree/sidewalk/right of way issue as well.  Mr. Ragan also spoke about one of the October Board of Supervisors’ meetings when the proposed traffic light will be discussed.  Mr. Barto pointed out to Mr. Cook that he could either comply with the requirements laid out in the new TND overlay district Ordinance or that he could use what was in effect at the time of his Conditional Use hearing. 

New Business

None.

Old Business

None.

Public Comments

None.

Adjournment

On a motion made by Ms. Steel and seconded by Ms. Sparling and approved unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 8:00.