The Sadsbury Township Planning Commission meeting was held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 commencing at 7:00 p.m. Chairman, Ms. Heineman called the meeting to order. Present were members Tim Sarbaum, Ron yen, and Carlyle Rivers. John Lymberis was absent. Also present was Supervisor Liaison, Mr. Hensel, Mr. Biloon, Township Engineer, and Building/Zoning Officer, Mr. Lowry.
A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance were observed.
Ms. Heineman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Rivers, to approve the November meeting minutes with corrections. With there being no questions, the members voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Michael Gill, Esq. representing Sadsbury Commons came before the Planning Commission. He stated it was his third time here and would like to have a recommendation for preliminary approval for Phase 2 & 3. Mr. Gill went to the December Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss waivers, the loading dock, and Storm-water Management. Mr. Gill stated the building setback for the loading area was resolved at the Board of Supervisors meeting by Mr. MacCombie, and the Storm-water Management can be resolved if he shows that there is no increase in the rate of flow. There must be documentation showing there is no change in the discharge rate that existed before. Mr. Gill said the landscaping ordinance does not fit for this type of development, and is asking to for a fee in lieu of to be determined by the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Gill stated there is no way to extend the grass medium for refuge to pedestrians. He feels no one would be walking in that area. Mr. Gill stated in the Stan Stubbe letter, there is one issue, and that is the height of the light standards. The proposed height is 25’ and the Township ordinance is 20’. Mr. Gill stated that 20’ would require more light standards and interfere with landscaping. 25’ would give a good distribution of light. Mr. Lowry stated that Hersey Motors asked for 25’ lights and was denied. They have 20’ lights. Mr. Biloon stated that because of new types of lights and distribution, it is really up to the lighting engineer to respond to the benefits of higher poles because of new technology. There are cases of support in other municipalities; try to convince the consultant that this is a better plan. Mr. Gill said he will be happy to do that. Mr. Biloon stated that all changes must be shown on the plans. The loading dock with no customer access cannot be a common area. It needs to be confirmed on the plans that it is not a front line. Call it a rear yard. Mr. Gill will note that on the plan. Mr. Biloon that complying with the Storm-water Management comes down to the wording in the Code. Proof will have to be given that the amount of flow is not increased with the development.
Mr. Gill stated he would like a recommendation from the Planning commission as long as the Township and the Consultants agree.
Mr. Gill stated that the waivers he is asking for are:
Saldo Sect 419 – street trees on Route 30 and some on Route 10 (location only)
Sect 427 F1 – quantity of landscaping offset by fee in lieu of
Sect 303 – site topography (the site survey in 2008) MOB approved – that area
Including loop road was “as built”, incorporated in what was done in
2008.
Sect 426E-7- pertaining to the height of the light poles.
Ms. Heineman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Yen, to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to approve Sadsbury Commons preliminary plans for Phase 2 & 3 provided that the applicant can comply with lighting, landscaping, Storm-water Management, and topography; and comply with the consultant’s comments, including PennDOT, PAWC, and the Conservation District, and the Township Engineer. With there being no questions, the motion passed.
Ms. Heineman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Yen, to change zoning on existing non-conforming lots to conforming lots west of PECO Transmission Line including Longabaugh Drive, Settlers Path, Friendship Way, Peacemaker Drive, Holstein Lane, and Sadsbury Road to R1. With there being no questions, the members voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
There was a question on the lights at CTDI – they seem to be very bright.
Public Comment:
Simon Jessey- wishes everyone a Merry Christmas
With there being no further business, Ms. Heineman made a motion, seconded by Mr. Rivers, to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the members voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Shank
Secretary
