New London Township

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FOR 3/12/08

The meeting of the New London Township Planning Commission opened at 7:33 p.m.

Present were: Ronald Ragan, Chair; Bob Barto, Vice-Chair; Members Margaret Healy and Mary Ann Steel.

Mr. Ragan asked for public comment and there was none.

Minutes

Mr. Ragan asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for 1/9/08. There were no corrections or additions and a motion to approve was made by Mr. Barto and seconded by Ms. Steel. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Carreira – Final Plan Review

Mr. Ragan reported that this is a small add-on on Oxford Road. The subdivision divides the existing 5.75+/- acre parcel into an add-on lot and residual tract. The add-on lot which consists of .4580+/- acres will be joined with Parcel No. 71-1-8 to form a .82+/- acre parcel. The result would be less non-conforming than it was previous to this modification, but still non-conforming. There are no new wells or septic systems being proposed. The Carreirras are asking for waivers of the SALDO, specifically §§2-404.C, D & E, §2-404.F(13), and §2-503.12, which Mr. Ragan recommended approving all five aforementioned waivers and entertained a motion to recommend approval once waivers are granted by the Board of Supervisors. The following Motions were made by Ms. Healy and seconded by Ms. Steel: 1) Motion to Approve Five Waivers; and 2) Motion to Board of Supervisors to Grant Five Waivers. The Motions were approved unanimously.

New London Ventures

Mike Shiring from RRHC spoke on behalf of New London Ventures and started out by recapping outstanding issues: 1) sidewalk location; 2) sidewalk material; 3) road enhancement committee. Mr. Shiring needs to meet with the Road Enhancement Committee to discuss PennDot issues for intersection of 896 & State Rd. Several trees were proposed along 896 which Mr. Shiring advised they’re not able to plant due to the required site distance of 538’. Mr. Ragan feels that low trees or shrubs will be preferable. Mr. Ragan advised that he needs to speak with Tom Comitta regarding how to handle build-to lines and cartway. Mr. Shiring asked if the Planning Commission had issues with 896 & State Rd. Mr. Ragan advised that he needs to speak with Jack Weber who has not been present at meetings lately. Regarding sidewalk material issues, Mr. Shiring presented several stamp and dye concrete options and there was a consensus among the Planning Commission to go with “Herringbone Brick.” Mr. Shiring advised that John Candeloro has renderings regarding architectural elevations. There were discussions about grading issues and the sidewalk on State Road needs to have a crosswalk. Ms. Steel suggested bushes to discourage pedestrian traffic. Lighting was also discussed as part of the new TND.

New London Village/Stanwell Tract – Preliminary Plan Review

Mr. Ragan thought that Alan Love was going to attend the meeting. Mr. Ragan prepared his review letter, but Mr. Love has not yet provided new plans. Sewage is still an issue.

Megill – Matsen –Prelim/Final Plan Review

There is an issue regarding the township borders between New London and Franklin Townships. Regester researched the border line between New London and Franklin, went back to the 1800s and found the deed description of the township boundary line. Franklin Township was originally part of New London Township and the boundary line was set up 150’ East of where the line was thought to be in recent history. Franklin cited the letter regarding the Wheatland Plan having the boundary where everyone believed it to be. Mr. Ragan spoke to Ken Crossan and Franklin’s stance is that there is a change in the boundary line; Mr. Ragan’s stance is that it is merely going back to where it should be according to the original deed description from the 1800s.

McCleary Subdivision

Mr. Ragan stated that his understanding is that if a parcel straddles the township line, then the property is taxed where the house is located.

DDM/Marshall

Mr. Ragan advised that sewage continues to be an issue; need to have a meeting.

A-Plus/Sunoco

Mr. Ragan advised that New London Township can be a party to the Zoning Hearing to offer evidence, if they so choose. Mr. Ragan proposed sending a letter in lieu of attending the hearing stating that the Township is neutral to the variance requested by A-Plus and provided that they adhere to the TND design standard, the Township will not oppose the variance. Ms. Steel made a Motion to send a letter to the Zoning Hearing Board with a cc: to the Board of Supervisors that states that the Township is neutral to the variance requested by A-Plus/Sunoco provided they adhere to the TND design standard. The Motion was seconded by Ms. Healy and the vote was unanimous.

Logue Subdivision – Final Subdivision

Mr. Ragan advised that he just received the plans for this subdivision on Monday, 3/10, and hasn’t had a chance to review it yet. It consists of splitting a long lot into 2 lots-front and back. Ms. Steel asked if she should abstain from voting on this since part of the property that’s being subdivided is going to her niece and Logue’s son. Mr. Ragan suggested the members quickly review the plan and he’ll do a full review for next month’s meeting.

Zoning Amendments

Mr. Ragan reported that the Board of Supervisors wants to do away with clustering, and advised that he will start the process to get the Stormwater Ordinance in place.

New Business

None.

Public Comments

A resident would like news on the sewer situation; Mr. Ragan reported that there’s an offer before the Township and that the proposed sewer system is now open to more developers and is bigger than what the Township originally anticipated.

Adjournment

On a motion made by Mr. Barto and seconded by Ms. Steel and approved unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.