SPRING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
1309 BLANCHARD STREET
BELLEFONTE, PA 16823
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
SEPTEMBER 21, 2015
7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Jeffrey Kranch, who led the salute to the flag, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
PLANNING COMMISSION:
Members Present: Joseph Conklin, Ed Gannon, Timothy Gardner, Jeffrey Kranch, Lindsay Schoch, Ralph Stone, Michael Williams
Members Absent:
ZONING OFFICER:
Vaughn Zimmerman
GUESTS:
An attendance sheet is attached to original copy.
ACTION ON MINUTES OF JULY 20, 2015:
With no additions or corrections, it was on a motion of Joseph Conklin seconded by Michael Williams to approve the minutes of July 20, 2015. Being unanimously approved the motion carried.
REPORTS FROM SUBCOMMITTEES:
Supervisor’s Liaison – Ralph Stone stated at the August Supervisor’s Meeting they approved the CATA budget. At the September meeting the Supervisors agreed to sign the matched shared agreement for CATA. They also agreed to send a written request to MPO to include I99 on the long term plan.
Recreation Committee – Joseph Conklin stated there is no report at this time.
Nittany Valley Committee – Jeffrey Kranch stated this will be addressed under NB4.
Ordinance Committee – No Report
HEARING OF VISITORS:
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
NB1 – NB1 BMW PARTNERSHIP TIME EXTENSION
Due to continued inability to resolve floodplain and other issues within the normal 90-day review period time frame, the developer has granted Spring Township a 90-day time extension for this plan.
Vaughn Zimmerman stated they are making progress, but they need to address emergency exits from the property because of flood plain issues.
It was on a motion of Ed Gannon seconded by Ralph Stone to accept the 90-day time extension for the Preliminary Land Development Plan for Lot 2R – Duplex Development, time extension to begin October 15, 2015 and ending January 15, 2016. Being unanimously approved the motion carried.
NB2 – BELLEFONTE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT ROGERS STADIUM ADA UPGRADES
Todd Smith from ELA Group was here to present the plans.
BAHS seeks to install improvements on their portion of ground that resides in Spring Township for a new parking lot and ADA upgrades. This plan was required to go through land development due to the amount of impervious coverage being created in the Spring Township portion of ground, needed storm water improvements and needed landscaping for this improvement.
Todd Smith stated the first step would be to make the stadium ADA accessible. They will use the current gravel access, which will lead to a grass area where there will be 20 parking stalls – 15 handicapped spaces and 5 regular. There is a total of 7,000 sf of proposed impervious area in the Township.
Tim Gardner questioned the storm water detention basins. Todd Smith addressed this issue.
Todd Smith stated they will be adding trees and shrubs on the perimeter of the parking lot. There will be lighting for the parking lot.
Ed Gannon asked if the parking area can be used for anything other than baseball or football games. Todd Smith stated it should not be unless used by maintenance personnel, score keepers, etc.
Jeffrey Kranch asked if they are moving the bull pen and batting cages. Todd Smith stated the school will be looking into relocating these things.
Lindsay Schoch also questioned the use of this parking lot. Todd Smith stated there will be a gate with an attendant. Handicapped individuals would need a placard or sticker.
Michael Williams questioned if the area to the parking lot will be paved. Todd Smith stated “yes” it will be paved.
Lindsay Schoch questioned if the parking will lead to the home or visitors side. Todd Smith said that will be addressed with the main plans.
Todd Smith stated he feels all comments have been pretty much addressed. E&S approval is not required because it is under an acre.
Jeffrey Kranch asked for a time line. Todd Smith stated it has to be put out for bid. They hope to bid by November and receive the bids in December and are ready to start the improvements in early spring.
At this time, all Spring Township review comments have been addressed. Centre County Planning Office comments have been received but not yet addressed. Comments issued by Don Franson, Spring Township Engineer, have not been addressed at this time. The E&S plan is currently under review by the Centre County Conservation District.
It was on a motion of Timothy Gardner seconded by Michael Williams to recommend conditional approval of the Bellefonte Area School District Rogers Stadium ADA Upgrades Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan, plan dated August 26, 2015, last revised September 9, 2015. Conditions of approval being completion of comments issued by Don Franson, Spring Township Engineer, and Completion of comments issued by Centre County Planning Office. On a vote of 6-0-1, the motion carried. Ed Gannon abstained because he coaches for the school district.
NB3 – PLEASANT HILLS APARTMENTS PHASE 2 FINAL LAND DEVELOPMENT
John Sepp from Penn Terra Engineering was here to present the plans.
In 2001, Spring Township approved the Pleasant Hills apartments plan. A total of four buildings were proposed, two of which were built as Phase 1. During the planning phase, Phase 2 (consisting of two more buildings) was also planned for, but these two buildings were never built. At this time, the second pair of apartment buildings is now being proposed.
These two buildings will total 40 residential units, the same number as Phase 1. This preliminary plan was originally developed under the previous zoning ordinance; however, due to modern requirements for storm water, buffer yards and other items this plan is being revised. Along with storm water being addressed on this plan, parking lot landscaping and buffer yard requirements are also being addressed.
Michael William asked if they are making the storm water basin larger. John Sepp stated “yes” that is correct.
Michael Williams asked when they plan on starting this project. John Sepp stated maybe this fall, but probably next spring.
Timothy Gardner asked if there will be any blasting. John Sepp stated there may be. Lindsay Schoch asked if we have to notify close neighbors about the blasting. John Sepp stated he believes that is regulated by the State.
The slope behind the units will be very steep and Ed Gannon stated he is concerned with water runoff because of the rock. John Sepp stated there will be a detention basin there.
Timothy Gardner questioned handicapped parking for these units. John Sepp stated there are only 2 per unit. The first phase had more because of the club house.
Ed Gannon state he sees a problem with kids walking down the hill to the bus stop. John Sepp stated he could suggest a connecting sidewalk.
Ed Gannon is concerned with the steep slope behind the units – what about falling stone, etc. John Sepp stated that would be the owners’ responsibility.
John Sepp stated the buildings themselves are basically grandfathered, but they have met some current concerns.
It was on a motion of Ed Gannon seconded by Ralph Stone to recommend conditional approval of the Pleasant Hills Apartments Phase 2 Final Land Development Plan, plan dated August 26, 2015, last revised September 9, 2015. Conditions of approval being completion of comments issued by Don Franson in a letter dated 9/12/15, completion of comments to be issued by Centre County Planning Office, approval of the Component 3 Planning Module by PA DEP, approval of the E&S Plan by Centre County Conservation District and include connecting sidewalks between Phase I and II for safe pedestrian travel. Being unanimously approved the motion carried.
NB4 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION
Jeffrey Kranch thanked Tom Zilla from MPO and Liz Lose and Sue Hannegan from the County Planning Office for attending the meeting this evening.
Transportation was a main topic of discussion. Lindsay Schoch stated she talked with Eric Bernier at CATA. Lindsay Schoch questioned if the Township has any say in the stops in the Township. Eric Bernier informed her that the Board of Supervisors would have to request more/fewer stops in the Township. Michael Williams asked if Bill MacMath talked with CATA. Tom Zilla stated CATA has a strategic plan. Michael Williams stated without Bellefonte Borough, Spring Township would be out and vice-versa. Ed Gannon asked why the CATA increase wasn’t paid for by businesses/developers in State College and why the Township has to pay for the increase.
Bike Paths in the Township were also discussed. Tom Zilla stated there is PADOT funding for bike paths, but would require a local match of funds.
Rails provide economic development in the Township and are currently used by Hawbaker’s and Graymont.
Interchanges were discussed. Tom Zilla stated that interchanges have always been a part of the MPO’s transportation plan. Centre County gets an allocation for 4 years – TIP. Tom Zilla stated these plans are fiscally constrained. Tom Zilla stated that Act 89 was passed in 2013 instituting a tolling plan. Tolling new facilities is easier than tolling existing facilities. Ed Gannon asked if there is anything that can be done at the interchange at Musser Lane. Tom Zilla stated it would be a 5 or 6 year period even if someone would walk in with a check of 275 million.
Lindsay Schoch asked what the benefits are to belong to the MPO. Tom Zilla stated it is tough to influence public officials that the money is worth having a seat at the table and have some influence. Tom Zilla stated they would help us whether we are a member or not. Ed Gannon stated we have problems in the Township that need addressed.
Ed Gannon asked why there are projects being done like Whitehall Road that doesn’t really serve that much purpose when we have kids that need to cross the main roads to go to school, etc. Tom Zilla stated they ask for priorities every couple years and if we have an issue the Board needs to make a request.
Tom Zilla addressed active projects and long range plans. He said the MPO is supposed to approve capital dollars at the State and Federal level. They have 19 voting members.
Ed Gannon asked what prioritizes the projects. Tom Zilla stated that Safety and Security is 100%, Preservation of the Existing Management & Operations is 94% and Efficient System Management & Operations is 86%
Michael Williams asked who the suggestions need to come from – the Planning Commission or the Supervisors. Tom Zilla stated the Planning Commission needs to submit their suggestions to the governing body, which are the Supervisors.
Ed Gannon questioned the Titan project. Tom Zilla stated the municipality needs to express the importance of the safety issues for economic development.
Liz Lose from the Centre County Planning Office stated they are identifying vacant lands and buildings. They also address the living wage issue, which is an ongoing topic at the Nittany Valley Meetings.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
CORRESPONDENCE:
Sue Hannigan addressed the Hazard Mitigation Plan stating that each municipality was asked to update their plan and identify any new issues.
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to discuss, it was on a motion of Lindsay Schoch seconded by Michael Williams to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 P.M.
Korena J. DeFurio
Recording Clerk