West Sadsbury Township
Planning Commission Meeting
March 28, 2017
Planning Commission members in attendance were Barry Edwards, Ed Haas, Darren DeVoe, Benuel Stoltzfus, Ashley Melasecca, and Dave Markward. Cory Rathman from Becker Engineering was also present.
Also in attendance were Ernest Oppenheim, Kris Phillips, Steve Stoltzfus, and Nancy Stoltzfus.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. With nothing on the agenda, there were no Planning Commission meetings in December, January, or February. A Motion to accept the November 22, 2016 Minutes as written, was made by Barry and seconded by Ed. The Motion passed.
Regional Planning Commission
No report.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
l Kris Phillips of Abacus Surveying appeared before The Planning Commission to discuss the Steven and Susie Stoltzfus subdivision plan. At the time of this meeting Cory had not had time to formally review the plan but Cory and the Planning Commission offered several comments.
>Variance for flag lot has already been granted.
A document that records the agreement for the shared driveway, including driveway usage and maintenance, will need to be provided.
>Add a note to the plan to show intention of combining Lot 3 with Lot 2.
>Add a note to plan indicating that Lot 4 is to be sold to neighbor, Ben Stoltzfus and added onto his existing adjacent parcel.
The Variance that was granted to allow the shared driveway on a flag lot with insufficient road frontage was granted more than a year ago. Applicant will need to contact Zoning Officer to determine if an extension of variance is required.
>Resubmit plan with all existing and proposed mergers and development clearly indicated.
The Planning Commission will table further comments until plan has been resubmitted and Cory’s review is complete.
ZONING HEARING BOARD UPDATES
l The Zoning Hearing Board met on December 8, 2016 to consider the Application of Freedom Life Church to the Zoning Hearing Board for a Special Exception to allow them to construct a church and associated facilities on 1 31 acre property on the northwest corner of Rte 41 and Zook Road in the RMD District. Due to unresolved issues concerning potential restraints for prime Ag Soils and Open Space, the ZHB hearing was continued. In a letter dated January 23, 2017, an attorney representing the Church offer an opinion on how these issues might be resolved. The Planning Commission offered the following comments after reviewing letter.
>Resubmit application to apply as a CS District vs. RMD District eliminating Prime Ag Soil development restrictions and allow Township to use Industrial/Commercial site capacity determination chart (Sec 9.B) in Zoning Ordinance.
>Not allowed to tie title expiration into Final Approval of Land Development Plan. The ZHB will require a specific time frame possibly consistent with previously granted time frame on similar church just across Rte 41.
Barry made a Motion to write a letter to the ZHB with Planning Commission comments. Ashley seconded. The Motion passed.
MISCELLANEOUS
l Nancy Stoltzfus appeared before The Planning Commission looking for direction on preserving a portion of her parents’ property in the Township. The Planning Commission offered Nancy suggestions on where to start and how to proceed.
A Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ed and seconded by Ben. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 8:55.The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 7:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Markward
Recorder