The Hamburg Planning Commission met this evening in the Council Chambers of the Hamburg Municipal Center with Chairman Leon Balthaser presiding. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Leon A. Balthaser, George E. Confer, Diana L. Edwards, Dale R. Schlenker

MEMBERS ABSENT: Bryon S. Ruhl, Jeffrey A. Metz, Charles Cuthbert

ALSO PRESENT: Richard W. Boyd-Council President, Roy R. Heffner-Councilman, John Leonforte-Building Inspector, Kay Greenawalt, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

A motion was made by Diana Edwards and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the May minutes as presented.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Balthaser, Confer, Edwards, Schlenker

Nayes-None

Kay Greenawalt was in attendance regarding her building at 122-126 South 3rd Street. At present it is 2 apartments and 1 business. Mrs. Greenawalt expressed concerns she has as a business owner and being able to use her building to it’s fullest capacity. Mrs. Greenawalt would like to put an addition on the rear of her building for storage and the zoning ordinance does not allow it as she is requesting. Mrs. Greenawalt is requesting a grandfather clause for buildings that are non-conforming to be able to do things to improve them even though it may not meet zoning. Not being able to do things with the many older, non-conforming buildings in town does not encourage people to improve their property or want to come into Hamburg.

Rick Boyd stated that there are different setback requirements depending on the zoning district which impacts the neighborhood. The Borough tries to keep people/businesses working together and having zoning is part of this. The $500 variance application fee covers advertising and the stenographer needed. Hamburg’s zoning ordinance is similar to other borough’s in the county.

The zoning ordinance districts need to be updated since there is not as much industry as there once was. Many areas have changed since the districts were formed. There is regional planning in effect and the borough is in the process of updating the zoning ordinance which could take up to a year.

John Leonforte stated that some of the zoning ordinance can be changed because regional planning won’t effect it and setback is one of them.

The zoning ordinance is being modified to prevent people from having to obtain variances as much. Lynda Albright suggested getting an engineer involved with the updates.

A large map of proposed zoning districts will be copied and sent to review with a copy of the draft zoning map and it then it will be decided which to use and then the zoning ordinance will be updated from there.

None

There being no further business, and on motion of Dale Schlenker seconded by George Confer to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary