MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 MEETING OF PLANNING COMMISSION

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dale R. Schlenker, Lori M. Guldin

ALSO PRESENT: Deena Kershner, John Leonforte, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Heather Breininger to accept the August minutes as presented.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Heffner, Dries, Breininger, Summons, Boyd

Nayes-None

VISITORS

Deena Kershner had nothing for the Planning Commission. She was in attendance regarding the redevelopment program.

John Leonforte reviewed the proposed change to the zoning ordinance regarding special exceptions for signage. The Borough solicitor has said there has to be specific conditions in order to qualify for the special exception. Those conditions are:

The property must be in the VC or BD district

Be in a shopping center, strip mall or having certain franchise requirements

On lots in excess of 1.5 acres

The reasons for these would be that you would not want this much signage in a residential district. Rick Boyd felt that a special exception should not have to be granted based on franchise requirements.

The definition of strip mall and shopping center was discussed. Different scenarios were also brought up and discussed. It was decided that the criteria must be met to even be considered for the special exception. That criteria would be:

The property must be in the VC or BD district

Be in a shopping center or strip mall

On lots in excess of 1.5 acres

Heather Breininger asked if the criteria was met does the special exception have to be granted? John Leonforte stated that if the criteria is met how could it be denied just because? It could go to court and there would be no leg to stand on and the applicant would probably win.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Sylvia Summons to recommend to Borough Council pending legal council approval the following conditions:

The property must be in the VC or BD district and,

Be in a shopping center or,

On lots in excess of 1.5 acres in the VC or BD district

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Heffner, Dries, Breininger, Summons, Boyd

Nayes-None

Truck routing in town was discussed. John Leonforte handed out a map and notes for review. Rick Boyd asked about intersection #6 and possible access to the former MACA building. Depending on the direction of travel large trucks may not be able to make the turn. John Leonforte stated that you cannot limit the traffic on a state road (4th & State Streets). The intersections can be changed if necessary but this would be a long term goal. Rick Boyd suggested moving the entrance of Front Street off of State Street to the west side of the NAPA building and closing the current entrance.

Deena Kershner stated that she and some others would be meeting with property owners along the old rail bed. Andrew Muller would like to restore the railway going thru Hamburg and would need to purchase some properties. There was a lengthy discussion about the railroad and if it was wanted/needed for Hamburg. Members would like to see the hump at 2nd & State flattened out but this may not be able to be done if the railroad is restored. Deena Kershner stated that there is talk of having a freight train as well as a tourist train. Mr. Muller would like to put in a train station replicating the former train station. This would be used as a visitors center. Also a restaurant could also be added. This would also affect the truck routing previously discussed along with the redevelopment project. The houses along State Street between Front & Second could be converted to small shops or eating establishments and used as a tourist attraction for those coming from Tilden and for the train.

Roy Heffner asked members to review the truck routing information and get ideas/suggestions to John.

Roy Heffner asked if anyone had any ideas, comments, etc. regarding the revitalization project. Roy Heffner asked the members to get any ideas to the Secretary for the packets for next months meeting for discussion.

Rick Boyd asked if anyone has heard anything about the Wright’s building. John Leonforte stated that it is scheduled for sheriff sale on September 27.

Sylvia Summons stated that there are properties in town that look bad and need to upgraded. Roy Heffner state that if it is part of the revitalization area money could be obtained to upgrade these properties or they could be torn down and start over. It may not be a free ride but could be a 50/50 proposition. Heather Breininger stated that it also may be in the form of low interest loans.

Heather Breininger asked why it takes someone to complain to get things enforced. Enforcement of property maintenance issues should be done on a consistent basis and not when a complaint comes in.

Pool grant application-Roy Heffner asked if the Planning Commission is in agreement with renovating the pool. Sylvia Summons stated that the money was already received. Roy Heffner will send a letter to Borough Council expressing the Planning Commission’s agreement. Rick Boyd asked if the North Berks Recreation Committee should send a letter too. This will be checked into.

John Leonforte sent a letter to Thomas Richey of Cedar Shopping Centers asking him to confirm the waiver of the 90 day decision time. This was sent out in late August and no response (or the signed waiver) has been received. The architect has received a signed copy but the Borough has not.

Roy Heffner read the following letter from the Berks County Planning Commission:

The Berks County Planning Commission staff has reviewed the proposed zoning ordinance amendment regarding the prohibiting of certain internally lit signs in certain locations within the Borough. This change was reviewed by the Berks County Planning Commission pursuant to Section 609 of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. We offer the following comments for your consideration:

Staff agrees with e proposed zoning amendment as it is a proactive stop toward protecting/preserving the historic character of Hamburg Borough.

Staff has attached information that included additional signage regulatory measures that have been successfully used by other communities to further preserve historic appeal.

It is recommended that this measure and any additional measures fully encompass the Main Street Program area. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of signage along routs used to access the program areas/downtown should be considered so as Roger Kuhns prevent a noticeable line of stark contrast between zones.

Staff notes that as per conversation with John Leonforte, the proposed amendment will be part of Section 510.5 Prohibited Signs, as a new subsection 8 rather than 504 subsection 2 as stated within the amendment.

We thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the ordinance change. Upon adoption, a copy of the final ordinance should b4e sent to the Berks County Planning Commission as required by Section 609(g) of the Municipalities Planning Code.

This will be given to John Leonforte for his review. The other information was pictures of different signage and related information.

The Secretary read the following letter from Lynda Albright:

This is to advise that the terms of office for the following member(s) of the Hamburg Planning Commission will expire on December 31, 2005: Roy Heffner and Neven Dries.

Would you please let me know the Board’s recommendations for appointments by November 2. 2005? The term of office runs for four years.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Heather Breininger to recommend to Borough Council the reappointment of Roy Heffner and Neven Dries.

ROLL CALL: Ayes-Heffner, Dries, Breininger, Summons, Boyd

Nayes-None

There being no further business, and on motion of Neven Dries and seconded by Sylvia Summons to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary