MINUTES OF THE JUNE 20, 2005 MEETING OF THE 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 7:05 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dale R. Schlenker, Roy R. Heffner, Sylvia S. Summons, Neven J.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

ALSO PRESENT: Deena Kershner-OTF, Ken Pick, John Leonforte, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Sylvia Summons to approve the May minutes as written.

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

Nayes-None

VISITORS

None

Ken Pick from the Community Development Office of the County was in attendance to discuss the County’s participation in a revitalization plan for the Borough. The area near the State Street bridge is not in the OTF area, so this is the area we would like to concentrate on. Mr. Pick handed out information showing what was done in West Reading. Mr. Pick explained that you cannot take private property for private use it would have to be used for a public use like a park.

Ken Pick stated that there is an Elm Street Project which is the same as a Main Street project but for residential areas and not commercial areas.

Planning Commission members asked questions on taking properties and discussed what types of areas to look at when deciding where to work on.

Deena Kershner asked if money can be obtained to upgrade properties and not condemn them. Ken Pick stated that this could be done.

John Leonforte asked if the revitalization could be done in phases. Ken Pick stated that it could. Mr. Pick went on to say that there is no time schedule, no deadline to complete.

Dale Schlenker thinks a group walking tour is in order to check out what is needed and where. It would be good if the whole Planning Commission could look at the same thing at the same time.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Rick Boyd to go forward with the redevelopment/Main Street/Elm Street project.

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

Nayes-None

Roy Heffner asked what would be the first step. Rick Boyd stated that the next meeting should be held in the area to be worked on. Dale Schlenker asked Deena Kershner to recommend an area. The Planning Commission will start at the parking lot at Front & State Streets. Roy Heffner suggested having Deena Kershner involved with the project.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Breininger to change the next Planning Commission meeting to 6:00 and to meet at the parking lot at Front & State Streets.

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

Nayes-None

At this time, Ken Pick & Deena Kershner left the meeting. (7:45 p.m.)

John Leonforte will look into flood plain areas and who would be in charge of making changes/updating the maps and how to go about getting it revised. There are areas that may be in a flood plain in the possible revitalization area.

Rick Boyd suggested changing the minimum elevations on the flood plain properties to increase the salability and to make it more enticing for improvements and use.

There being no further business, and on motion of Dale Schlenker and seconded by Neven Dries to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary