MINUTES OF THE JULY 18, 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 PRESENT: Roy R. Heffner, Sylvia S. Summons, Neven J. Dries, Heather A. Breininger, Lori M. Guldin, Richard W. Boyd

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dale R. Schlenker

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Neven Dries to accept the June minutes as presented.

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

Nayes-None

VISITORS

Maria Herne was in attendance for observation only. Darrin Heckman will betaken care of under new business.

The walk around town scheduled for this evening was canceled due to the extreme heat. It will be rescheduled for August 15 at 6:00 to commence at the parking lot at Front & State Streets.

Darrin Heckman from Lehigh Engineering was in attendance on behalf of Blue Ridge Construction. They have purchased the former Rectory property on State Street and want to build a 53 townhouse/condo development. They propose the following and will try to preserve as many of the existing trees and shrubs as possible. A resident will purchase the condo only and the homeowners association will take care of the outside of the properties. A sewer easement has been obtained on the south side of the property. John Leonforte stated that one of the issues with the development is it considered one lot or 53 lots since you only purchase the building and not grounds. John Leonforte asked what happens if the homeowners associate dissolves? Darrin Heckman stated that the developers attorney has come up with an agreement/charter for the association. Originally the development was to be for senior living (55+) but could be changed to include children at which point a tot lot, school bus pickup, etc. would have to be added.

Rick Boyd asked if each condo has their own parking. Darrin Heckman stated that there will be a 1 car garage and a 2 car driveway for each residence. Rick Boyd asked about the sidewalks being part of the driveway. Darrin Heckman stated that the sidewalks at 5’ wide. John Leonforte stated that sidewalks should be installed on both sides of the street.

There will be a 26’ wide cart way. Darrin Heckman stated that it could be dedicated to the Borough or just grant access to the Borough and it could maintained by the association.

Sylvia Summons asked about a recreation area. Darrin Heckman stated that the area around the house is recreation area. It would depends on the age group if anything else would be added like a pool or tot lot.

Rick Boyd felt the street width should be wider than 26’. John Leonforte stated that there will be no on street parking (curb) so the street would not have to be as wide. There is some overflow parking (19 spaces).

Rick Boyd asked where the storm water would flow. Darrin Heckman stated that a line will be run (w/easement) and piped down the cemetery to the creek.

Heather Breininger asked if there will be a fire hydrant installed in the development. Darrin Heckman stated that there would be.

Darrin Heckman stated that he was aware of the sewer moratorium and that he has been in contact with Greg Unger, Authority Engineer, who stated the plant expansion is a year out.

John Leonforte asked about driving up State Street and seeing the rear of Units 29-37. Darrin Heckman stated that the present trees will have to be removed but something else could be installed in their place.

John Leonforte asked about the townhouses themselves. Darrin Heckman stated that the front is 1/2 stone/brick and the rest will be siding. They will be 2 story units. Units 15-19 may have a basement. Units 42-46 the second story will go out into the yard.

Heather Breininger asked about the number of bedrooms in each unit. Darrin Heckman stated that there will be 2-3 bedrooms in each and the number will be decided on when the age group is decided.

Sylvia Summons asked about the price per unit. Darrin Heckman stated that this will also be decided on when the age group is known.

John Leonforte suggested having more lighting at the entrance to the development.

Lori Guldin asked when the age group decision would be made. Darrin Heckman stated that hopefully it would be made in the next month. Lori Guldin stated that this information should be known because it will effect other Planning Commission decisions.

John Leonforte asked about trash collection. There are no dumpsters shown. Lynda Albright stated that dumpsters may not be allowed and that the Borough collection may have to be used. Could a trash truck fit into the development? Darrin Heckman stated that all utilities will be in the cart way and billed to each unit individually.

Lori Guldin asked if the developer had done this type of project before. Darrin Heckman stated that they have. Lori Guldin asked if sample could be seen. Darrin Heckman stated that he could get some.

As this was not a formal submission, the developer will provide further information and plan updates. No decisions were made at this time.

Roy Heffner stated that with the Our Town Foundation project there are people coming into town for the first time and giving their impression of what they perceive. It might be a way of getting input on what could be changed/implemented.

Heather Breininger asked for an update on Hamburg Commons. John Leonforte stated that hard shale has been hit and the project is now 2 1/2 weeks behind and is going slow. The first footers were poured today for the Rite-Aid. John Leonforte stated that the workers have been very cooperative and do what is asked of them promptly.

Sylvia Summons asked if anything is happening at MACA. There are perspective buyers but nothing definite yet. Sylvia Summons also asked about Food Lion. There maybe something going in but not sure what.

Rick Boyd asked if there was a traffic light going in at South 4th Street & Hawk Ridge Drive. Lynda Albright stated that there is no plan for it at this time.

John Leonforte stated that the redevelopment project could effect traffic in the south end of town. Rick Boyd stated that the 1990 Comprehensive Plan had Windsor Street extending west behind Aero Industries and connecting with Front Street for a truck route.

There was a discussion on the proposed condo project.

There being no further business, and on motion of Heather Breininger to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary