MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 17, 2005 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: Lori M. Guldin

A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Heather Breininger to accept the September minutes as written.

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

Nayes-None

VISITORS

Maria Herne was in attendance to observe. Craig Bachik was on the agenda under new business.

Redevelopment Project-Roy Heffner stated that there were some good ideas submitted. Now we have to decide what to do and where in the designated area to have them. Dale Schlenker suggested picking something and attacking it. John Leonforte suggested to pick one item and discuss it instead of trying to do it as a whole. Truck routes was picked to discuss this evening. Sylvia Summons stated that there are a lot of cars coming out of Front Street onto State Street. Would a traffic count help? John Leonforte stated that traffic counts are good. A list of reasons for doing the count would need to be done first to identify what to watch for. Rick Boyd stated that OTF did a traffic count. Deena Kershner stated that it was done 1 1/2-2 years ago at 4th & State Streets. John Leonforte suggested polling the industries to see what the number of deliveries are they get, how often and the type of truck that deliver. This would also be for businesses that have outgoing trucks. John Leonforte also suggested looking at the alleys being one way instead of streets.

At this time it was decided to go to new business so Mr. Bachik did not have to wait through the rest of the redevelopment discussion.

John Leonforte stated that the buffer zone is not needed on the south end of the property but may be needed on the east side if Carl Bickel builds homes on the adjourning property.

Craig Bachik stated that Cedar Shopping would rather donate money for a traffic study which is being done at the Route 61 & South 4th Street intersection.

Under the section regarding stormwater management, item #1 a waiver will be asked for regarding showing low flow through the pond area, item #2 Mr. Bachik stated that they would prefer not to have to fence in the basin. John Leonforte does not feel it is necessary. Item #5 regarding ownership and maintenance of the drainage structures will be taken care of. Mr. Bachik stated that he will adequately address all outstanding issues.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Neven Dries to recommend to Borough Council and the Zoning Hearing Board the following:

Recommend that the variance be granted for parking as submitted

Recommend waiving having to do a traffic study in lieu of a contribution

Recommend waiving showing the method of carrying low flow through the pond area and having to fence around the basin

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

Nayes-None

At this time, Mr. Bachik left the meeting (7:45 p.m.)

At this time discussion went back to old business and truck routes.

A survey should be sent to all businesses asking about truck traffic to their establishments. Things that will be asked are: how often do trucks come, the size of the trucks, where do they come into town at, suggestions for improvements. Also businesses in Windsor and Tilden Township should be asked as well since trucks come through Hamburg to go to these other areas. John Leonforte stated that getting a truck route off Route 61 into the industrial area would change a lot of things. Dale Schlenker stated that there is not a lot of tractor trailer traffic coming by his place going into town. Roy Heffner will prepare a survey for businesses for the next meeting. The secretary will prepare a list of businesses.

John Leonforte stated that members should look at the alleys as an alternate truck route. John Leonforte stated that members should identify obstacles, the feasibility of making some alleys one way, being able to pull out onto streets from alleys, etc. Rick Boyd suggested making Apple Alley one way northbound. Peach and Primrose Alleys may be harder to make a one way thoroughfare. Peach Alley might be able to be one way southbound.

Deena Kershner reported that the Schuylkill River Greenway Association will be doing a bike/hike trail along the river with Hamburg being a starting/ending point. This is the next phase of the development. The trails will go north into Schuylkill County. Their plans should be considered with our development. Maybe public transport could be established to bring people back to the beginning from the end.

John Leonforte handed out a summary received from Spotts, Stevens & McCoy regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan.

Therman Madeira from the railroad and Pete Reinke from the county will be at next month’s meeting.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary