MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 16, 2006 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 7:00 p.m.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard W. Boyd, Lori M. Guldin

Building Inspector, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L.Clare-Secretary

A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Dale Schlenker to accept the minutes as written.

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

Nayes- None

The visitors that were in attendance regarding the Pair of Aces special exception had nothing until after a presentation was made.

Pair of Aces Special Exception-John Leonforte stated that there is no SALDO plan. Nothing new has been received on this. At the Zoning Hearing Board meeting there was significant opposition. A recommendation has to be made by the Planning Commission one-way or the other. John Leonforte stated that the Planning Commission cannot not recommend not allowing the special exception.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Neven Dries to inform the Zoning Hearing Board to not grant the special exception.

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

Nayes- None

John Leonforte stated that there have been questions as to whether or not it is an appropriate use to allow a special exe3ption. No one is here to answer questions. The developer will have to come before the Planning Commission when they get to the SALDO stage.

Donald Francis stated that the developer cannot meet the zoning ordinance requirements. Janet Barr made a plan of the area showing what exists and what the developer wants to do and how that would effect the neighborhood. She turned it over to the Planning Commission for their review and information.

Since Ms. Adams had 2 other meetings to get to, the meeting agenda was changed.

Carol Adams-RCT&HS: A letter was given to the chairman; copies will be distributed to the members. The RCT&HS have issues with the 2nd Street Redevelopment Project. The train tracks no longer run in their former location. It is now in the towpath area.

RCT&HS does not want the tracks to run behind their building where they had run in the past. If this was done, their parcel would be split by the tracks. A map and book showing the plans with the RCT&HS property was given to the chairman. The RCT&HS wants the wording in the redevelopment plans to be changed as stated in their letter. RCT&HS would like to participate in the process of the redevelopment project.

Grand Street Extension-John Leonforte updated the board. A proposal has been received from Barry Isett with a list on how to proceed. Balfour Beatty, from the I-78 project, will have fill to dispose of. Wissahickon is very cooperative and is willing to allow a stockpile of materials for the project. The engineering costs will be approximately $55,000 to start. Land on the west side of Route 61 will have to be obtained from the railroad. The next thing to do is solicit funds. The project will be done in 2 phases. It will also need to be done prior to the State Street Bridge being closed for repairs.

Hawk Ridge Drive Intersection-Barry Isett’s grant writer is looking for funds for this.

Deena Kershner asked if Penn Dot granted permission for the Grand Street Extension. John Leonforte stated that they cant without the engineering work being completed.

Redevelopment Project-Roy Heffner stated to hold off on this until we hear from Andy Muller. Members are to continue to come up with ideas for the area north of State Street.

A letter has been received from Lynda Albright regarding the reappointment of Heather Breininger and Sylvia Summons for another 4-year term. Sylvia Summons would like to stay on. Heather Breininger declined the reappointment.

Deena Kershner invited everyone to a meeting on October 24 at 10:00 a.m. to make Hamburg a historical district. It will be looked into to have this meeting at the Municipal Center since the OTF office cannot accommodate the number of people attending.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Heather Breininger to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.