MINUTES OF THE MARCH 20, 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: None

ALSO PRESENT: Elaine Swavely-Council member, Deena Kershner, John Leonforte-Building Inspector, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager, Denise L.Clare-Secretary

The minutes of the last meeting were read over by the Planning Commission members.

A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Sylvia Summons to accept the November minutes as presented.

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

Nayes- None

VISITORS

Elaine Swavely was in attendance for observation only.

Roy Heffner stated that Ken Pick would not be attending this evening as planned. Mr. Pick will attend the April meeting. Legislation may change and he will know that for next month.

Blueprint Communities: Blue Mountain Wildlife has not submitted their information to date. Housing has now been added to the action plan. There were a few changes to be made to the newest action plan. Under Arts, Culture & Heritage the last item should be changed to 2nd year from 6-10 year. Under Hamburg Pride the 2nd last item should be eliminated. Under Services & Education establish farmers market indoor & outdoor should be added as well as 2nd year. Under property values enhance visual appearance 1st year should be added OTF under organizations. Improve residential areas of Borough should have planning apply for Elm Street grant added under projects and 2nd year added and 6-10 year deleted. Under Housing the first item under projects establish a committee should be deleted and all years should be added. Planning Commission should be added to organizations. Rick Boyd stated that the list should be prioritized. Deena Kershner stated that most of the organizations gave their 5 year plans for this to be compiled. Neven Dries asked if anyone heard about Leesport Auction being sold.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Heather Breininger to recommend that the document is modified this evening and presented to Borough Council for their acceptance.

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

Nayes- None

Roy Heffner stated that action must be taken to support the railroad project.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Lori Guldin to support the railroad project as presented at the February 20 meeting.

Rick Boyd stated that the motion needs more wording. The motion was amended to include the acceptance of Andy Muller’s concept of the railroad running through Hamburg.

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

Nayes- None

Lori Guldin asked about a transportation authority. Roy Heffner stated that nothing has been decided on this, just discussion. Rick Boyd stated that a recommendation was made at the work session to have Borough Council look into a transportation authority. A transportation authority would work with Andy Muller and will enhance the ability to get federal dollars and loans. Also the authority would control more of what Andy Muller does. A transportation authority would not be any different than the water authority, Borough Council would have the same control. Andy Muller would not be subject to follow Borough Council ordinances (zoning ordinance). Rick Boyd stated that Borough Council needs to seriously consider having a transportation authority.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Lori Guldin to recommend to Borough Council to make serious investigations into the formation of a transportation authority to work on future transportation projects.

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

Nayes- Schlenker, Summons, Breininger

John Leonforte went over the special application that was received for 737 Franklin Street. The prospective owner is looking to put in an animal hospital and living quarters for herself. There previously were living quarters in the building but have not been used recently. The building is already a non-conforming use (was recently a machine shop). There is plenty of off-street parking. There will be no boarding of animals only ones who require overnight stays for surgery and so forth would be there.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Dale Schlenker to recommend to the Zoning Hearing Board to allow the veterinarian and if the neighbors have issues they should be presented at the hearing.

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

Nayes- None

John Leonforte received a proposal from Eric Armusik of 71 North 4th Street. Mr. Armusik is seeking a conditional use not a special exception to build an addition to his home. The present building line is the property line on the north side. The ordinance allows to building within 3’ for the property line. Borough Council needs to approve the Planning Commission’s recommendation.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Dale Schlenker to recommend to Borough Council that Eric Armusik may build to the present property line for the distance represented in the presented plans.

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

Nayes- None

Deena Kershner recommended that the Planning Commission recommend to Borough Council to consider adopting an ordinance for a historic district in the Borough. John Leonforte stated that it should be voluntary and not through a review board. It could cost people money. Lori Guldin asked why Deena Kershner wants a historic district. It would be for historic preservation, to keep places as they are. An example would be at 3rd & State Streets (Balthaser property) what if something happens to Ms. de Mariscal and a Wawa comes in and buys the property and builds a mini mart there?

A motion was made by Lori Guldin and seconded by to take to Borough Council to educate themselves on voluntary historic district designation.

The motion failed for lack of a second.

Rick Boyd asked if it was the consensus of the board to define a historic district. Discussion followed. Heather Breininger suggested using the current V-C district as a historic district. Roy Heffner stated that we want the architecture to blend with the rest of the area, not necessarily a certain amount of years old. John Leonforte explained the purpose would be to influence and not regulate.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Sylvia Summons to incorporate a historic district of buildings in Hamburg and recommend to Borough Council they adopt by resolution the current V-C area be designated as a historic district.

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

Nayes- None

A letter was received from Systems Design Engineering, Inc. letting the Planning Commission know about the Helene Subdivision in Windsor Township and the 48 townhouses they plan to build.

There is course correspondence, please review if interested.

There being no further business, and on motion of Sylvia Summons and seconded by Neven Dries the meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary