MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 29, 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: Dale R. Schlenker

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Sylvia Summons to accept both sets of minutes as written.

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

Nayes- None

Scott Kreider asked why the August 28 public meeting was canceled. Roy Heffner stated that the project was scrapped and there was no need for a public meeting at this time.

The August 15, 2006 Planning Commission meeting was a continued meeting to gather information on the redevelopment project.

Roy Heffner stated that redevelopment project has been sent back to the Planning Commission for examination. KMX International has submitted a packet of information and will be available to view in the Borough Office. Any comments/ideas/information should be brought to the next Planning Commission meeting. This project will move forward but will need to be modified. Rick Boyd asked if the environmental issue was the only reason for the hold in the project. Roy Heffner stated that no it was not the only reason. An outline of the area needs to be done. Look at what is included with the current plan and decide if it should be included or not. Roy Heffner stated that we need to hear from the railroad, should this be an option or not? It is not the primary use for the area.

Greg Kohl was in attendance regarding the Weidman Subdivision. The GVC letter was reviewed. Greg Kohl will take care of getting the owner to sign the plans and get them notarized. There are no water/sewer issues since nothing is being added. There is no development proposed for the lots. The clear site triangle was removed from the plans because it went through the current building and it was not needed.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Lori Guldin to accept the proposal of the final plans to give them to Borough Council after the completion of item #4 (signing and notarizing).

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

Nayes- None

Villas at Hamburg-Darrin Heckman, Robert Bayuk and Robert Shalhoub were in attendance regarding this. The plans are to develop the area on State Street that was formerly St. Mary’s Rectory. Proposed are 36 senior (55+) townhouses/condos. Residents would purchase the home but the land is common ground. The entire development is considered to be one lot not multiple lots. John Leonforte stated that this needs to be determined. John Leonforte thinks it is logical to look at it as one lot since with the age group residing there it will not have pools and swing sets in each yard. Rick Boyd stated that this is not addressed in the zoning ordinance and a motion will set a precedent. Neven Dries asked if other properties in the Borough could be used like this. Roy Heffner wasn’t not sure. Rick Boyd stated that this needs to be defined now. Darrin Heckman stated it would be the same way as if it would be an apartment complex.

Darrin Heckman stated that he is looking for waivers from the SALDO and will have them put in writing for next month.

Darrin Heckman reported that they are proposing to have 19% (almost 1 acre) of open space (if all open spaces are added together). The detention pond is not included in the open space area; this would be considered utility area.

Darrin Heckman reported that the adequacy letter from the County (BCCD) has been received.

Darrin Heckman stated that Penn Dot permits have been obtained for the 30’ (was to be 26’ but the Planning Commission wanted 30’) road and the emergency access road of 14’ and also to tap into the water line on State Street.

A recommendation from the fire chief will be obtained regarding how to block the emergency access.

There was a discussion regarding fencing. It was decided to leave as it is shown on the plans.

Darrin Heckman reported that the detention pond will be aerated and that there will be no fish in it. Plants that will be put into the pond will take care of any algae build up and will attract birds. There will be 4’ of water in at all times. If necessary an aerator will be added.

John Leonforte asked about lights. Darrin Heckman pointed out the light locations on the drawing. There will be 5 lights around the facility and lights on the buildings. A lighting plan will be submitted.

The Post Office will drive into the development to deliver. The mailboxes will be 2 together and there will be 1 cluster of 3 mailboxes.

John Leonforte stated that there are some changes that need to be approved regarding the zoning ordinance. Billboards in the IPR district needs to be added. The following list was also submitted for approval:

Add to 512.3.1 " 512.3 Off -Premises Signs may be permitted only in the BD District and within

Three hundred (300) feet of the Route 61 right-of-way."

Correct 512.3.2g. All Off Premises signs shall be erected………..Signs over (correct onn hundred to one hundred)

Add to 510.3.5.2.b (3) "Off-Premises Signs shall not be permitted in the MDR-1 nor permitted in the MDR-2 districts."

Change 510.3.5.2.C "Commercial and Industrial Districts (VC, BD & IPR)" to "Commercial and Industrial Districts (VC& BD)"

Add to 510.3.5.2.C "(3) Off- Premises Signs shall not be permitted in the VC district."

Create 510.3.5.2.D "Institutional/Public/Recreational district. (IPR)"

Create 510.3.5.2.D "(1) Off- Premises Signs shall not be permitted in the IPR district."

Change 402.10 Signs: to "404.10 Signs:"

Several course brochures came in, if you are interested, see Denise.

A letter was received from SDE regarding the Hamburg Square project.

John Leonforte asked if there were any questions regarding the zoning ordinance changes. Lori Guldin asked about signs in the IPR district. John Leonforte stated that this district is for preserving land and only current businesses can have signs and they are not allowed to be off-premise signs.

A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Sylvia Summons to accept the zoning ordinance changes submitted by John Leonforte and to forward them on to Borough Council.

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

Nayes- None

Rick Boyd brought up about the Villas at Hamburg and whether it should be considered 1 lot or multiple lots and what is considered a back yard as opposed to a side yard. Are apartments allowed in this area? John Leonforte stated that they are. The side yard is 8’ and the rear yard is 25’. It was questioned is it the rear or the side of the structure? Rick Boyd feels it should be 25’ and amend the zoning ordinance to clarify this in the future. Rick Boyd stated that 8’ is not enough. John Leonforte suggested making it a special exception and that developers would have to go before the Zoning Hearing Board. Rick Boyd recommended that John Leonforte come up with wording for this. Rick Boyd will assist with this.

A motion was made by Sylvia Summons and seconded by Rick Boyd to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary