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MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 18, 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 PRESENT: Roy R. Heffner, Dale R. Schlenker, Sylvia S. Summons, Neven J. Dries, Heather A. Breininger, Richard W. Boyd, Scott A. Kreider MEMBERS ABSENT: None ALSO PRESENT: Deena Kershner-OTF, Darrin Heckman, Robert Bayuk, Robert, Shalhoub, Ken Pick-BCRA, Jamie Vitez, John J. Leonforte-Zoning Officer, Denise L. Clare-SecretaryA motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Dale Schlenker to accept the minutes as presented. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Heffner, Schlenker, Summons, Dries, Breininger, Boyd Nayes- None Abstain-Kreider Jamie Vitez had nothing for the meeting. Darrin Heckman, Robert Bayuk and Robert Shalhoub were in attendance regarding the Villas at Hamburg Project. Darrin Heckman stated that the Planning Commission’s items have been addressed on the updated plans. Are there waivers needed? GVC again had an 8 page review letter. Darrin Heckman asked what can be done to take the next step to get the plans submitted to Borough Council. The outstanding issues have been addressed. Darrin Heckman reported that Penn Dot permits for access and the NPDES permit have been received. Darrin Heckman stated that they would be attending the next meeting. Rick Boyd asked why there was a new GVC letter. Updated plans need to be reviewed. Rick Boyd feels this is not necessary because the same issues are brought up. It was suggested to send GVC a letter stating that they need to change the way they do things or the Planning Commission will seek a new engineer for 2008. It was also discussed on changing the time of submittal. 20 days is not enough time to get plans out and reviews to come back. OLD BUSINESS Redevelopment-A letter was received from Andy Muller stating it is not conducive to do any of the railroad project in the next 5 years. The following letter was read by Roy Heffner: November 16, 2006 RE: Trains thru Hamburg In answer to the Hamburg Planning Commission’s letter of October 11, 2006, I would like to say yes – I am still interested in getting trains into Hamburg, PA. I have in the past asked that some of the town’s other developmental organizations form a team to approach landowners along the needed right-of-way and see if they – the landowners – were willing to participate on this endeavor. To date I have had no formal response to this request. This is the vital first step that must be taken. That said, I have not pursued this project with any fervor. I haven’t reached any agreements with Penn DOT or Tilden Township and I have not secured right-of-ways to date. The right-of-way issue aside, some questions I have:
Please keep in mind Penn DOT offers only freight grants; therefore, a freight customer must be located within the borough to qualify for grants – most of which have a matching percentage. How is the match-portion of the grant going to handled? I think if the town wants the train we should look at these issues and come to some sort of an agreement. As far as a time frame for start and completion of this project, my best guess would be +/- 5 years, depending upon funding, land acquisition, etc. Again, if there is any serious consideration for this project all this must be looked at. Thank you. Andy Muller Jr. CEO/Chairman-RBMN Ken Pick stated that there is no public hearing/plan eminent domain cannot be used to secure private property for private use. The Borough can condemn property for public use. Discussion on this subject was held. It was decided to move on with the redevelopment without the railroad. Rick Boyd stated that the area to be worked on at this time would be State Street to Walnut Street. Heather Breininger stated that the park to Walnut Street should be to area in order to keep the area cohesive/connected. John Leonforte talked to John Banks regarding the Exide property. EPA, as of December 11, accepted Exide’s offer and we will know something in 90 days after the negotiation period is over. John Leonforte spoke to Barry Isett regarding the traffic study for the Grand Street extension. Barry Isett has it down as 9 intersections to do John Leonforte stated that it was only 6 intersections. The cost will be $2,500 per intersection. Dale Schlenker suggested going to Grand Street with the redevelopment. Deena Kershner stated that Larry Karpenko is interested in working with the Borough’s redevelopment. He would like to put the property on the market but will not wait forever for the Borough to make a decision. The brewery firm is still interested but he is still trying to sell his current property and can’t buy this one because of its large size. It would cost way too much to purchase and fix up at this point. Deena Kershner reported that the Etchberger trail will be extended to State Street and the area will be fixed up with signs to the trails, launches, etc. A visitor’s center would be good for the lot on State Street. The money must be used in 2007. State Street to the black bridge and Grand Street south to the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society will have no acquisitions but will stay in the redevelopment area. A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Neven Dries to advise OTF that the Planning Commission is in agreement with their activities with a microbrewery in the western part of the former Wright’s building. ROLL CALL: Ayes- Heffner, Schlenker, Summons, Dries, Breininger, Boyd, Kreider Nayes- None A new meeting date was discussed. Starting with January 2007 Planning Commission meetings will be held on the third Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Rick Boyd asked what was going to be done about GVC. Roy Heffner will send a letter. Rick Boyd asked about changing the number of days for a plan submission. NEW BUSINESS None CORRESPONDENCE None A motion was made by Neven Dries and seconded by Sylvia Summons to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
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