MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 19, 2005 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: Sylvia S. Summons

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

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

Nayes- None

VISITORS

Dave Bhasin and Roger Hoffman were in attendance regarding the Hamburg Commons project. A letter was handed out for the Planning Commission members review. This letter will also be submitted to Borough Council, the Building Inspector and Penn Dot. At this time, the members read over the letter that they just received. The letter was an update on the project and a request for a temporary occupancy permit being granted. Due to the winter setting in there are some things that must be completed now and others not until the weather breaks in spring. Mr. Bhasin will finish the project in spring but wants to open in January. Roger Hoffman stated that the Rite-Aid is to be opening January 30. The fixtures arrived today and the merchandise will be arriving January 9. Dave Bhasin stated that the kitchen in the Arby’s is installed and the interior decorating is being done. Cleanup will be in 2 weeks to get their food service license. 45-50 people have already been hired and need to get working before they seek other employment. John Leonforte stated that a temporary occupancy permit has an expiration date and access to the buildings would be lost if the outstanding items are not completed by that date. Dave Bhasin stated that the landscaping material has been purchased. John Leonforte stated that as built drawings must be submitted prior to the final occupancy permit being issued.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Lori Guldin to recommend to Borough Council to grant the temporary occupancy permit to the Hamburg Commons project through the end of May 2006 provided L & I and Penn Dot approve the outlined requests.

Lori Guldin asked if barrels could be put up to prevent traffic from entering the complex from the south bound lanes. Dave Bhasin stated that Penn Dot will not allow that. This is why a temporary "pork chop" is being installed.

Rick asked if there were any other issues that would prevent Hamburg Commons from getting their occupancy permit. John Leonforte stated that there was not anything he knew of.

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

Nayes- None

At this time, Dave Bhasin and Roger Hoffman left the meeting.

Deena Kershner had nothing for the meeting.

Truck Traffic Questionnaire-Roy Heffner explained that these have not gone out. He felt that with Christmas mailing and people being off that there would not be a good response. They will be sent out in January. A few changes have also been made to make them easy to fill out for everyone. Roy Heffner will get together with John Leonforte to work on the mailing list.

Blueprint Community-Deena Kershner stated that the group attended the last training session on December 13 & 14. The focus of the group needs to be determined. The Blueprint Community Group will meet once a month. A plan will be put together, probably a 5 year or possibly a 10 year plan. Information will be taken from the previous surveys that have been done and other local groups will be asked for their input. After the plan is in place, funds can be applied for.

Railroad Project-Roy Heffner asked the Secretary if any questions or comments were received from the Planning Commission members. The Secretary stated that there was not. John Leonforte thinks the railroad is a good idea. He would like to see what will be installed at the cross roads. Will the trolley go up State Street? How can traffic flow with the trolley? What is needed at the cross roads? Who regulates and determines what must be done? Who takes care of clearing the streets around the tracks? Deena Kershner stated that the proposal now is to bring in tracks and not a trolley which has been scrapped at this point. Dale Schlenker stated that the Real Estate department of the rail road should be contacted for more information.

Rick Boyd asked how many freight trains would be going through town and at what times.

Heather Breininger stated that she had 2 issues, safety and volume.

Dale Schlenker stated that the Planning Commission should encourage the railroad to move forward and to get answers to the Planning Commission’s questions.

Deena Kershner stated that originally Andy Muller wanted to bring in tourism like he did in Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua. Freight was going to be a side thing.

Roy Heffner asked what Andy Muller wanted from the Planning Commission. Deena Kershner doesn’t think he wants anything. But the Planning Commission’s approval is needed to be able to proceed and to be a part of the redevelopment area.

Deena Kershner suggested writing up a list of questions so they can be addressed.

Questions should be emailed to John Leonforte and then they will be submitted to Therman Madeira Reading & Northern Railroad.

Rick Boyd stated that the trolley would be an asset to town but there would be issues. Penn Dot and allowing the trolley to cross Route 61 would be one. There are real safety concerns by running freight trains through a community.

Heather Breininger suggested having a trolley bus to see if it would be viable before going through the expense and time to lay tracks and install overhead wires. Dale Schlenker stated that it could be done but who would run it and bear the liability and such.

Dale Schlenker stated that all funding would be from the state and federal governments and nothing from Hamburg Borough. Tilden Township nixed the trolley. Penn Dot approved going across Route 61 but Cabela’s never approved bringing a trolley onto their lot.

John Leonforte stated that Chris Madara (owner of the American Hotel) is seeking a property to purchase for parking. He would like to run a shuttle from the parking lot to the hotel as well as downtown shopping areas. John Leonforte told Mr. Madara to talk with the business association and OTF.

Rick Boyd stated that he spoke officials from Fairmount Foundry and they stated that they have no use for freight train service.

Rick Boyd suggested looking into having a transportation authority to tie in with these projects. An authority like this looks better than having an individual in charge. Dale Schlenker stated that Borough Council had issues with having a transportation authority because of them being able to condemn properties.

John Leonforte stated that Sovereign Bank appealed the zoning decision. Cedar Shopping and Sovereign Bank are having issues between each other. The Zoning Hearing Board granted a parking variance. Sovereign Bank stated that they were not given ample notice and will appeal the decision.

The sign ordinance for internally lit signs has been given to Lynda Albright to be advertised for Borough Council’s approval. The hold up was that the solicitor was using the section number from the old zoning ordinance which does not correspond to the new zoning ordinance. The other sign ordinance is being drafted by the solicitor.

The zoning district change has also been given to Lynda Albright to go before the property committee and then to Borough Council for approval.

None

There being no further business, and on motion of Heather Breininger and seconded by Rick Boyd the meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary