MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 21, 2005 MEETING OF 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, Lori M. Guldin

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Sylvia Summons to accept the October minutes as presented.

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

Nayes- None

Abstain- Heffner

Darrin Heckman from Lehigh Engineering was in attendance to update the board on the proposed State Street Townhouse development. John Leonforte handed out updated plans to the Planning Commission members. Darrin Heckman reported that they will be age restricted (55+). The number of units has been reduced to 36. Purchasers will own the dwelling and not the land. The development will be individually metered for water & sewer. There will be 2 off-street parking space per unit. It will either be a 2 car garage or a 1 car garage and driveway parking. The proposed detention pond cannot be made large enough for the development. A retention pond is being proposed in the middle of the open area. The retention pond will be maintained by the homeowners association. Darrin Heckman handed out pictures of what the houses will look like. Units 22-28 will have a retaining wall in the rear of the property. Units 13-21 will have walk-out basements. Sylvia Summons asked if there will be a security gate at the entrance to the development. Darrin Heckman stated that there are no plans for one. Sylvia Summons asked if a price range for the houses was determined. Darrin Heckman reported that price has not be determined.

Blueprint Community-Roy Heffner stated that the handout in the packet was to make the Planning Commission members aware of what the Blueprint group is doing. Certain areas are being targeted for revitalization:

Recreation

Cultural

Arts-visual and performing

Deena Kershner stated that the Schuylkill River Greenway Association is looking for loops (walking paths) to get people into the downtown area from the river.

John Leonforte suggested having a Renaissance Faire type event but focusing on steel, the railroad, the canal, etc. and use the things we already have available like the Railroad Museum, Cultural Activities and Performing Arts. Show what is in Hamburg and the history of the town.

Heather Breininger suggested picking a time frame for "Historic Hamburg" so as not to be jumping around and things don’t mix. For instance mid-1800’s or turn of the century.

The Blueprint group needs to put together an action/vision plan and all groups should be in agreement on it and then go for funding. The Planning Commission, Our Town Foundation and the Blueprint Community should get together and do a vision plan. Sylvia Summons stated that the recreation board has a 5 year plan. Deena Kershner stated that this should be added in as well.

Rick Boyd stated that if you are going to renovate you should always market to the upper end/upper class and never the middle. This was learned at a Blueprint Community seminar.

Deena Kershner handed out a binder with the proposed railroad project information. Roy Heffner stated that the Planning Commission members should review it and get any questions or comments to the Secretary and perhaps plans for a special meeting with the railroad people. Roy Heffner suggested looking at it as a general concept and the agreements would come at a later date. Deena Kershner stated that the railroad project will be done first and then the trolley at a later date. This project has been in the works for 3 years so the estimated costs have gone up. So when you are looking at this section you need to add 30% to what is shown for today’s costs. Andy Muller is funding the project and is not looking for any money from the Borough.

Truck Traffic Survey-Industrial Drive will be added with Route 61, I-78 and Old Route 22. An additional comment area will also be added. A note will be added that this is for trucks leaving from your establishment as well as trucks coming to your establishment for deliveries.

John Leonforte stated that when the new zoning map was originally finalized an error was made in the area of the Field House. The area is designated as MDR-2 and really should be in the V-C district. Rick Boyd asked if it is really necessary to do this, it could be costly. Heather Breininger stated that if an error was made it should be fixed right away because it may create issues down the road and prevent improvements to be able to be done to the Field House. Deena Kershner stated that OTF has received funds for improvements for the Field House.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Sylvia Summons to recommend to Borough Council to change the V-C district line to Pine Street to enlarge the district.

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

Nayes-None

Backlit Signs-John Leonforte stated that someone on Borough Council questioned the ordinance on backlit signs. Banks (financial institutions) are exempted from this because they tend to change their signs often. The Solicitor has a draft of this and needs to get it to Borough Council for their review. This will cover retail areas (Redner’s, Rite-Aid, Arby’s, etc.) and the signage they are allowed.

There being no further business, and on motion of Heather Breininger and seconded by Neven Dries the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary