MINUTES OF THE MAY 15, 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                       

  MEMBERS ABSENT:  Lori M. Guldin 

  ALSO PRESENT:  Harold Holtzman, Ken Pick, Greg Kohl, Deena Kershner, John                                  Leonforte-Building Inspector, Lynda G. Albright-Borough Manager,                                  Denise L. Clare-Secretary

 A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Sylvia Summons to accept the March minutes as presented.

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

                    Nayes- None               

VISITORS

Weidman Subdivision:  Greg Kohl was in attendance with update plans.  Mr. Kohl would like to proceed to final plan stage.  The GVC review letter was addressed.  If a clear site triangle is shown it will go through the present building.  GVC is requesting it be added to the plans.  Greg Kohl is looking for waivers on having to show the clear site triangle and having to install monuments.

 A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Rick Boyd to waive the addition of monuments and a clear site triangle as requested.

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

                    Nayes- None

 A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Dale Schlenker to approve the preliminary plans and proceed to final plan stage.

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

                    Nayes- None

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Neven Dries to change the SALDO to reflect that drawing scale be 1” = 50’ or higher.

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

                    Nayes- None 

Ken Pick reported that the eminent domain codes will be changing.  You will have 120 days after May 4 to use the old codes or the new ones will have to be abided by and they will be stricter then they are at present.  Currently, a private business can be taken over by a private business.  With the new codes a private business can only be taken over by the municipality.  There was discussion on this subject.  Dale Schlenker suggested taking over the Exide property.  The solicitor should be consulted to find out the pros and cons of doing this.  Ken Pick stated that if the Planning Commission wants to use eminent domain it  should be done now or otherwise the revitalization can be done at a slower pace because of the 120 day deadline.  At this point conceptual ideas are needed.  Hamburg has a blueprint plan.  Ken Pick laid out a schedule for the next few months to get done what the Planning Commission needs to before the 120-day deadline. 

June 19-Planning Commission meeting.  Declaration of blighted properties and a plan with all ideas needs to be complete.

June 27-Redevelopment Authority meeting.  Plan approval.

July 17-Review the redevelopment plan from the Redevelopment Authority.

August 28-Borough Council meeting.  Borough Council plan approval and public hearing. 

It could be done by the September 1 deadline.  An outline is needed.  It does not have to be specific of what and where, just the ideas.  Ken Pick stated that the zoning can be changed if necessary for the redevelopment area.  The ordinance doesn’t have to change the zoning itself just the uses allowed in the redevelopment are making it more restrictive.

 The Planning Commission meeting tonight will be recessed and continued on May 18 at 7:00 p.m.

 NEW BUSINESS    

None 

CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was received regarding training from Penn Dot.  See Denise if interested in reading. 

Dale Schlenker suggested having Deena Kershner talk to Therman Madeira where they are at with Tilden Township.  This will be critical to the redevelopment project.  Deena Kershner will inform Mr. Madeira where the Planning Commission is at.

 A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Rick Boyd to recess the meeting until May 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

                                                            ATTEST:                                                                                                                                                                                                             Denise L. Clare, Secretary