MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 20, 2006 MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION

The Hamburg Planning Commission met this evening in the Council Chambers of the Hamburg Municipal Center with Vice-Chairman Neven Dries presiding. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

Boyd

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

Borough Manager, Denise L. Clare-Secretary

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

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

Nayes- None

VISITORS

Kerry DeLong was present for observation only.

Rick Boyd asked if anything was heard from the railroad. The Secretary stated that nothing was received from the railroad in response to the letter sent. Dale Schlenker stated that he spoke with Therman Madeira who said a letter was sent and that they are looking at a 5 year window. Rick Boyd suggested that Lynda Albright should contact Therman Madeira to get a copy of the letter. Dale Schlenker stated that Andy Muller does not own the bridge over the river. December’s meeting will be the last chance to hear from the railroad before continuing on with the redevelopment. Rick Boyd suggested having a walkway along the canal property south of State Street.

At this time Roy Heffner arrived and Neven Dries turned the gavel over.

Deena Kershner stated that a trail has nothing to do with redevelopment and that the Schuylkill River Greenway Association and Bartram will be doing it. Redevelopment is supposed to be commercial development and tourism. Heather Breininger thinks the redevelopment should start over and be done without including the railroad. Deena Kershner read over the original list of things that could be done with the redevelopment.

Roy Heffner stated that he spoke with Ken Pick who will attend the December meeting and speak on what to do next and how to proceed with redevelopment.

Kerry DeLong stated his ideas on the redevelopment and how to proceed/prioritize and get a game plan together. Guidelines should be set.

There was a lengthy discussion on redevelopment.

Dale Schlenker stated that the time to start in the area north of State Street is when the State Street Bridge is being redone.

Allocated money from the County must be spent in 2007. Deena Kershner asked if that money can be spent to purchase the rest of the former Wright’s building and do something with it.

Maria Herne arrived at this time.

There was discussion on a brewery at the former Wright’s property that is not being developed. Deena Kershner will get Mr. Hersh (brewery person) to attend the December meeting along with Larry Karpenko (property owner). Deena Kershner suggested getting Larry Karpenko to attend the meeting first with Ken Pick to see if a brewery is something that can even be done.

Lynda Albright had information from John Leonforte that Cedar Shopping would like to extend the former Rite-Aid building in the rear by 2,500 sq.ft. The addition would be 60 x 40. Cedar has a prospective tenant for the building if it can be extended. The addition would not affect parking requirements. It would be used for warehousing. Rick Boyd asked why the Planning Commission needs to know this information. Lynda Albright stated that the reason is if this addition can be done without having to go through land development.

A motion was made by Dale Schlenker and seconded by Rick Boyd to allow the addition without having to go through land development.

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

Nayes- None

Grand Street –Lynda Albright had information from John Leonforte suggesting the widening of Grand Street for truck traffic. Dale Schlenker is concerned about the bridge and buildings that are close to the street and also the creek. If Exide comes down it would change things. There was a discussion about this. Dale Schlenker asked if Ken Pick could obtain funds for truck traffic.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and seconded by Neven Dries to move to investigate further the widening of Grand Street.

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

Nayes- None

A letter has been received by Lynda Albright from Lori Guldin regarding her resignation from the Planning Commission.

Dale Schlenker asked Kerry DeLong to apply to be a member of the Planning Commission.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and Heather Breininger to recommend to Borough Council to appoint Kerry DeLong to the Planning Commission.

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

Nayes- None

It was suggested to change the Planning Commission meeting date so that Heather Breininger could stay on as a member. It was suggested to switch meeting days with the Recreation Board on the first Monday of the month.

A motion was made by Sylvia Summons and seconded by Rick Boyd to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.