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 Heather Breininger to accept the minutes as presented.

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

Nayes- None

Jim & Jamie Vitez as well as Elaine Swavely had nothing.

Lisa Snell and Michele Hamlin were in attendance for a college assignment.

Pair of Aces Special Exception-John Leonforte stated that the developer wants a recommendation from the Planning Commission to the Zoning Hearing Board for approval. The development is proposed to contain 41 multi-family dwellings. It is located in a residential district. John Leonforte stated the project will need to go through land development. There was not enough information provided for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation. No one was in attendance to answer any questions.

A motion was made by Rick Boyd and Heather Breininger to tell the Zoning Hearing Board that the Planning Commission is unable to pass judgment and they should not make a decision until it is reviewed by the Planning Commission.

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

Nayes- None

Redevelopment-Dale Schlenker asked John Leonforte where do we stand with the Exide Building. John Leonforte stated that Exide is stabilizing/repairing the crumbling wall which has to be done in sections. Exide intends to take down building 1 & 2 in the next 12 months. The cost will be $100,000-1,000,000 and will be done as soon as EPA approval is received. There is nothing in writing at this point. EPA is pressuring Exide to do this. John Leonforte spoke to Ken Pick and updated him on this. 2 people are interested in the property if the building is torn down (KMX and Larry Karpenko). It was asked what Exide’s intent is after the buildings are torn down. John Leonforte stated that it is to sell/liquidate the property.

At this time, Lori Guldin arrived at the meeting.

Dale Schlenker feels a letter should go out to the railroad to see if they plan on coming over the river into Hamburg. Tilden Township has not been approached at all. Dale Schlenker feels that the railroad wants the Borough to sell the idea to Tilden Township. It is the railroad’s responsibility to do this, not the Borough’s. Something needs to be done in writing and not just hearsay. Dale Schlenker asked if Wissahickon wants/needs the railroad. John Leonforte stated they do not. John Leonforte got the impression from Ken Pick that we are starting over with the redevelopment project. Roy Heffner stated that we will use what we already have as a starting point. Rick Boyd asked the KMX representatives if they are interested in the railroad coming through if Exide is obtained. Jim Vitez currently uses the blue building at Exide for storage. Jim Vitez stated they would possibly be interested in the railroad if KMX could get the sufficient space they need and the railroad would not impede them in anyway. The black top area needs to stay as is. KMX needs 40,000-50,000 sq. ft. and traffic flow on Grand Street. KMX needs the blue building to double in size. Roy Heffner asked if KMX has any interest in the railroad for freight moving. Jim Vitez stated that KMX cannot rely on the railroad. On occasion perhaps but it would be competing against themselves. John Leonforte thinks the railroad museum should be contacted because they are against the railroad too. Dale Schlenker stated that they cannot wait 2 years. Roy Heffner asked if the solicitor should write the letter. John Leonforte stated the EPA’s solicitor will be sending a letter to both and to the Borough should be copied on all formal communications.

Rick Boyd suggested sending the aspects to Ken Pick of what can be done and what needs to be done to acquire property on the north side of State Street/Schuylkill Avenue (west of monument to the river).

Lynda Albright will write a letter to the solicitor to be copied on all correspondence. Dale Schlenker will get a contact for the railroad to send the letter to. Dale Schlenker suggested having the railroad museum at the next meeting for their views.

Ideas were discussed. Dale Schlenker stated that Dave Argall would help with funding for a visitors center (which would encompass OTF conference rooms) in that area. This should be done for when the bridgework is completed.

Roy Heffner stated that members should come up with ideas for the triangle of land north of State Street. Dale Schlenker recommended for the next meeting to have John Leonforte take pictures of the area for all to see the same area, what is active and what is not, etc.

Rick Boyd stated that he and John Leonforte are still working on the language for back yard/side yard description.

A motion was made by Heather Breininger and seconded by Rick Boyd to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

ATTEST:

Denise L. Clare, Secretary