PUBLIC HEARING - OCTOBER 25, 2004 - ZONING ORDINANCE

A public hearing was held this evening pertaining to the proposed Zoning Ordinance.

Members Present – Adam Dries, Tina Yoder, Tammy Wilkinson, Charles Figard, Jeanette Heckman, Martha Bertolet, Dale Schlenker

Members Absent – None

Also present – Manager Lynda G. Albright, Kim Y. Berger, Recording Secretary/Office Manager, Solicitor Speicher , John Leonforte, Zoning Officer

Visitors – Deena Kershner, Neven Dries, Nikki Murry (Item), Mike Trask (Reading Eagle), Buck Holtzman, Melanie Geiger, Lori Guldin, Chief Michael Painter.

Councilwoman Wilkinson questioned when you need a sign – you would get a use permit? Mr. Leonforte stated that you would get a "sign permit".

Councilwoman Wilkinson questioned - In the BD district any existing business would be allowed to continue until the business is discontinued. If a business would burn down it can be rebuilt on the "footprint" of the prior building.

Councilwoman Wilkinson questioned on Page 41, MDR district – 2 ½ hours – you can not exceed 35 feet.

Councilwoman Wilkinson - In the VC district it states 100% maximum building coverage, Councilwoman Wilkinson questioned if the setback were going to change. Mr. Leonforte stated that they would not change and the property owner must still follow all the guidelines as set forth. Mr. Leonforte stated that this allows the owner to utilize the whole property rather than just a portion of it. Councilwoman Wilkinson stated that she doesn’t like the idea about 100%.

Councilwoman Wilkinson - Page 51 – fence – did we change it to 6 feet – it used to be 3 ft. in front. Mr. Leonforte stated that it is now 6 feet.

Councilwoman Wilkinson - Page 89 – Membership clubs – there is no loophole that an adult club could get into any district. Mr. Leonforte stated that we have a certain location for those types of clubs.

Councilman Figard stated that something needed to be done about the property between Hecky’s and Sievert’s Apartments – the building is in desperate need of repair. Mr. Leonforte will check it out.

Councilwoman Bertolet stated that she was asked to present a few things from Fred Sheeler.

Page 73 #3 – signs shall be centered on the building. What if there are windows or doors in the way? Mr. Leonforte stated that they could change it to say "as close to the center as possible".

Page 43 #35 – residential use – what is "bulk" - Mr. Leonforte stated that it appears the word was a mistake. He will check into it and what it means.

Mr. Neven Dries questioned Mr. Leonforte on a few different issues. They will be discussing it at a later time.

The public hearing was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. on motion of Tina Yoder and seconded by Tammy Wilkinson.

ATTEST:

Kim Y. Berger
Recording Secretary/Office Manager