Acting Vice-Chairwoman Jane Boyce convened the February 2, 2011 meeting of the Warwick Township Planning Commission at 7:00 p.m. Present were Commissioners Jane Boyce, John Gazsi, John Hohman, and Kenneth Kauffman. Thomas Zug, Craig Kimmel, and Daniel Garrett were absent. In attendance were Township Manager Daniel Zimmerman, Township Engineer Charles Hess, John Lippa, Aaron Navarro, James Strong, and Bruce Garner.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2011: Acting Vice-Chairwoman Jane Boyce opened the floor to nominations for Chairman of the Planning Commission. On a motion by Hohman, seconded by Gazsi, the Commission voted unanimously to nominate and elect Thomas Zug as Chairman of the Planning Commission. Acting Vice-Chairwoman Jane Boyce opened the floor to nominations for Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission. On a motion by Gazsi, seconded by Kauffman, the Commission voted unanimously to nominate and elect Jane Boyce as Vice-Chairwoman of the Planning Commission. Vice-Chairwoman Jane Boyce opened the floor to nominations for Secretary of the Planning Commission. On a motion by Hohman, seconded by Gazsi, the Commission voted unanimously to nominate and elect Daniel Zimmerman as Secretary of the Planning Commission.

Chairwoman Boyce convened the meeting for the remainder of the evening.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On a motion by Kauffman, seconded by Gazsi, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 23, 2010 meeting as written.

CONSIDER THE FINAL SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MEMBERS 1ST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, PREPARED BY J. MICHAEL BRILL ASSOCIATES, DATED 11/30/2010: Aaron Navarro, representing J. Michael Brill & Associates, explained that he is present this evening to represent the Member's 1st Credit Union plan to develop a tract currently owned by the Walter family. Navarro explained that the Walter property consists of two separate tracts. The tract on the Southeast side of the intersection of SR 501 and Owl Hill Road is zoned Local Commercial, and the adjoining tract along Owl Hill Road is zoned R-1 Residential. The plan proposes construction of an approximate 3,500 square foot credit union building on the Local Commercial zoned tract, which contains approximately 1.15 acres. He explained that an approximate 10,940 square foot portion of the adjoining residential tract received approval for rezoning to Local Commercial to accommodate the proposal. The Local Commercial zoned tract currently contains an existing dwelling which would be removed as part of the proposal. Navarro stated that the Land Development Plan also proposes a parking area for employees and customers, 2 drive-through lanes, and an ATM lane. He explained that the access to the site would be via a shared access located on the R-1 zoned tract. This access point is approximately 270' from centerline of SR 501. Navarro stated that the left-turn lane on Owl Hill Road would be extended as part of this project.

Navarro explained that the building would be served by public water and public sewer. Stormwater Management would be provided onsite via subsurface facilities, which would outlet into the existing creek located on the southern portion of the site. The Township Manager stated that there are several issues the applicant would need to address, including the taper on the left-turn lane, verification of floodplain line calculations, and documenting the buildings on the property through the PA Historical & Museum form.

John Lippa, representing Members 1^st, stated that he will continue to work with the current property owner to determine whether anyone wishes to relocate the home. To date, no one has indicated their desire to remove the house. Lippa noted that the house was modified in the 1940's to convert it into apartment units. He added that this eliminated the historic design of the home. He expressed the opinion that portions of the exterior could be reclaimed (i.e., windows).

Bruce Garner, representing the current property owner (Walter family), stated that the family considered relocating the house to the adjoining residential lot. He explained that the cost to move the house 300' is $96,000.00. He noted that this cost does not include any of the necessary work to prepare the site and provide infrastructure (sewer and water). He added that the interior of the home is not considered historic, and is not in good condition. He explained that the barn will be provided to the Sylvan Brandt business, and they will salvage useable material. Also, Brandt has indicated that they might salvage portions of the home (wood floors, shutters). Garner stated that he is also working with a local resident to review the feasibility of relocating the summer house. He added that although the resident has indicated that they would provide financial assistance to relocate the summer house, these preliminary costs are also high. Garner explained that the relocation is also affected by the limited time frame.

Navarro addressed the Township Engineer’s comment letter dated January 19, 2011.

The Applicant is requesting a Waiver of Section 285-7C pertaining to Preliminary Plan design. The Applicant is requesting a modification to process a Preliminary/Final Plan in lieu of processing a Preliminary, and subsequently a Final Plan. The Township Engineer commented that in consideration of the justification cited, and since the Township has already reviewed a Sketch Plan for the site and granted zoning and conditional use approvals for the project, they recommend approval of the Waiver request. On a motion by Kauffman, seconded by Hohman, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a Waiver of Section 285-7C.

The Applicant is requesting a Waiver of Section 270-16(B) pertaining to minimum 24-hour water quality dewatering time. The Applicant’s consultant is requesting a modification to exceed the minimum 24-hour time for the water quality facility to dewater by means of infiltration. The Applicant’s consultant has indicated that the Waiver is requested to meet the requirements of the Storm Water Management Ordinance, and to prevent negative impacts to downstream property owners. The Township Engineer commented that in consideration of the justification cited, and after verification of the infiltration rates due to the existing on-site sub-soil characteristics, they recommend approval of the Waiver. The Township Engineer indicated that the 7.3 days it will take for the system to dewater is a function of the current soil characteristics and conditions at the site. On a motion by Hohman, seconded by Kauffman, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a Waiver of Section 270-16(B)

On a motion by Gazsi, seconded by Hohman, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval the Final Subdivision and Land Development Plan for Members 1st Federal Credit Union contingent upon the Township Engineer’s comments being addressed.

PLANNING MODULE - GARMAN/STONY LANE PROJECT: The Township Manager explained that the Commission reviewed the Sketch Plan for the 5-lot subdivision. On a motion by Gazsi, seconded by Hohman, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Planning Module for the Garman/Stony Lane project.

ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Daniel L. Zimmerman
Township Manager