MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Township Building Meeting Room

Attendees:             Don Ratushny, Ken Klein, Tom Harbin, George Helwig, Cindy Skoriak, and Pete Thomson

Quorum:               Yes

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

Absent:                  Jim Pavlica

Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent and Township Engineer Scott Mease were also present.

Meeting called to order by Chairman Don Ratushny at 7:32 PM.  All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Approval of Minutes from 09-04-2007 Meeting:

Tom Harbin made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Ken Klein seconded the motion and all agreed.  Minutes Approved as presented. 

Old Business:  (Note: The Chairman imposed a one (1) hour time limit for each review)

Prescott – Kobren Lot Line Change Preliminary/Final Plan Review:

Since Cindy Skoriak was representing the application, she recused herself from the commission for the presentation.  She (Cindy) provided an overview of the application and reviewed the changes as directed by the township engineers letter of September 25, 2007 as reviewed at the commissions July meeting.  A “quick claim” deed is being prepared for the small piece of triangular land south of Mr. Kobren’s property.  He will assume ownership of this land area.  This will enable Mr. Kobren’s lot to be a conforming lot with a net acreage of 1.016 acres.  Mrs. Prescott’s parcel will result in a 1.34 net acre lot. 

A review of the applicants’ waiver letter was conducted.  The ultimate right-of-way easements were discussed.  Mr. Kobren does not feel the need to grant the easements and is requesting a waiver from them.  The Chairman suggested a note be added to the plan that the applicants will comply at the time the township or state need to utilize the ultimate right-of-ways.  Township Engineer Scott Mease suggested the commission include that statement in their waiver recommendations to the board of supervisors. 

A motion to recommend approval of the waiver requests to the board of supervisors was made by Ken Klein, with the following conditions:

-Man-Made Features...Color aerial photo supplied in lieu of.

-Natural Features...Note on plan that no building is to be done until a plan with natural features is presented.

-Double Frontage Lots...Note to be added to plan restricting access from Old Furnace Road only.

-Right-of Ways...Note to be added to plan stating the property owners will dedicate an easement for both roads          at such time as additional right-of-way is required for road improvements. UROW in front of Mrs. Prescott’s parcel will be dedicated immediately with recording of the plan.

-Street Improvements...No development is planned at this time.

-Corner Monuments...All corner concrete monuments will be installed (11) and pins (2) installed in lieu of at close proximity corners in front of Mrs. Prescott’s property.

The motion was seconded by Pete Thomson and all members agreed.  Motion to recommend approval of waivers, with conditions as stated, approved.

A motion was then made by George Helwig to recommend approval of the lot line change, preliminary/final plan to the board of supervisors, seconded by Tom Harbin and agreed to by all members.  Motion passed.

There were no further comments or questions.

(Cindy Skoriak resumed her position on the commission)

Katz Lehnenberg Road 12 Lot Major Subdivision – Sketch Plan Review #2

Steven Katz, a principal of Katz Builders & Developers of Warrington, PA, was present and provided a review of their proposed 12 lot subdivision of the former 56.71 acre Marshall Property located on Lehnenberg Rd in our township to any residents who were not present at last month’s meeting.  He also advised the commission that he has now properly notified all abutting property owners as directed last month by the commission.  Several attending residents questioned Mr. Katz regarding potential storm water problems.  The Chairman noted that these items will be addressed by our township engineer later during the preliminary plan stage. He also noted that the only sketch plan formally submitted to the township was the one with the over-length cul-de-sac.  All others shown by Mr. Katz were never submitted for review by our township engineer.

On the same note, Mr. Katz then presented the commission with a hand-out containing several (6) sketch plans with various road configurations, including the original over-size cul-de-sac road.  Mr. Katz explained that his engineer redesigned these various road configurations (lots were not considered) to emphasize the difficulty in dealing with the steep slopes.  Tall retaining walls would be required to hold back the hillsides as all alternative plans would involve major excavating.

Chairman Don Ratushny noted that our recently adapted comprehensive plan calls for the preservation of agricultural areas and maintaining open space.  He (Ratushny) asked Mr. Katz if he would be willing to work with the township in obtaining this goal (more open space in exchange for higher density) as barter for approval of a longer cul-de-sac.  Mr. Katz replied that he has not read the document (comprehensive plan) and may be willing to consider the concept.  The longer cul-de-sac would still require a larger turn-around (loop) at the end for school buses, etc. 

Resident Pam Ptak commented on the plans green areas as not actually being heavily forested areas.

Resident Eleanor Miller questioned the cost of the proposed homes and why the project is named the “Marshall Estates” and not after long-time owner Sam Christine.  Mr. Katz replied that the name is negotiable and not set in stone. 

Resident John Pentecost noted that his property is rear oriented and thus faces the project area and expressed concern over what his present view may become.

Resident Lois Oleksa commended the commissions’ comment regarding preserving open space in exchange for higher density and stressed the need for protection of the existing water courses in the area.

Resident Sheila Jewett questioned what recourse the residents would have if after the developer completes the project and leaves and their properties flood.  Robert Jewett asked the commission to consider the visual impact the development may have on the rural character of the area.  He suggested the installation of additional buffer trees along Lehnenberg Road to totally isolate the new homes.  He provided Thistle Lane as an example where the homes cannot be seen from Lehnenberg Road.  He also felt that the current three (3) acre zoning was not sufficient and should be increased. 

The possibility of establishing a connector (through) road to Durham Hill Farms (Summit Lane) was briefly discussed.  Attending DHF residents objected to the idea. There were no further comments and/or questions.

New Business: None Presented

Comments / Questions from the Floor:  None

Closing:

A motion to Adjourn was made by Ken Klein and seconded by George Helwig, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @9:15 PM.

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary