TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MAKEFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES - APRIL 28, 2003
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the Township of Lower Makefield was held in the Municipal Building on April 28, 2003. Chairman Roeper called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Those present:
Planning Commission: Albert Roeper, Chairman
John Pazdera, Vice Chairman
Deborah Gould, Member
Andrew Strauss, Member
Others: Nancy Frick, Director Zoning, Inspection & Planning
Timothy Duffy, Township Solicitor
James Majewski, Township Engineer
Pete Stainthorpe, Supervisor Liaison
Absent: Michael Shavel, Planning Commission Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Pazdera moved, Ms. Gould seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of January 27, 2003 as corrected.
Mr. Pazdera moved and Mr. Strauss seconded to approve the Minutes of February 10, 2003 as corrected. Motion carried with Ms. Gould abstained.
Mr. Pazdera moved, Ms. Gould seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of March 24, 2003 as written.
#541 - CHANTICLEER PRELIMINARY PLAN DISCUSSION
Mr. Edward Murphy, attorney, Mr. Mike Stadulis, and Ms. Susan Menno, engineer, were
present. Mr. Murphy stated the Plans have not yet been revised from the initial submission
in February as they wanted to get input from the residents and Planning Commission
before they proceeded with the revisions. He stated they do not need to go through the
PCS review letter in detail as most issues are “will comply,” although there are specific
items they wish to review with the Planning Commission.
Mr. Murphy stated this is a compilation of three properties and in total is slightly less than
43 acres. It is bounded on the north by Mount Eyre Road, on the east by an existing
residence and the proposed Golf Course property, on the south by Delaware Rim Drive
and the Sunny Knolls development, and on the west by Gatefield and Kimbles Field
developments. Mr. Murphy stated they are proposing seventeen new single family lots and
the retention of one existing home on Mt. Eyre Road to be on a lot of 2.71 acres. Lot sizes
for the new lots vary from 8/10ths of an acre to 5 acres.
April 28, 2003 Planning Commission - page 2 of 6
Mr. Murphy stated they need to decide if they want to be able to go from Mt. Eyre Road all
the way to Delaware Rim. He stated the Police Department is concerned about the
possibility of this being used as a cut through. Mr. Murphy showed an alternate plan that
would not have this interconnection. He stated this alternative would also preserve the
entirety of the stream corridor. There would be no reduction in the number of units
proposed. He stated the Ordinance does require two points of access, and they would
therefore need the cooperation of the Township to do the alternative without the
interconnection.
Mr. Murphy stated the second issue they wish to discuss is with regard to the setbacks. He
stated a 75’ minimum front yard is required, and in many cases on the Plan if they did not
have to provide this amount of front yard, they could pull the homes further forward and
disturb less of the natural resources and steep slopes. He stated they can meet the
requirements with regard to natural resources and steep slopes even if this alternative is not
approved. He stated while the alternative would be a decision to be approved by the
Zoning Hearing Board, he wanted input from the Planning Commission as well.
Mr. Murphy stated the third issue has to do with the changes to the NPDES. He stated
DEP is now making recommendations regarding groundwater recharge and infiltration.
The Township’s Public Works Department has not been in favor of this in the past when
the Township took over ownership of the basins. He stated the Applicant is prepared to
take ownership of the stormwater system and then do something more creative which will
permit more groundwater recharge. Ms. Gould asked the impact of the additional water on
the woodlands. Mr. Majewski stated the recharge area would not primarily be in the area
where there are trees. He stated there could be a combination including wetland type
basins, retention basins, seepage basins for the roof leaders, etc. Mr. Murphy stated in this
instance they would create the systems adjacent to the streams in the open areas so that they
could outlet it to the stream. Mr. Roeper asked if the alternative plan without the through
road would require the creation of two Homeowners’ Associations since there would be
two separate communities. Mr. Murphy stated they would have one Homeowner’s
Association, and they would have to ride around to the other side for maintenance of the
stormwater system.
Ms. Gould stated she is in favor of not crossing the stream since in the past the streams
have dried up where roads cross the streams.
Mr. Roeper stated the Police Department questioned the road going straight through but did
not comment on emergency access. He stated he feels from a safety aspect having the road
go through does have some safety advantages. Mr. Pazdera asked the length of the cul-de-
sacs which would be created with the alternative plan. Ms. Menno stated from Mt. Eyre
Road it is approximately 1,000 feet. The other cul-de-sac is approximately 675 feet to the
property line.
There was further discussion on the stormwater system. Mr. Murphy stated under the
current Plan, they would propose that the system be owned by the Township. With regard
to the alternative Plan which would most likely not look like something the Township normally accepts, they would agree to maintain it in perpetuity through a Homeowner’s Association. Mr. Strauss asked if they feel an HOA would be capable of maintaining these facilities as designed, and Mr. Murphy stated he feels they would subject to comments from PCS. He stated it would be less intensive to maintain as they would be more
April 28, 2003 Planning Commission - page 3 of 6
naturalized basins and not mowed, etc. Mr. Strauss asked about the type of maintenance normally required for these types of systems. Mr. Stadulis stated Realen has been doing the wetland marsh basins for approximately ten years - more commonly in Chester County because of the number of high quality streams, and they are maintained by the Homeowners’ Associations. He stated the homeowners documents would include an open space management plan which shows graphically the open space and the level of maintenance required. The homeowners documents also describe in a narrative the reason for the maintenance. They have had good success with this in the past. Mr. Stadulis noted that when they were getting ready to proceed with dedication of one of their other projects in the Township, the residents called them asking that they not take out the wetlands vegetation that had grown in. Since they were required to do so by Ordinance, he advised the residents that they would have to petition the Board of Supervisors in order to permit this more naturalized basin.
Mr. Strauss asked the maintenance they propose for a wetland marsh. Mr. Stadulis stated
the basins are planted with native wetland plants. During the winter months when the
ground is frozen you can work on the basin. This is to be done annually or bi-annually in
order to maintain the marsh situation. Mr. Strauss asked about the access to the basins,
and Mr. Stadulis stated it would be through an easement on private property.
Mr. Murphy noted if the Planning Commission wants them to proceed with the alternative stormwater management basin, they would need a waiver. Mr. Stadulis stated this is something the Township is going to be hearing more about on all new Applications because of the new NPDES regulations. Mr. Murphy stated they did do some infiltration on the Metz tract. Mr. Roeper noted Lot #10 on the original submission which backs up to the pipeline easement. He asked if this is changed on the alternate Plan. Ms. Menno stated it stays the same on both Plans; but if they could move the homes forward into the front yard setback, this would help this situation and preserve more land in the rear. Ms. Frick asked if those lots will include a Note that there can be no swimming pools. Mr. Stadulis stated if this is required, they will comply.
Ms. Gould stated if they decide to take the road all the way through, she would be in favor
of the Police Department recommendation about having to come to a stop or make some
type of turn. Mr. Stadulis stated there is some concern that the new Golf Course may
change the traffic patterns in the area.
Mr. Murphy stated they have seen the CKS review letter, and they do not feel there will be
a problem.
Mr. Strauss stated he is in favor of the alternate Plan since it would eliminate the stream
crossing and there would be less disturbance. He stated he is also in favor of the
proposed alternative treatment for the stormwater system provided there is adequate care
given the area by the Association.
Ms. Gould asked how often in the past the Township has agreed to a reduction in the front
yard setback. Mr. Murphy stated they did do it for two lots at Meetinghouse, and this was
done at the Zoning Hearing Board level. In this instance there would be approximately
seven lots involved. He stated he recognizes this is not the norm, but in site specific
situations where they could stay out of the natural resource areas, he feels this would be a
favorable change. Mr. Pazdera stated he would be in favor of this provided they look at it
on a case by case basis. He stated he does feel they would do environmental harm with the
April 28, 2003 Planning Commission - page 4 of 6
road crossing, and he would be in favor of the alternative Plan and the naturalized basins.
Mr. Roeper stated on a case by case basis he would support reducing the front yard
setbacks. He is also in favor of the naturalized basins. Mr. Murphy stated everyone
Statewide is facing this; and he feels it will become the norm, and the Ordinance will most
likely have to be revised.
Mr. Roeper stated he is torn with regard to the road going through, but because of the
stream crossing, he would reluctantly be in favor of the alternative plan with two cul-de-
sacs rather than the through road.
Mr. Pat Miller, 1664 Delaware Rim, asked about the lot adjacent to his home. Ms. Menno
stated it is slightly over the minimum lot size. Mr. Miller noted the proximity of the gas
pipeline. He also asked about the sewer system proposed, and Mr. Stadulis showed on the
plan how they will bring in public sewer and water. Mr. Stadulis stated they will have a
force main. Mr. Miller noted on the Plan an area where there is a spring during the rainy
season and stated he feels if a road goes through in this area it will back up. Mr. Stadulis
stated there are a number of regulations which must be followed when you cross a pipeline.
He stated the water will drain into the stormwater collection system. Mr. Miller stated he
would not be in favor of a through road.
Mr. Roeper asked if any additional land will be required to connect the road to Del Rio, and
Mr. Murphy stated there is an easement already in place.
Ms. Joan Sullivan, 1612 Thistlewood, asked how far from her property will the new home
adjacent to her be located. Ms. Menno stated there is a 50’ foot rear yard. Mr. Murphy
stated if they are permitted to by the Township, they would pull this home out further into
the front yard. Ms. Sullivan stated she is not in favor of the through road because of the
potential of people cutting through and because of safety concerns. She asked what will be
required of the developer with regard to trees, etc. to mitigate sound and visual intrusion
noting that the development property is higher than the existing homes. Mr. Majewski
stated the Township requires street trees to be planted in all new communities. These
would be planted every forty feet on center and are typically twelve to fifteen feet tall at the
time they are planted. Ms. Menno stated their Agreement with the Brays also requires them
to plant evergreens along the access road. Ms. Sullivan noted the existing vegetation
between her property and the new development and asked if they are required to install
additional buffering. Mr. Stadulis stated since it is a similar zoning, they are not required
to install any additional buffering.
Mr. Rick Studer, Kimbles Field, asked the proposed date of the start of construction.
Mr. Murphy stated optimistically the Plans could be approved later this year and
construction could start either late this year or early next year. Mr. Studer stated he would
be very concerned with a street going through and would prefer the alternative Plan.
Mr. James Weinberg, Thistlewood Drive, stated he would like to know who is developing
the property and their history of development in the Township. He stated there is a
significant amount of traffic on Mt. Eyre Road and he is concerned because of the speeds
being traveled and this additional access. He noted a significant number of people come
down Mt. Eyre Road from Newtown Township to get to I-95. Mr. Weinberg asked about
the approval process, and Mr. Roeper reviewed the process as it goes through the Planning
Commission and Board of Supervisors. Mr. Roeper stated the road access will be
reviewed by the Police Department to insure that the line of sight is according to the
April 28, 2003 Planning Commission - page 5 of 6
Ordinance and is as safe as it can be made within the limits of the property that is available.
Mr. Roeper stated the Township is familiar with this developer and the neighbors are
welcome to speak to them following the meeting.
Ms. Bernadette Couch, 1032 Kimbles, asked if the basins will be located on private
property. Mr. Murphy stated the proposal is that they will be owned by the Homeowners
Association. The creek would probably be open space and subject to a Conservation
Easement. Ms. Couch stated she wants to make sure that someone purchasing the property
will not clear out the stream or mow all the vegetation down. Mr. Roeper stated there are
specific Ordinances relating to what they can and cannot do with the stream and the stream
corridors.
Mr. Barry Rush, Thistlewood Drive, noted on the plan an existing home and asked if the
developer would consider purchasing this home so the access could be moved down to
limit the impact on the existing neighbors and provide a safer condition. The owner of that
property was present this evening and stated he is not interested in selling his home to the
developer. Mr. Majewski stated the proposed location on Mt. Eyre Road has the best sight
distance; and if there is a speeding problem, they should contact the Police Department.
Mr. Rush asked the proposed price of the new homes, and Mr. Stadulis stated it will be
between $700,000 and $800,000.
Mr. John Beechum, 1612 Thistlewood, stated he heard there might be a restriction that
there could be no swimming pools, and Mr. Murphy stated this would be for those lots that
are in close proximity to the pipeline. He stated this may also apply to lots which have
steep slopes, etc. Mr. Beechum stated he would be in favor of more of a buffer being
provided. Mr. Stadulis stated this is a similar piece of property to the adjacent property and
whenever there are homes with common abutting rear yards which are the similar type of
homes, they do not screen them. He stated if the owners feel this is necessary, they could
plant additional trees on their own properties and also install fences. Ms. Sullivan stated
the existing homeowners in the community would like to have trees installed to buffer their
properties to protect their view and vantage point and protect them from street traffic that
they will be forced to hear and see. Ms. Couch stated they are trying to protect their
property values.
MASTER PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING DISCUSSION
Mr. Roeper stated the Planning Commission has received the copy of the latest draft. This
has also been sent to the Board of Supervisors and to each of the administrative heads in
the Township as well as the Chairmen of the various Boards and Commissions in the
Township. They have been asked to comment by May 5 so that they will have those
comments available by the Public Hearing to be held on May 12. He stated the Bucks
County Planning Commission did a good job of making the changes and including the
maps which add a great deal to the document. He noted Map #9 will be changed and will
be enlarged to show the complete HC District rather than just the Village of Edgewood.
Information on the refunded bonds was not included in this copy because it was not yet
available, but it will be included in the Final.
Page #103 Capital Improvements was noted and Mr. Roeper stated the last sentence needs
to be changed.
April 28, 2003 Planning Commission - page 6 of 6
Mr. Roeper suggested that anyone wishing to speak at the Public Hearing be asked to fill
out a card to include name, address, group affiliation if any, and what they wish to speak
on. The cards will then be sorted and organized by Mr. Pazdera. They will then be
passed to Mr. Roeper who will then call on the speakers. The speakers will be asked not to
duplicate remarks. Speakers will be limited to five minutes, and Ms. Frick will act as time
keeper and alert the speaker at the end of four minutes. Bucks County Planning
Commission personnel will be present. Unless there are a number of cards left with
important topics still to be considered, the meeting will adjourn at 11:00 p.m. The audience
will be advised of this procedure at the start of the meting. At the beginning of the meeting
Mr. Roeper will also discuss the reasons for the Master Plan and during that time
Mr. Pazdera will be reviewing and organizing the cards submitted.
Mr. Roeper stated the next edition of the Master Plan will be sent to neighboring
Townships.
SET DATE FOR SECOND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING IN MAY
Mr. Roeper stated in order to get the Master Plan to the Board of Supervisors as soon as
possible, he feels they should have a meeting before the end of May; and inasmuch as the
regular Planning Commission meeting date will fall on Memorial Day, he feels they should
choose a different day that week to hold the meeting. He stated they could limit the
discussion to the Master Plan unless there are pressing items. It was agreed that the
meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 28.
There being no further business, Mr. Pazdera moved, Mr. Strauss seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Albert Roeper, Chairman