PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES –
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the
Those present:
Planning Commission: John Pazdera, Chairman
Karen Friedman, Secretary
Fred Allan, Member
Cynthia Harrison, Member (joined meeting in progress)
Others: Nancy Frick, Director Zoning, Inspection & Planning
(left meeting in progress)
John Koopman, Township Solicitor
Jim Majewski, Township Engineer
Drew Wagner, Township Engineer
#556 – CAMERON & JEAN TROILO – PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAN DISCUSSION
Mr. Edward Murphy, attorney, was present and stated the site is slightly less than ten
acres located on
Heston Hall on the east. There are two existing dwellings on the property. They propose
to subdivide the property into two lots. Both lots have access to Yardley-Langhorne
Road. It is intended that the Flowers family will retain a portion of the property which
will be slightly less than one half acre. Both properties are presently served by on-lot
water and on-lot sewer, and it is not intended to change this at this point in time. No
other construction is proposed at the site at this time so all existing conditions will remain
as they are currently. Ultimately Mr. Troilo does intend to develop the site. He has had
one informal session with the Historic Commission to discuss working with the
Township consultant to develop a mixed-use plan to contain elements of residential and
non-residential including some expansion of Heston Hall. Those plans have not yet been
formulated.
Ms. Harrison joined the meeting at this time.
Mr. Murphy noted the
waivers being sought mostly due to the fact that there is no construction proposed at this
time. There are no improvements proposed along
because no construction is anticipated at this time.
Ms. Friedman noted Item 1.e. and asked if they are proposing any storm water
management. Mr. Murphy stated when they do develop in the future, they will have to
consider storm water management for the piece that they will develop.
Mr. Murphy stated there is an old barn which straddles both properties. Mr. Troilo will
recycle as much of this as he can but it will be taken down as it is dilapidated
Mr. Koopman stated the Township would like there to be a separation of 5’ from the
property line to the driveway, and Mr. Murphy stated he would recommend that the
Planning Commission make this a condition of approval. Mr. Murphy stated they will
move the driveway or move the lot line.
Mr. Pazdera noted they are showing 5’ from the rear of the barn to the property line.
Ms. Harrison stated she would like to have the barn at its present location with a ten foot setback from the rear of the barn to the property line. Ms. Frick stated here is a requirement that there be 10’ for an accessory structure. Mr. Murphy agreed to change this as well.
Mr. Allan stated he would prefer that they divide the property down the middle equally.
He stated he would be concerned with an egress from the property so close to the corner.
Mr. Murphy stated he will advise Mr. Troilo of this suggestion. The current Plan shows
that lot #1 which is to be developed by Mr. Troilo will be 9.01 acres, and Lot #2 to be
retained by the Flowers family will be 0.375 acres. There was discussion about moving
the lot line so that it would be adjacent to the woodlands which would then be a natural
buffer.
Mr. Murphy noted Page #2 of the PCS letter and stated they will comply with Items #2, #3, and #4.
Mr. Majewski stated the Tax Map shows that a parcel had already been taken out of this
property. Mr. Murphy stated that parcel was consolidated back into the original piece
although he is not sure when this occurred. Mr. Koopman stated the tax records still
show it as a separate number. He stated this would relate to whether or not this should be
considered a major or minor subdivision. Mr. Murphy agreed to provide additional
information on the history of this subdivision. Ms. Frick stated she felt that all lot
consolidations had to go through the Township.
Mr. Murphy stated he had no further comment regarding any other items in the PCS or
CKS letters.
Ms. Helen Heinz stated the Historic Commission did recommend that this be submitted to
Carter VanDyke for review and this was done last Thursday. She stated they were
concerned about the septic system knowing that sewer and water are marginal in
did not have time to review them.
Mr. Jim Keba, an adjacent property owner, stated his property is not shown on the
drawing. Ms. Frick stated they did notice this but still sent him notice of this evening’s
meeting.
Mr. Stephen Heinz, HARB, stated by approving this Plan, they are making the
assumption that the barn will be demolished and this has not been ruled on by HARB.
He stated they did discuss this and felt it added to the property, and it would probably not
be a good idea to remove it. They would like to have this matter referred to HARB so
that it can be handled in a more formal manner. Mr. Murphy stated if this Plan is
approved, it does not mean that the barn will be raised as that is a separate approval.
Mr. Koopman stated the barn itself straddles the property line as shown.
Mr. Murphy was asked to advise Mr. Troilo of the discussions held this evening.
Ms. Joyce Bigley,
evening’s meeting until Thursday evening. Mr. Pazdera stated the Planning Commission
does not get notice until Friday or Saturday prior to the Monday night meeting.
Ms. Frick stated the earliest notice they ever give is Thursday evening because of timing
for setting the Agenda.
#549 – FIELDSTONE @
Mr. John Mahoney, Mr. Mike Stadulis, Mr. John Hako, Mr. Jeff Gaul, and Mr. Nick
Casey were present. Mr. Mahoney stated this is a forty-four lot subdivision which has
been before the Planning Commission previously. He stated they did find a gasoline
additive on the site. He stated there has been groundwater monitoring testing and the
results have been submitted to the Township.
Mr. Jeff Gaul stated in April they found MTBE, a gasoline additive. They installed a
well and when they sampled in April and found MTBE, this was a significant concern.
Skelly & Loy asked that they re-sample, and they found it again but the level had
dropped from the original level. They sampled it again in their routine quarterly sample
in September, and it had dropped again. He stated the DEP still felt it was important to
see if a plume existed on the site. They sampled a grid around the well and some other
suspect areas and the levels were almost non-detectible for MTBE. They still installed
three more wells, one upland, one in the same area, and one below grade. These were
installed two weeks ago and they will sample them in approximately two more weeks.
They will still follow up with a quarterly sample. They are advising the Township and
DEP of all results. Mr. Gaul stated they feel this may have been a one-time spill as part
of the asphalt/landscaping business or it could have been a continual problem and when
Hovnanian and the Township got the Court Order for them to stop activity on the site,
this then stopped the problem. They will submit a report to the State following the first
round of sampling to get comments from them.
Mr. Gaul stated they sampled the cesspool, but there was no evidence of MTBE. There
was some slag that was observed, and they did do a sample to see if there were any
organic contaminants or heavy metals, and these were below the State levels. He stated
they also took approximately sixteen samples from the front of the site and all were
below the State levels.
Mr. Santarsiero asked if they have seen any further evidence of activity, and Mr. Gaul
stated they have not; and the site is getting cleaner. Mr. Santarsiero stated he was also
concerned with the structure owned by CSX, and Mr. Mahoney stated they have been
provided a point of contact by the Township Manager. They have called CSX eight
times, and they will continue to try to contact them. Mr. Mahoney stated they need to get
permission from the owner, which they feel is SEPTA, to determine what is contained in
the structure in order to get demolition costs. He stated if it is an asbestos-containing
structure, it will be costly to remove. He stated he does recognize that it is an attractive
nuisance. Mr. Koopman stated he can provide them with a contact at SEPTA.
Ms. Harrison noted prior comments made by the Planning Commission and asked if they
have made any of the changes previously requested. Mr. Mahoney stated they are
planning to change Lots #41 and #42 in order to avoid the need for a Variance from the
rear yard setback. Ms. Harrison stated the Planning Commission was also concerned
about the proximity of the lots to the railroad tracks. She asked if they are going to install
a privacy fence, and Mr. Hako stated they do show a fence along the rear.
The PCS letter dated
were going to submit an aerial and see if this would be satisfactory. Mr. Hako stated they
would be willing to provide any additional features that are required by the Township
engineer. Mr. Majewski stated he feels what has been submitted is satisfactory.
Item 1B was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated there were
discussions whether
Road should be widened.
He stated if they are not going to widen
does not feel they would need to do pavement core samples. Mr. Mahoney stated he
understands that the Township would
prefer that
stated they feel it would be better to leave the existing travel lane so that it limits speeds
as you approach the bridge. Ms. Harrison asked about the environmental impact if they
widen the road in the bridge area. Mr. Majewski stated PennDOT still owns the bridge,
and he does not feel they will widen it. Mr. Majewski stated the Township must decide
what they want done to
synagogue in the area. He stated the traffic on Saturday and other holy days is substantial
in this area. Ms. Harrison asked if the road is wide enough to allow merging into the
lane. Mr. Hako stated they show a widening that would allow for a 12’ travel lane in
addition to a 14’ shoulder/decal lane. Mr. Allan stated they may want a left turn lane
onto Schuyler. Ms. Harrison stated she is concerned people may not see this coming over
the rise, and feels they should look at this location.
Ms. Frick left the meeting at this time.
Mr. Mahoney stated they could put funds aside to cover the cost of core samples, and the
Township could decide at some future time if they are needed. Mr. Wagner stated they
could see what the shoulder looks like if they get the core samples. Mr. Mahoney stated
they could post the funds, and it will remain there unless needed. Mr. Majewski stated it
would cost approximately $500 for the core samples, and Mr. Mahoney agreed that they
would do the core samples.
Ms. Harrison asked if they are going to look into whether a turning lane is needed, and
Mr. Majewski stated this is something that will have to be determined at some time with
input from PennDOT and other Township representatives. He stated he is concerned that
too much widening may encourage higher speeds.
Item 1.C was noted, and a waiver is no longer required as the Plan now complies.
Item 1.D was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated while they can comply with the Ordinance
requirements, it would be an unusual-shaped lot because of the existing location of Long
of the rear yard setback. Mr. Majewski stated they could comply, but it would result in a
smaller lot. Mr. Mahoney stated they are going to re-design this so that they do not need
a rear yard Variance. Mr. Mahoney stated the lot will still be wider than it is deep, and
they have a product that will fit on this lot.
Item 1.E. was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated there is a pipe on the site that is clogged
and in order to restore it to what it was before it was a landfill, they will have to install a
box culvert 100’ in length. They will also have to disturb the land in the clean-up of the
landfill.
Items 1. F, 1.G, 1.H, 1.I. and 1.J. are stormwater management items which have been
previously discussed. Mr. Pazdera stated they are not dedicating these to the Township
according to previous comments made. Mr. Mahoney stated if the Township would like
them, they would be willing to give them to the Township. They will do whatever the
Township prefers. Mr. Majewski stated the basins will be low-maintenance and once
established, will not need to be mowed very often. Mr. Pazdera stated the Board of
Supervisors will make the final decision on this.
Item 2. was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated this relates to the landfill and they will need a
Variance for this. This relates to the clean-up of the landfill. Mr. Gaul noted the
location of the landfill on the Plan.
Item #3 relates to Lots #41 and #42 and they are trying to comply with this matter.
Item #4 relating to a name change was noted, and they will work with the Historic
Commission on this matter.
Ms. Helen Heinz stated they do have an issue with the house. She stated the Plan states
the house will remain, and the Historic Commission therefore did not comment on this.
She now understands that it may not remain. Mr. Mahoney stated the Harris family does
not own the property but feels they have the right to occupy the home. Ms. Heinz asked
if it is the developer’s intention to keep the home, and Mr. Mahoney stated they would
not want to keep it. Ms. Heinz stated they would object to it being taken down as it does
have a long history and is a 1798 structure. Mr. Stadulis stated they should visit the site
to see the house before they make a decision. Ms. Heinz stated while they are flexible on
this, she would like to see the house before a decision is made on taking it down. At this
point, they would recommend that it be lotted out and try to sell it. Mr. Casey stated
when the Quaker Group purchased the property, the Harris’ were under the assumption
that they were purchasing the property under the same conditions that had been in effect
with the prior purchaser which was not the case. Currently they are in litigation.
Mr. Mahoney stated Hovnanian has the property under Agreement of Sale.
Item #5 was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated they will need a Variance for this.
Item #6 was noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated once costs are determined, they will most
likely comply.
Item #7 was noted regarding stormwater management near Lots #41 and #42. Mr. Hako
stated they noted the existing conditions of water run off on the plan. He stated they have
taken five acres of the adjacent development’s discharge and are piping it into their
internal storm pipe system and into their detention basin. Mr. Heyman stated when the
Township approved the original development and required the storm water pipe to
discharge to the rear of the property, it inferred they were considering the stream along
Brock Creek as a permanent condition. This permitted the stormwater discharge from
five to six lots adjacent to this property to discharge. He stated Lots #41 and #42 will
now be the stormwater retention basin. Mr. Majewski stated there is a note on the plan to
show that they have a system to take care of this, and Mr. Majewski stated PCS has
commented in their review letter that they should indicate in greater detail how it will be
handled. Mr. Koopman stated before this Plan is approved, those details will be reviewed
by the Township engineer. Mr. Majewski stated it is true that there is a low area where
they need to get rid of the water.
Mr. Mahoney stated they will comply with Item #8.
Items #9 and #10 were noted, and Mr. Mahoney stated they will narrow Long Acre Lane
where it ties into the adjoining subdivision. Mr. Hako stated they have been asked to
investigate methods to control speeds on Long Acre Lane, and they have considered
tapering Long Acre Lane to make it so there is a narrower crossing at the bridge.
Mr. Allan asked about a speed hump, and Mr. Majewski stated there is certain criteria
that must be made by PennDOT and they would have to do a study on the speed of the
cars in the area. Currently there are no cars in this area so they could not justify a speed
hump. He stated you also risk losing liquid fuels if you put in a speed hump without
meeting the criteria. Mr. Majewski stated perhaps they could narrow down the roadway
where there are no lots which could reduce speeds. Mr. Pazdera stated they would have
to post “no parking” signs in this area. This was acceptable to the developer. Mr. Hako
stated currently they are at 36’ wide cartway and asked if they would approve reducing it
to 24’. Mr. Majewski suggested 26’ to 28’. He stated they should also contact the
emergency services people about this recommendation.
Mr. Mahoney stated they will comply with Items #11 and #12. He stated the Board of
Supervisors will make the determination regarding Item #13. They will comply with
Item #14.
Item #15 was noted, and Mr. Hako stated they are recommending treated wood directly
into the ground and asked if this would be acceptable. Ms. Harrison stated she would
prefer an attractive metal street light. Mr. Stadulis stated they felt they would use what is
used uniformly in the Township rather than a concrete base. Ms. Harrison stated she
would prefer not to have wood. She stated with regard to the internal street lights, she
feels there should be a street light at the four areas where they are currently shown on the
Plan.
Item #16 was noted, and Mr. Hako stated what they are showing is actually more
conservative. They will comply with the Township engineer’s request. They have
secured the electronic copy as requested.
With regard to sewer, Mr. Hako stated the entire site will be served by gravity flow and
leave the site via an easement and tie into the existing systems. This was the
recommendation of the Township Sewer Administrator. Mr. Hako stated they will
provide for connection points to the adjacent property owners
Mr. Pazdera asked when they will go to the Zoning Hearing Board, and Mr. Mahoney
stated if the Board of Supervisors is in favor of the Plan as revised and if they agree to do
other things with regard to the landfill they hope to avoid going to the Zoning Hearing
Board. He stated they hope the Township will be in favor of granting waivers in
exchange for clean up of the landfill. Mr. Koopman stated the Board of Supervisors will
consider this in the future.
Mr. Allan asked if they have an estimate on the clean up cost, and Mr. Mahoney stated
this depends on the extent to which soil would have to be removed but they feel it will be
a seven figure clean up process. Mr. Allan asked if they know how deep they will have
to go, and Mr. Gaul stated it will be up to 18’ near the stream. Mr. Allan asked if there
will be much disturbance to Brock Creek, and Mr. Gaul stated there will be some
disturbance, and they will work with the Conservation District on the work to be done.
Mr. Allan stated he is concerned how this will impact the people downstream.
Ms. Harrison asked if they will build the edge of Brock Creek back up, and Mr. Gaul
stated they have looked into this and the side slopes will be three to one armored with
rock on the edges to the 25 year storm and bio-engineered above that. Mr. Stadulis stated
many of the steep slopes are there because the Harris’ kept pushing material closer to the
stream and then covered it up.
Mr. Santarsiero asked if they will be leaving anything behind, and Mr. Gaul stated they
will not leave anything behind that is not permitted by DEP. He stated there is some
Municipal waste, but the vast majority is demolition material. Mr. Stadulis stated when
he was with Realen and they had looked at this property, they tested specifically for
methane, and found that there was no methane. Mr. Gaul stated as part of their
requirements, DEP is requiring that they do a model of vapor intrusion even though they
know there is not a problem; however, this will provide assurance to the homeowners.
Mr. Allan stated they need to advise the purchasers of Lots #41 and #42 that they can
have no decks, etc, in the rear yard. Mr. Mahoney stated Ms. Frick has advised him of
this and a note has been added to the Plan. She also asked that there be a note on the lot
disclosure as well.
Mr. Tom Tettemer asked if they will be able to hook up to the sanitary sewers, and
Mr. Hako stated they have extended their system to a manhole in the right-of-way of
Mr. Tettemer asked if it will be low enough for them to hook up. Mr. Hako stated they
have pushed their systems down as low as they can, and Mr. Tettemer would have to run
a lateral from his property or an ejector pump.
Mr. Stephen Heinz,
it to his elevation, there is no way it will be able to flow from his property. He has
requested that an engineer take an invert elevation to make sure it does flow. Mr. Allan
asked that they send someone out to these properties, and Mr. Hako agreed to do so.
Mr. Stadulis stated it may be that they cannot get gravity sewers to these locations.
Mr. Mahoney stated they have an in-house survey crew and would be willing to send them out. Mr. Tettemer and Mr. Heinz agreed to allow them to come into their homes.
Mr. Heinz stated when the improvements to I-95 come about, it might increase traffic in
the area and a left turn lane onto Schuyler may be helpful. Mr. Heinz asked about the
Brock Creek box culvert and asked under what conditions a waterway becomes a
waterway of the
through the pipe is waters of the
would need a permit. Mr. Heinz stated Brock Creek has been in existence for a very long
time and comes from two continuously flowing streams from Yardley Estates. He asked
if there is anyway they could deal with this as they dealt with the bridge on Sandy Run
Road. Mr. Majewski stated
for this is the same as at Sandy Run. Mr. Gaul stated they are proposing to shorten the
length of the pipe. Mr. Majewski stated he has also suggested that if the road is
narrowed, it could shorten up the length of the culvert. Mr. Heinz stated he feels if there
is a 100 year storm, they will have a pond that is 15’ deep. Mr. Hako stated they have
modeled this and they do not feel it will be this deep and it may be 6’ deep.
Mr. Stadulis stated they must get a permit for this and these issues will be raised at that
time. Mr. Heinz stated if these are constantly flowing streams and they are concerned
about the quality of water in Brock Creek, they should consider if there is a way to lift the
water when it comes off Mr. Tettemer’s property and take it around while the process is
going on. Once it is stabilized, they can put it back. Mr. Stadulis stated during the
landfill process and the construction process they will try to direct water around the
excavation site as much as possible ; otherwise they would have to treat it on site.
Ms. Helen Heinz stated they should talk to Mr. Tettemer about the landfill as he has
lived in the area for fifty years. She stated she is concerned about her water supply in the
interim. She stated they would like to have their wells monitored. Mr. Tristan Heinz
stated when there was adjacent construction, they did lose their water. Mr. Allan asked if
there is a way, while they are running their water lines, that they could put in a line that
would go out to
option to hook up to public water.
Mr. Hako stated there is already water in
Road at the current time. It is a 16” main. Mr. Stephen Heinz stated they prefer to use
their well. Mr. Tristan Heinz asked if they have to take the stub line out to the road edge
or could they put it closer to the houses. Mr. Stadulis stated they will look at this on the
site.
There being no further business Ms. Harrison moved, Ms.
Friedman seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Friedman, Secretary