TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MAKEFIELD

PLANNING COMMISSION

MINUTES - JUNE 13, 2005

 

 

The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the Township of Lower Makefield was held in the Municipal Building on June 13, 2005.  Chairman Friedman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

 

Those present:

 

Planning Commission:   Karen Friedman, Chairman

                                                Cynthia Harrison, Vice Chairman

                                                John Pazdera, Member

 

Others:                                     Nancy Frick, Director Zoning, Inspection & Planning

                                                Jennifer McGrath, Township Solicitor

                                                James Majewski, Township Engineer

 

Absent:                         William Taylor, Planning Commission Secretary

                                                Fred Allan, Planning Commission Member

                                                Frank Fazzalore, Supervisor Liaison

 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Ms. Harrison moved and Ms. Friedman seconded to approve the Minutes of April 25, 2005 as written.  Motion carried with Mr. Pazdera abstaining.

 

Ms. Harrison moved, Mr. Pazdera seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the Minutes of May 9, 12005 as written.

 

 

#561 – ROBERT & KATHLEEN WIDMER – PRELIMINARY/FINAL PLAN APPROVAL

 

Mr. Robert Widmer and Ms. Kathleen Widmer were present with Mr. Edward Murphy,

attorney.  Mr. Murphy stated last summer Mr. and Mrs. Widmer obtained Zoning

Hearing Board relief to subdivide their property on Evergreen Road.  Lot #1 is 25,700

square feet and contains an existing home.  The new lot (Lot #2) will be less than 15,000

square feet. 

 

The PCS letter dated 6/7/05 was noted.  Mr. Murphy noted the Waivers being requested. 

Item #1.a. was noted relating to street improvements.  Mr. Murphy stated both streets are

fully improved so they do not feel frontage improvements are required on either street. 

 

June 13, 2005                                                                Planning Commission – page 2 of 3

 

 

This is also the case for Item #1.b. relating to curbs and Item #1.c. relating to sidewalks. 

There are no sidewalks in the area.  Item #1.d. discusses bikepaths.  Mr. Majewski stated

he is not sure what is on the Official Map, but there are no bikepaths in this area. 

 

Mr. Majewski noted with regard to the Waiver discussed under Item #1.e that they are

requesting relief from controlling the run off for the entire property.  He stated there is an

existing house on Lot #1 that fronts on Evergreen Road and they are proposing storm

water measures for Lot #1.  He stated his office has reviewed this and have made some

minor corrections which are sufficient to control the proposed run off from Lot #2.  This

relates as well to Item #1.f.  Mr. Majewski stated the method they are proposing is

appropriate for this size lot.  

 

Item 1.g. on Page #3 was noted regarding the Waiver requested for the release rate. 

Mr. Majewski stated this is a small lot and there is not enough room on the lot to build a

facility that would meet the Ordinance requirements.  This did go to the Zoning Hearing

Board and they did obtain relief.  Mr. Majewski stated it is only a small amount of run off

from the property.  He stated the Ordinance requires that the post development rate be

reduced to 50% and in this case they are reducing it to 78% pre-development; however,

the run off from the 100 year storm is negligible for this lot.  Ms. Harrison asked if there

is a storm drain anywhere near this area, and Mr. Majewski stated there is not.  It was

noted that they are proposing underground detention of the storm water on the lot.

 

Mr. Murphy stated they will comply with Items #2 and #3.  Item #4 was noted and

Mr. Murphy stated the Applicant is proposing Fee-In-Lieu of Recreation.  He noted that

will comply with Items #5, #6, #7, and #8.  With regard to Item #9, the PennDOT permit

is pending and they are waiting for receipt. This is for the driveway for Lot #2 out to

Yardley-Morrisville Road.

 

The CKS letter was noted, and Mr. Murphy stated there are no issues with these items.

 

Mr. Pazdera moved, Ms. Harrison seconded and it was unanimously carried to

recommend to the Board of Supervisors approval of the Preliminary/Final Plan last

revised 5/6/05 subject to compliance with the PCS letter dated 6/7/05.  The Planning

Commission recommends approval of Waivers to SALDO Sections #178-40.C, Section

#178-46.A(2), Section #178-47.A, Section #178-48.A, Section #178-93.A(5), Section

#178-93.C(1), and Section #178-93C(2).  The Planning Commission recommends Fee-In-

Lieu of Recreation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 13, 2005                                                                Planning Commission – page 3 of 3

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

Ms. Friedman stated she attended the EAC meeting where they noted that Canal Days has

been cancelled because of the flood.  She stated the EAC is continuing to discuss a series

of seminars to be held one of which will discuss the use of native plants.

 

 

There being no further business, Mr. Pazdera moved, Ms. Harrison seconded and it was unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                        Karen Friedman, Chairman