LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
(7:30 – 8:40 PM)
Attended by Ted Robertson and Watson Fisher. Reported by Ted Robertson.
Absent – Gary Crissman.
Under Old Business, Ordinance 08-13 was passed 4 – 0. This amends the zoning ordinance to permit cellular telephone towers in conjunction with Public Utility sub-stations as Special Exceptions in the R-1 zoning district.
Under New Business, Mr. Paul Salosorich was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Shade Tree Commission by a vote of 4 – 0.
Prastorian Casualty was awarded the contract to provide the township with auto, property, casualty and liability insurance coverage by a vote of 4 – 0.
Bachman Roofing was awarded the contract for roofs at the garage and salt dome in Koons Park by a vote of 4 – 0.
Doug Lamb Construction was awarded the contract for maintenance and repairs on certain township bridges by a vote of 4 – 0.
Resolution 08-39 was passed 4 – 0. This action accepts the 2008 Minimum Municipal Obligations for the police and non-uniformed employee pension plans. The total obligated amount is approximately $880,000. Grant money will cover $500,000 of this amount leaving the township with a total obligation of approximately $380,000.
Resolution 08-40 authorizing the acquisition of easements from the Kevin Longchamp property on Old Farm Road for a storm water line was approved 4 – 0.
Under Subdivision and Land Development, the preliminary/final subdivision plan for the Giant Food Store Fuel Island at the Point Shopping Center was approved 4 – 0.
LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD
(7:00 – 7:30 PM)
Attended by Watson Fisher and Ted Robertson. Reported by Ted Robertson.
Docket 1252 was a request for a signing variance for a 78-room hotel at 1009 – 1031 Peiffers Lane near the intersection of Route 83 and Union Deposit Road. The ordinance allows 2 signs on any two walls for a total of four signs. The applicant was asking for one sign on three walls for a total of three signs. The signs are much smaller in size than the ordinance permits. The variance was allowed by a vote of 3 – 0.
LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
MEETING
Attended and reported by Watson Fisher.
George Park Skatepark A representative from the Central PA Freedom Group, which is planning to build the skatepark, gave a status report on the project. The group is gaining members and has developed a fund raising plan. Bryan Yesilonis, who has had extensive fund raising experience over many years as the director of the Bethesda Mission, is leading the effort. They have identified 33 potential sponsors from a long list they had developed and they will begin targeting them. Also a grant from the state has been applied for and local contractors have been contacted for possible in-kind contributions.
The township has approved the planned signage for the project, which will be an important part of the fund raising effort with local companies. HRG engineers have begun the design work for the project and the preliminary schedule is to bid the project in the spring of 2009 and begin construction in the summer.
Lower Paxton Dog Park Representatives from the Dog Park Association gave an update on their project to create an area for dogs on a one-acre parcel, which the township has donated at Lingle/Kohl Park. They reported that they have: over 25 volunteers on board, committees set up, and started fund raising, with some pledges already in place. They have applied for a $10,000 grant from the Foundation for Enhancing Communities, which would cover 60% of their estimated start up cost. They are soliciting support from the local service clubs and are creating a web site, which will connect into the townshipÕs web site. They hope to open the park on Memorial Day 2009.
George Park Work to complete the few remaining construction items at the park is continuing. The items include expanding the entrance intersection on Nyes Road, and finishing the inline hockey facility, the pavilion, and the parking areas. DEP has raised a last minute issue with the wetlands area along the entrance drive and a meeting will be held immediately to address this matter.
Greenway Committee Following receipt and approval of the townshipÕs Greenway Plan the Greenway Committee, which had coordinated the creation of the plan, was disbanded. Recently the Supervisors reformed the committee to direct the implementation of the plan. The Committee met initially in September and again prior to this P & R Board meeting and will meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Friendship Center. The committee to date has discussed some priorities but has not yet elected officers.
Draft Budget 2009 Parks and Recreation director Brian Luetchford presented his draft of the departmentÕs proposed budget for next year.
Under anticipated revenues he stated that the fee-in-lieu payments from developers, which is a major budget item, decreased this year due to the slowing of the housing market and he expected further decreases in 2009. He also pointed out that with the expected approval of the revised Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), which will make it more difficult for developers to make fee-in-lieu payments instead of donating land for recreation, the revenue will decrease further. The township will begin charging slightly higher rates for pavilion rentals, camp programs, field reservations, use of facilities by sports leagues, etc. And it may start charging fees for youth sports teams at half the rates charged for adult teams where now there are no fees for them. This would also help in the scheduling for the use of the fields, where now organizations that are not charged, reserve more time than they end up using, thereby limiting available field for other groups.
Under anticipated expenses he mentioned the increased costs for the fuel and fertilizer required for maintenance of the fields, some park improvements, and some maintenance work at the Friendship Center. With the plan to build the Dog Park at Lingle/Kohl Park, the plan is to move the sand volleyball courts and to possibility relocate the tennis courts, which are in danger of being damage by water runoff at their current location.
Mr. Luetchford also mentioned that in a little over a year the Wolfersberger Park property will be paid off and planning should be under way with the Supervisors as to how the park should be developed. Also, the Greenway Committee will now be considering possible opportunities to begin implementation of the recently approved plan. In addition, with the impending completion of George Park construction projects, future work could include bleachers and lighting at some of the fields, signage, fencing, and walking trails.
(7:30 – 10:40 PM)
Attended by Watson Fisher and Ted Robertson. Reported by Ted Robertson.
Under Old Business, Ordinance 08-15 authorizing the approval of a non-exclusive cable television franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. was passed 5 – 0.
Ordinance 08-02, amending the zoning map by changing the designation of the Village of Laurel Ridge on Linglestown Road at Pheasant Ridge Drive from R-2 to R-3 was pulled. ***(Please refer to enclosed Oct 5th letter and reference.)
Resolution 08-42-01, 02, 03, 04, designating Berkheimer as the TownshipÕs EIT and LST collector, appointing the Finance Director as the TownshipÕs official contact with Berkheimer, appointing Berkheimer as the TownshipÕs Tax Hearing Officer, and authorizing Berkheimer to undertake delinquent tax collections was approved 5 – 0.
Under New Business, the Supervisors approved 5 – 0
Conditional Use 08-01. This was a request from Cider Press Assoc. LLC for a
density bonus for the Shadebrook TND for architectural standards exceeding
those specified in the TownshipÕs TND ordinance. This is a 0.5 unit/acre
increase from 4.0 to 4.5 units/acre. For this particular development it will
mean an increase of 35 units from 283 units to 318 units, or a 12.5% bonus. Personal
comment: This is a give-away
program for developers. This developer showed five ÒdifferentÓ style homes
(single family) as a reason for their request. Four of the five were saltbox
design with very slight modifications to the front wall facing the road. The
fifth was a small hip roof design with probably no more than 1600 square feet
of living space in a 1-½ story unit.
Change Order No. 6 for electrical work for $2,664 for the George Park site improvement contract with Premier Construction Group, Inc. was approved 5 – 0.
Resolution 08-41 amending the assessment of fees for the collection of delinquent sanitary sewer accounts was passed 5 – 0.
Under Subdivision and Land Development the preliminary subdivision and land development plan for the Shadebrook TND (08-17) was approved 5 – 0. Several residents presented valid concerns as follows:
In the writerÕs opinion, HRG was very remiss in
approving non-specific waivers for such things as sight triangles, intersection
radius, location of storm water inlets, block lengths, and storm water
velocity. We taxpayers are paying for this service.
It appears the Supervisors are very anxious to get this TND
moving.
A declaration of the consolidation of lots for the property identified as 4305 Richland Avenue (08-17) was approved 5 – 0.
***
October 5, 2008
Lower Paxton Board of Supervisors
Lower Paxton Township
425 Prince Street
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Dear Supervisors:
Please note that SWAN is on record opposing the rezoning request of Laurel Ridge from R-2 Medium High Density Residential District to R-3 Medium High Density Residential District. (Please refer to Enclosure pp. 3-4)
SWAN met several times with
Multi-Properties. We appreciate their efforts to engage the community,
acknowledge the improvements the company has made to existing units,
and appreciate the effort expended to conduct a traffic study.
The Planning Commission stated
that they did not rezone this property because they wanted to control the
density of new development on this site.The public expressed concern about
additional housing units along Linglestown Road, traffic congestion, and
infrastructure challenges.
Consistent with SWANÕs previous
testimony, e.g., ÒNew Devonshire Subdivision, Martin L. Schoffstall
ChildrenÕs Trust, et alÓ on June 10, 2008 and SWANÕs Testimony in
Opposition to -Ordinance #07-14 Rezoning Application, May 6, 2008, we
remain opposed to the rezoning.
This type of density request, in
the shadow of a DEP consent order, limited EDUs, possible EPA remediation
bills, I&E challenges, and sewer reconstruction, must have widespread
support from the folks who live near the development as well as tax payers
who may have to pay for the additional infrastructure.
It is important for the Township
to implement the Comprehensive Plan as envisioned and codified. The
Planning Commission was correct to deny this rezoning request.
Consistent with the 2006 Comprehensive Plan, we support the TownshipÕs continued concern and vigilance in managing density and infrastructure challenges in Lower Paxton Township.
We are willing to work with the
Township and Multi-Properties to foster an alternative resolution to deal with
Òoverstuffing.Ó SWAN is also willing to continue a dialogue regarding
protective covenants, dedications, easements, and park and recreation
opportunities.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Epstein, SWAN, Chairman
4100 Hillsdale Road
Harrisburg, Pa 17112
cc:
Frederick Lighty, Chairman, Lower Paxton Planning Commission
George S. Wolfe, Township Manager, Lower Paxton Township
Richard Hantgan, Multi Properties, Inc., Senior Vice President
***
June 10, 2008
Lower Paxton Township
Planning Commission
425 Prince Street
Harrisburg, PA 17109
RE: SWAN
Testimony in Opposition to -
ÒNew
Devonshire Subdivision, Martin L. Schoffstall
ChildrenÕs
Trust, et alÓ
Dear Commissioners:
I am testifying on behalf of the Stray
Wind Area Neighbors (SWAN). We
are a coalition of Lower Paxton
Township citizens and neighborhoods. The group
was formed after the sale of Stray
Winds Farm in the fall of 2005. We meet once
a month on Monday evenings at the Epiphany Lutheran Church. The groupÕs
representatives attend Board of
Supervisors, Planning Commission, Parks and
Recreation, Public Safety Committee,
Authority Board, and Zoning Hearing
Board meetings, publishes a newsletter
and maintain a web site. We are
committed to the following core goals:
¥ SWAN supports sensible development
with adequate
infrastructure.
¥ SWAN promotes safe
communities through improved design for efficient
management of traffic.
¥ SWAN promotes sound conservation for
the Paxton Creek Watershed,
surrounding wetlands and wildlife
habitats.
¥ SWAN promotes natural
assets to enhance the quality of life and provide
environmental safeguards.
We believe in collaboration with
developers and local government over
confrontation, and have invested in the
new social partnership sponsored by the
Supervisors that will help Lower Paxton
grow smart.
1
ItÕs important to revisit some of the
recent historic milestones associated
with the New Devonshire Subdivision
proposal, and recount and contextualize
similar rezoning requests. On February
5, 2008, the Preliminary/Final
Subdivision Plan #07-01, i.e., ÒNew
Devonshire Subdivision, Martin L.
Schoffstall ChildrenÕs Trust, et alÓ
was discussed at the Board of SupervisorsÕ
Meeting.
This seven acre tract located south of
Devonshire Road, north of Wilshire
Road, and across Devonshire Road from
Costco (zoned R-1) was to be subdivided
into 10 lots for single family homes.
The Planning Commission recommended
approval of the subdivision at its
December 2007 meeting, and the Supervisors
approved the proposal by a 4-0 vote.
(1)
On March 11, 2008, at a Board of
SupervisorsÕ Workshop meeting, two
plans were submitted that appeared to
request Spot Zoning.
A revised plan was presented by the
Schoffstall Children's Trust for the
property located on the south side of
Devonshire Road. The revised plan
requested a zoning change from
Residential Retirement (R-R) to Institutional.
Zoning Ordinance Section 319. R-R
Residential-Retirement Development (RRD)
319 G.17 states:
The maximum overall density shall be 12
dwelling units per acre. Each 3
overnight beds that are not within a
dwelling unit (such as nursing home
and assisted living beds) shall be
counted the same as one dwelling unit for
the purposes of determining density.
R-R appears to allow several types of
residential development including
nursing homes, assisted living, and
personal care, and as conditional uses -
doctor's offices, and some stores and
restaurants. IN allows everything R-R allows
plus churches, colleges, hospitals,
schools, etc. The surrounding properties are
zoned R-1.
____
1 A minor plan change was made
relocating the storm water basin so that it
is located on one lot instead of two.
This placed the maintenance responsibility for
the basin onto a single property owner
and that responsibility will be included on
the deed for that lot. A fence around
the basin will not be required.
2
At the same Workshop, officers and
representatives from the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE)
presented a proposal for the re-zoning of
approximately 60 acres of property at
the Northeast corner of Parkway East and
Linglestown Road. This property has
been owned by the BPOE for 80 years. They
were asking for a R-2 designation. The
property is presently AR. Surrounding
properties are R-1. BPOE was asked to look
at alternative before invoking any
expenses.
SWAN believes that a request of this
magnitude, i.e., ÒNew Devonshire
Subdivision,Ó should have broad based
communal support. In addition, we need
to utilize consistent measurement tools
for rezoning that are in harmony with
the Comp Plan.
For example, on February 13, 2008 at
the Planning Commission meeting,
SWAN opposed a Rezoning Application
presented by Laurel Ridge. This rezoning
request involved a 51.38 acre tract
located on the south side of Linglestown Road
across from Forest Hills Drive. The
tract is zoned R-2 Medium Density
Residential, and the request was to
change the zoning to R-3 or Medium High
Density Residential.
This tract contains an apartment and
townhouse development that was
built around 1975, and consists of 187
units which was the first part of a twophase
project. The 2006 zoning provisions
were changed so that apartments are
precluded from the R-2 zone. Without a
change to R-3, the second phase cannot
contain apartments.
The new ownerÕs, Multi-Properties,
stated that other apartment complexes
in the township had been rezoned to
R-3, and they wished to continue with a
combination of apartments and
townhouses as had been the original plan. Multi-
Properties anticipated adding between
75 and 110 units in this second phase, and
stated that being able to build some
apartments would take less land and result
in more available open space.
3
The Commissioners stated that they did
not rezone this property because
they wanted to control the density of
new development on this site. The public
expressed concern about additional
housing units along Linglestown Road,
traffic problems, and infrastructure
challenges.
The commission denied the
request to rezone - consistent with the
2006 Comp Plan - and their
continued concern to manage density and
traffic in this area.
In the intervening period, SWAN has met
with the developer, a traffic
plan has been submitted, and the
projectÕs manager has committed to open
space, continued dialogue, and slope
protections on the banks of the Paxton
Creek. In any event, Multi-Properties may proceed with the project without
including apartments in the plan.
We also testified against the
proposed Rezoning Application by the Union
Despot (ÒUDÓ) Corporation as a step
backward in both process and planning. That
request was tabled at the SupervisorsÕ
meeting held on April 15, 2008 to allow
time for the residents in the adjacent
developments to pursue discussions with
the developer. However, while we opposed the
rezoning application, we believe
that the request can be revisited
after an engaged dialogue has occurred.
The UD request involved a large tract
north of Linglestown Road. The
large portion of the 150 plus acre
tract is zoned Institutional (IN). The rezoning
request involves 37 acres in the
northern portion that would be rezoned from
Agricultural Residential (AR) to
Institutional, and 13 acres that would be
rezoned from AR to Conservation (CO).
The net gain; assuming the land is
developable, was up to 350 units.
On May 6, 2008, the Supervisors
unanimously opposed Union DepositÕs
request and encouraged the developer to
explore
residential zoning options.
4
The Comp Plan does not indicate
a robust desire for extensive age
restricted or saturated IN
density. Yet the New Devonshire
Subdivision,
project, along with Stray Winds (238
age restricted units), Colonial Village (131
age restricted units,) plus an abundant
number of IN units available to Union
Deposit (10 units per acre). The
present proposal is in addition to the 814.72
acres (or 4.5% of the TownshipÕs land
use distribution) that was zoned Intuitional
as of 2002.
If traffic and density are
valid concerns on Linglestown Road,
those concerns should certainly
be applied to IN rezoning on Devonshire
Road.
This type of density request, in the
shadow of a DEP consent order, limited
EDUs, possible EPA remediation bill,
storm water and I&E challenges, and sewer
reconstruction, must have widespread
support from the folks who live near the
development as well as tax payers who
may have to pay for the additional
infrastructure.
Rezoning the New Devonshire Subdivision
to IN appears to be inconsistent
with the intent of the Comp Plan as
described under ÒInstitutional Campus,Ó
Implementation, 4-2.
Permit institutional development (civic
and social service uses; business
campus as conditional) with open space
amenities that connect
to/benefit adjacent campus sites and
neighborhoods, e.g. greenways.
We need to balance the needs of local
neighborhoods, taxpayers, and the
developer. Lets take a step back,
review where we are, and settle on the initial
rezoning request.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Epstein, Chairman
4100 Hillsdale Road
Harrisburg, Pa 17112
5
October 8, 2008
LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Attended and reported by Watson Fisher.
Old Business
Zoning Change - Ordinance #08-12 This proposal would change the zoning of the 52 acre parcel of land north of the SportsmanÕs Golf Course currently zoned AR Agricultural Residential to R-1 Low Density Residential. This item was considered at the September Planning Commission meeting and was tabled at that time.
As part of a previous development plan there had been a proposal for his parcel to become part IN Institutional and part CO Conservation consistent with the two adjacent parcels but this request was rejected by the Supervisors. That developer has since removed the project from consideration but there were suggestions at several meetings that the township should propose to change the zoning of this parcel to R-1. This was discussed at the last commission meeting and tabled after residents from the adjacent Forest Hills development expressed concerns about the change. At this meeting the commissioners again reviewed the matter and commented that the change would increase the number of units that could be built on the parcel and they felt that was not the best direction to go. The county representative had recommended against the change. The commissioners recommended disapproval of the proposal.
Text Amendmant - Zoning Ordinance The Planning Commission at their September meeting recommended approval of several proposed zoning changes regarding car washes. The changes would allow car washes to be built in a CN Commercial Neighborhood zone as a Special Exception and would allow them to be built on a lot as small as one half acre. They would also put restrictions on the exterior finishes of the building. Since then there have been several minor changes to the desired language of the proposed changes and the commissioners recommended approval of the amendment with those changes.
New Business
T-Mobile Northeast, LLC - Special Exception #08-04 This application is a request for a Special Exception to allow T-Mobile to construct a wireless telephone tower at a utility substation on the south side of Spring Creek Road and west of Page Road which is adjacent to the site for the new Bishop McDevitt High School. This construction is now allowed as a Special Exception in residential districts if approved by the Zoning Hearing Board. The applicant stated that the construction would comply with all zoning ordinance requirements for such towers. The commissioners voted to advise the Zoning Hearing Board that they found the request for the special exception unobjectionable if the applicant follows the ordinance requirements under 402.16.b.(9) and c.(2) regarding its visual impact on its surroundings.
Community General Osteopathic Hospital, Oncology Center - Preliminary/Final Subdivision & Land Development Plan #08-13 Informational Presentation Only A representative from the hospitalÕs planning firm gave a brief update on the hospitalÕs expansion project that had been presented to the commissioners at their August meeting. It specifically related to the relocation of the planned new power plant that had been shown to be on the east side of Arlington Road but is now shown to be at the northeast corner of the property replacing one of the apartment buildings the hospital owns there. The commissioners were pleased that that building would not be along the main road but were concerned that its proposed location would have it near one of the buildings in the adjacent Lakewood Hills apartment complex. They cautioned the planner to take the necessary steps to be sure that power plant noise, steam vapor, etc. did not become a problem for the nearby apartments and that any gray water was properly handled.
Miscellaneous The commissioners will have a joint meeting with the supervisors on October 14 to make their presentation on the preliminary work they had done toward the possibility of creating a Business Development District (BID) in the township as requested by the supervisors. At that meeting they will also review the sketch plan drawings they have for the new Bishop McDevitt High School to be located on Spring Creek Road in the township.
LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
(7:00 – 7:30 PM)
Attended by Watson Fisher and Ted Robertson. Reported by Ted Robertson.
There were significant items of interest to SWAN covered at this meeting at the Colonial Park Fire House. Their new rescue truck will go in service in mid-November.
October 14, 2008
LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS &
PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT WORKSHOP SESSION
Attended by Eric Epstein, Ken Parmer, Bill Bostic, and Watson Fisher. Reported by Watson Fisher.
Business Improvement District The Planning Commission made a power point presentation to the Supervisors on the feasibility of creating a Business Improvement District (BID) in the township. The purpose of such a district would be to make improvements within a designated area for the benefit of the businesses in that area. The improvements would include better traffic management, better marketing efforts, and beautification of the area. The BID would be created and operated as set forth in the state law and paid for by assessments from the businesses in the area. For the creation of a BID to be possible the law requires that no more than 40% of the businesses in the designated area can actively object to the effort. For the businesses to be convinced to participate in the project they would need to be shown that they would benefit from the improvements.
The Commissioners reviewed the possible areas that could be considered to become a BID including Paxtonia, Linglestown, the Route 22 Corridor, Colonial Park, and the Union Deposit Road Corridor. They determined that for the program to be successful there needed to be enough businesses involved to finance large enough projects to create significant improvements. The only area that had been considered that could generate large enough assessments is the Route 22 Corridor. For commercial and retail businesses that area is considered to be the Lower Paxton Township Main Street. With increased competition from shopping areas in other municipalities and a down turn in the economy it was felt that it was desirable to enhance the LP main shopping area as much as possible. As required by law the commissioners delineated the specific properties they would intend to be included in the district.
After the Commissioners made their presentation the supervisors indicated that they were receptive to the project and authorized the Commissioners to continue with the process. The next steps would be to solicit expert advice and to prepare a preliminary plan before holding the required public meetings.
Bishop McDevitt High School Representatives from Bishop McDevitt and the architect and engineer for the proposed new high school gave a presentation of the schematic drawings for the new building. It will be located on an 87-acre tract on both sides of Spring Creek Road and west of Page Road. The plan is to vacate a portion of Spring Creek Road to create an undivided site and the vehicular entrance to the site will be from Page Road. Improvements are planned at that entrance intersection including turning lanes and traffic signals.
The new building is being designed for 925 students, which is about 200 more than the present enrollment in the existing building. There will be a number of athletic fields eventually and a 3000-seat football stadium is also planned. The schematic floor plan shows a one-story entrance wing that will contain the auditorium, gymnasium, music room and cafeteria and a three-story classroom wing that will contain the library and the chapel. Questions were raised about plans for building security and about the increase in traffic on the two lane roads in the area.
SALDO The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is in the process of being revised and one change being recommended by the Parks & Recreation Department involves the existing requirement for developers of housing projects to contribute land for recreation in their development plan. Currently the developer has the option of donating land or making a fee-in-lieu payment if he decides not to donate land. The change would require the developer to donate land, except for small developments, unless there was an agreement between him and the township to accept a fee. Also there would be a change in the way the amount of the fee would be calculated. The fee would be increased but the exact process for determining the new fee has still to be agreed to.
Estates of Autumn Oaks Approvals of this McNaughton Homes development consisting of 91 single family homes located north of Centennial Acres has been delayed in order for SWANÕs Eric Epstein and Darwin Aurand and some residents to have a series of their concerns addressed. These are mainly regarding storm water management in the new development. Residents of Centennial Acres have had on going water runoff problems from the adjacent property where the new housing development is proposed and their fear is that the proposed storm water detention basins to be located near their homes may make their situation worse.
The developer stated that the planning for storm water control meets regulatory requirements. SWAN engaged an independent engineer to review the planning and found some items of concern with the design and location of the basins. The developer then engaged another engineering firm to further review the geotechnical engineering and they determined that, with a few suggested changes to the design the storm water management facilities, the project would pose no significant risk to the adjacent properties. Negotiations between McNaughon, SWAN, and some residents resulted in an agreement to increase the buffer between the two developments and relocate the largest of the basins farther away from the existing houses. McNaughton will also investigate whether either or both of the two smaller basins could also be moved.
Eric Epstein stated that he felt that the changes that were agreed to through investigations and negotiations were significant toward alleviating most of the concerns of the adjacent homeowners and that the developer was helpful by being willing to engage in the negotiating process. The plan is expected to come before the Supervisors for final approval in the near future.
SportsmanÕs Golf Course A rezoning request had been made by the township and reviewed by the Planning Commission at their October 8th meeting to rezone the 52 acre tract on the north side of the golf course from AR Agricultural Residential to R-1 Low Density Residential. The Commission had voted at their recent meeting to recommend that the Supervisors deny the request and they reviewed the reasons behind their decision for the Supervisors. They felt that it was unnecessary to increase the density allowed on that parcel at this time. Representatives from the adjacent Forest Hills development voiced their support for leaving the zone unchanged. The Supervisors seemed to be in agreement.
Improvement Guarantees The Supervisors voted to approve reductions in several improvement guarantees. It was thought that official action on matters such as this was allowed by law only at advertised SupervisorsÕ business meetings and not at workshop sessions such as this. The solicitor explained that dates for SupervisorsÕ workshop meetings are advertised at the beginning of each year and, while the Supervisors normally choose not to formally vote on business items at workshop sessions, if the meetings are advertised they can legally take such action.