PLANNING COMMISSION

Hanover Township        Northampton County

3630 JACKSONVILLE ROAD

BETHLEHEM, PA 18017

 

 

Minutes of the November 1, 2004 Meeting

 

Meeting #808 of the Hanover Township Northampton County Planning Commission was held at the Hanover Township Municipal Building, 3630 Jacksonville Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Monday, November 1, 2004, and convened at 7:30 P.M.

 

Planning Commission members in attendance:

                        Mark Tanczos                          Joseph Hilton

                        Paul Kuehne                             John McGonigle

Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc. represented by Charles M. Schmalzer, P.L.S.

 

Motion was made by McGonigle, seconded by Kuehne, approving the minutes of the October 4, 2004 Planning Commission Meeting.

   Hilton, yes;   Kuehne, yes;   McGonigle, yes;   Tanczos, yes

 

WESTGATE WATER COMPANY     Installation of a Water Storage Tank and Building  

Record Plan

Robert Ferri (Niclaus Engineering Corporation)

 

On September 23, 2004, the Zoning Hearing Board granted a Special Exception for the location of enclosed water storage tank up against western side of existing barn (Option 3).  Three Zoning variances were granted.  Proposed tank is 26’ in diameter and 24’ high.  Proposed building enclosure is 30’ x 30’.

 

Ferri concurs with comments in letter from Hanover Engineering, dated October 28, 2004, and submitted revised plans addressing these comments.  Gate is now included with the dumpster fence.  Additional parking place is now shown.

 

Planner Kuehne questioned the use of existing propane tank.  Ferri advised it is for heating the office and maintenance area.  Planning requests that propane tank be replaced under ground for safety concerns.  If this cannot be done, it should be moved to the back side of the building - not exposed, as it is presently.

 

Township resident Karan Merkel of 2475 Winston Road stated proposed 36” burning bushes would not offer adequate screening of proposed building.  Living across the street from the Utility Company, she requested landscaping that would offer more screening along Statten Avenue, which would be aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood.  Ferri agreed to substitute Spruce Trees for the burning bushes.

 

 

Motion was made by Tanczos, seconded by Kuehne, to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors, recommending Conditional Approval, pending satisfaction of comments made in Hanover Engineering’s letter dated October 28, 2004.

   Hilton, yes;   Kuehne, yes;   McGonigle, yes;   Tanczos, yes

 

RICHARD & MARION DEE        Lot Location Plan

Greg Noll (Keystone Engineering)       Richard Dee (Owner)

 

Lot location plan was reviewed along with letter from Hanover Engineering dated October 25, 2004.  Reason for subdivision is to sell a lot.  Existing residence is 15.61’ from the closest point of the side yard to the east.  Requirement is 16’.  Planners feel this is diminemous, however, determination should be made by the Zoning Administrator.

 

Note will be added to the plan, stating that curbing/sidewalks will be installed if/when required by the Board of Supervisors (S.A.L.D.O. Section 159-8).

 

Motion was made by Tanczos, seconded by Kuehne, recommending Conditional Approval, pending satisfaction of comments made in Hanover Engineering’s letter dated October 25, 2004, specifically with regards to the Zoning Administrator’s determination of the 15.61’ as diminemous from the closest point to the side yard.  Also, covenant note, added to plan, regarding curb and sidewalks meet with the satisfaction of the Township Solicitor.

   Hilton, yes;   Kuehne, yes;   McGonigle, yes;   Tanczos, yes

 

VALLEY VIEW ESTATES     Phase I       Single-Family Detached Residential

Preliminary/Record Plan

Richard Gitter (DeLuca Homes)        Keith Lawler (Keystone Consulting Engineers)

 

Developer will address outstanding issued outlined in Hanover Engineering’s letter dated   October 28, 2004.

 

Planners suggest that installation of sewer line across Hanoverville Road be coordinated with the Jaindl project.

 

Pertaining to the East Allen Township portion of development, detention basin will be shifted, changing  some lot lines.  Soil testing for septic system is being done.

 

Descriptions are needed for the temporary turnaround easements - Lots 8, 9, 14 and 23.

 

Water has been requested from the City of Bethlehem.  There should be an agreement between Hanover Township and East Allen Township pertaining to the water lines.

 

Comments have not been received from the Northampton County Conservation District pertaining to the Soil Erosion Control Plan and Narrative.  If their report changes the plan enough that lot lines are changed, Planning requests that plan return for further review.

 

Motion was made by Tanczos, seconded by Kuehne, to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors, recommending conditional approval based on the following:

   Satisfaction of comments made in Hanover Engineering’s letter dated October 28, 2004

   Securing PennDot permits.

   Approval from the Northampton County Conservation District pertaining to the Soil Erosion            Control Plan and Narrative.  If their report would substantially effect the plan in the opinion of        the Township Engineer, Planning requests that plan return for further review to the Planning          Commission.

   Agreement is needed between Hanover Township and East Allen Township pertaining to water         lines between the two municipalities.

   Addressing the Shade Tree Commission comments in their letter dated October 27, 2004.

            Hilton, yes;   Kuehne, yes;   McGonigle, yes;   Tanczos, yes

 

ENGINEER’S REPORT

Response letter to the Board of Supervisors was written by Schmalzer, addressing comments made at the Comprehensive Plan public hearing.

 

Utility poles are being repositioned along Hanoverville Road at the Hanover Ridge development location.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                        Sylvia McLaughlin

                                                                        Clerk - Planning.