PRESENT – Chairman McMenamin, Vice Chair Kline, Member Smith, Member Farnen, Member Hibbs, Manager Hegele, Assistant Borough Secretary DeRenzis, Engineer Goff, Borough Planner Kennedy, and County Planner Miklos were present.
CALL TO ORDER – Chairman McMenamin called the April 9, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chaiman McMenamin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 12, 2024, MEETING MINUTES – Member Smith made a motion to approve the March 12, 2024, Planning Commission meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kline, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
NEW BUSINESS
AQUA LAND USE PROJECT REQUEST LETTER AND RESOLUTION – Manager Hegele stated this is for a Pennvest application that they intend to make in 2025 and are asking for the support of the Planning Commission for a small section on County Line Road in Hatboro.
VOTING
Member Smith made a motion to approve the Land use Request by Aqua Pennsylvania Inc. for their Southwest Water Main Replacement Project Phase 1, at County Line Road in Hatboro for Pennvest funding. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kline, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
100 MEADOWBROOK AVENUE RESUBMISSION
The applicant addressed comments from the professionals’ review letters and regarding sidewalks he stated that he will comply with what the Borough wants but currently there are no sidewalks and only a curb ramp and crosswalk on the adjacent property across the street. Planner Kennedy stated that sidewalks are required but thew applicant is requesting a waiver to not add sidewalks. Manger Hegele stated that there are various areas where there are no sidewalks, but a pedestrian can stand on the corner to cross the street (as opposed to standing on the street or grass waiting to cross). Member Smith mentioned the town hall that was held for that section and none of the residents were interested in adding sidewalks. He also stated that he likes sidewalks but cannot make one do it, especially in an area where the residents are not in favor of adding them. County Planner Miklos stated that the County recommends it be the judgment of the Borough if they should be added or not.
PUBLIC COMMENT –
Merrie Keller, 110 W. Monument Avenue, showed a picture where it is demonstrated a sidewalk that leads to nowhere. The applicant stated that he spoke with Engineer Goff and will be submitting an E&S Control Plan to the County of Conservation District for review and will do a percolation test on the site to meet the stormwater management post construction requirements to make sure they can sustain a natural water run off discharge from the gutter system onto the soil. He also stated that they are decreasing the impervious surface. He also stated that he will be submitting a vegetation plan to Engineer Goff as well and will be adding two more trees to the frontage to satisfy the ordinance.
Engineer Goff stated that the applicant satisfied all her comments and had no further comment.
Planner Kennedy stated that sidewalks are required under the SALDO but if they are not going to install them, the Planning Commission will need to grant a waiver.
VOTING
LAND DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL – Member Smith made a motion to approve the Land Development plans for 100 Meadowbrook Avenue contingent on the applicant’s compliance with the comments on the review letters from Engineer Goff 4/4/24, Borough Planner Kennedy 4/3/24, and County Planner Miklos 4/9/24. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kline, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
WAIVER REQUEST APPROVAL – Vice Chair Kline made a motion to accept the waiver request by the applicant regarding not adding sidewalks and curbs. Motion was seconded by Member Smith, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT – Member Smith made a motion to adjourn the April 9, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting. Motion was seconded by Vice Chair Kline, all ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Chairman McMenamin adjourned the April 9, 2024, Planning Commission meeting at 7:22P.M.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Diane C. Hegele, Borough Manager/Zoning Officer/ Open Records Officer
Transcribed by Cindy Bollendorf, Recording Secretary