East Marlborough Township
Planning Commission
Minutes of May 30, 2017
Cuyler Walker, chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the township building. Additional Commissioners present: Charles Streitwieser, Jane Donze, and Mary Nell Ferry. Also in attendance was Laurie Prysok, Township Manager. There was a quorum present.
1. Public Comment Period
No representation from the public present.
2. Minutes of April 25, 2017
Motion to approve minutes of the April 25, 2017 Planning Meeting as submitted by Laurie Prysock, Township Manager and Acting Secretary. Motion approved.
3. Landhope Investors- Michael Bucklin
Applicant is seeking Conditional Use Approval under Zoning Ordinance Sections 752.B.1, B.6 and B.13, for the various components of the Property located in the WMU Willowdale Multiple Zoning District. Applicant presented sketch plan to Planning Commission seeking comments and input.
The “Grey Barn” is an existing agricultural, laminated wood “arch barn” of historical significance, with a total floor area in excess of 5,000 sq. ft. Applicant seeks to use the upper level floor as “Event Space” for functions of not more than 300 attendees. The plan calls for the installation of handicapped accessible bathroom facilities and parking spaces. The event space will not be used on a daily basis, and by pre-scheduled reservation and appointment only. Applicant proposes to utilize existing grass areas for vehicular parking, lighting in the parking area, whenever possible, being discretely mounted on existing trees.
In addition, Applicant seeks approval of the Grey Barn’s space for occasional retail sales which would primarily be in conjunction with special events. By way of example, antique fairs, sales of craftsand other materials during the Unionville Community Fair, sales of music CDs by bands at wedding receptions, etc.
Applicant seeks approval to continue its use of the “Yellow House” on the property event space for functions of not more than 300 attendees under Ordinance Section 752.B.6 and, in addition, for use as a Bed and Breakfast operation under Section 752.B.13. Applicant seeks approval for use of the “Little Yellow House” as a bridal suite or overnight suite for family members of the bridal party, etc. Applicant also seeks approval for the use of the Yellow House and Little Yellow House for occasional retail space under Ordinance Section 752.B.1.
Applicant seeks approval for use of the “Red Barn” located to the north of the existing Landhope Store and having driveway access from Unionville Road for use as an event space for functions of not more than 300 attendees, and/or occasional retail sales.
To summarize:
Applicant is seeking Conditional Use approval under Ordinance Section 752.B.1 for retail space in all (3) Buildings, Conditional Use approval under Ordinance Section 752.B.6 for Event Space in all (3) buildings, and Conditional Use approval under Ordinance Section 752.B13 for a Bed and Breakfast in the Yellow House.
The Planning Commission recommends that the Applicant contact the Historic Commission to share their plans for preserving and upgrading the buildings. Historic Commission is scheduled to meet on June 12, 2017. Without the benefit of a review letter from the Township Engineer, the Planning Commission did not make specific recommendations with respect to this application. The Commission expects to discuss the application further after the Conditional Use Hearing scheduled for June 19, 2017 and will submit recommendations to the Supervisors at that time.
4. Doug White- Variance Recommendation
Applicant presented revised Conditional Use Plans with respect to proposed easements on the adjacent properties owned by Everfast and Everreal to provide: 1. access for emergency vehicles to cross from Walnut Road to Schoolhouse Road between the applicant’s proposed development and the proposed CJK development, 2. access for pedestrians to cross from Walnut Road to Schoolhouse Road between the applicant’s proposed development and the proposed CJK development, 3. homeowners and visitors the opportunity topark in the parking lot on the Everfast property during non-business hours and on weekends, and 4. a right-of-way for snowplows to cross onto the Everfast property to deposit snow and turn around. The Applicant also requested approval to satisfy the requirement for recreational open spaces with looped walking trails and sidewalks to be located on both the Everfast lot and within development open spaces.
The Planning Commission expressed its appreciation for the applicant’s success in finding a way to provide for pedestrian access between WalnutRoad and Schoolhouse Road. The Planning Commission unanimously agreed the Applicant has met each of the easement issues (emergency vehicle access, pedestrian access, snow removal, and parking) and recreation/open air space issues, and has satisfied the objectives of the relevant applicable conditions in the Conditional Use Order.
5. FEMA- Flood Plain Ordinance
Township is required to amend the Flood Plain Ordinance to comply with new FEMA mandates. Township has submitted language to replace the existing section of Zoning Ordinances regarding the Flood Hazard District to a consultant retained by DEP to review amended municipal floodplain ordinances. The consultant has confirmed that the draft complies with FEMA’s requirements. The Commission voted 4-0 to recommend and adoption of the draft and recommends that the Board of Supervisors submit the draft to the County Planning Commission for their comments.
Adjournment 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Daniele Whittaker, Secretary
EAST MARLBOROUGH TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA – May 30, 2017 – 7:00 P.M.
Call to Order
Public Comment Period
Minutes of April 25, 2017
Landhope Investors – Michael Bucklin
Doug White – Variance recommendation
FEMA Flood Plain Ordinance