CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
GREAT VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL
255 N. PHOENIXVILLE PIKE, MALVERN, PA, 7:30 P.M.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Present:

Planning Commission: Bill Westhafer, Vice Chairman, Michael Allen, Michael Churchill, and Andy Motel. Michael Richter, Andre von Hoyer and Mrs. Leland were absent.

Consultants: Randy Patry, P.E. and Thomas Comitta

Staff: Lisa Gardner, Recording Secretary, Linda Csete, Township Manager

Public: None

Call to Order:

7:37 p.m.

Announcements

Mr. Churchill stated the most recent Rails-to-Trails Meeting dealt with the feasibility of the route options. Members are to review these in light of objections from a few residents concerned about privacy. Committee members heard from residents of Carrow Lane and Buckwalter Road. The next phase is to consider funding and connecting with other locations and trails within the Township.

Approval Sept. 9, 2014 Minutes

Mr. Motel moved to approve the September 9, 2014 minutes, and Mr. Churchill seconded. Mr. Westhafer called for discussion, there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

Discussion

Bartholdson Planning Module

Mr. Patry referred to the Advanced GeoServices letter dated October 15, 2014, from Mr. Wright, reviewing the Sewage Facilities Planning Module for John Bartholdson at 3198 Hollow Road. He said the owner proposes to construct a new on-lot sewage disposal system to serve a future carriage home. He said the sewage will be pumped uphill and the system has the ability to accommodate the existing dwelling, if the older system fails.

Mr. Patry indicated that all items in the review have now been addressed and recommended that the Planning Commission now complete Component 4-A. Mr. Churchill moved to recommend approval of the planning module to the Board of Supervisors along with the execution of Component 4-A, and Mr. Motel seconded. Mr. Westhafer called for comments, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.

TND Update

Mr. Allen asked members to tour Spring Oak and Pickering Crossing to view the stone, especially on the retaining wall.

Route 29 Basin Proposal

The Planning Commission discussed Ed Theurkauf’s proposal dated October 2, 2014 to design landscaping treatments for the PennDOT basins and surroundings at Phoenixville Pike and Morehall Road (Route 29). Mr. Allen didn’t think the rock wall needed landscaping.

Mr. Motel moved to recommend Mr. Theurkauf’s proposal Landscape Plan for PennDOT Stormwater Basin Area, dated October 2, 2014. Mr. Allen seconded, Mr. Westhafer called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor

Mrs. Csete is to let Mr. Theurkauf know of the decision.

Act 209 – Future Implementation

Mr. Comitta said Mr. Heinrich could not attend tonight and suggested any motions be held for December’s meeting. He distributed an exhibit featuring 4 maps and updated members.

Comprehensive Plan Update 2015

Mr. Comitta discussed the scope of the 2015 update. He suggested discussion in December toward a consensus regarding when to apply for the grant (in January or wait until June). Mr. Comitta made changes to the draft prior to the canceled October meeting. He will make one more revision to include scale and suggestions from a final meeting with Mr. Wright and Mr. Westhafer. He will then redistribute to members. It will be on the December agenda.

Future Municipal Building

To begin a discussion on size and use for a new Township Building, requested by Mrs. Leland, Mrs. Csete distributed a wish list of attributes. Some are listed below.

Mr. Motel discussed building on 6 acres owned by Charlestown and leasing the extra commercial space for Township revenue. This would also reserve future space if necessary. No further action was taken. Mr. Allen said it would be helpful to have an update from Mr. Filippo regarding this part of his commercial/retail tract, to apply to this discussion.

Action Items

  1. Planning Commission Members are to visit the TND sites.
  2. Mrs. Csete will call Mr. Theurkauf to give the go ahead.
  3. December will include a discussion on Act 209 and the Comprehensive Plan Update

Adjournment

Mr. Westhafer adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The Planning Commission’s next scheduled meeting is December 9, 2014 at the Great Valley Middle School, Room 154.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa Gardner,
Recording Secretary