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CHARLESTOWN TOWNSHIP |
Present
Call to Order:
7:30 p.m.Announcements –
noneApproval of Minutes
Mr. von Hoyer moved to approve the minutes of June 8, 2021, and Mr. Richter seconded. Mr. von Hoyer called for discussion, and there being none, called the vote. All were in favor.
Chester County Planning Commission – Charlestown Township Natural Resources Inventory – Visitors from the Chester County Planning Commission: Rachael Griffith, Senior Trails & Open Space Planner, and Carol Stauffer, Assistant Director.
Tonight, they presented their findings on Charlestown’s ordinances relative to natural resources including steep slopes, wetlands, woodlands, riparian buffers, and flood plains with recommendations for improvements. The handout dated 2/12/2020 had created conversations with Mr. Theurkauf, Mr. Comitta, and the Green Valley Association. Some items on Charlestown’s inventory list were better protected than the County Planning Commission initially thought, and some were not as protected as listed in February 2020.
- Riparian Buffers originally thought to be rigorously protected are not protected from clearing and there is no
strict limit on the amount of disturbance. 90% of Charlestown Township’s land is in the “high-quality stream” zone
and the guidelines should site 150’ buffers as suggested by the DEP. Reps suggested splitting the buffer into two
zones and listed North Coventry, Pennsbury, and Pocopson, as more rigorous examples. The current ordinance states
“building within” and this needs to read “disturbance” per Mr. Wright. Livestock and horses are not dealt with in
these suggestions.
- Mr. Richter asked about DEP standards and Ms. Stauffer said some townships go beyond what the DEP sets.
- Mr. Wright stated NPDES permits trigger DEP involvement for 150-foot buffers if the property is over an acre.
- Wetlands also need riparian specifics.
- Woodlands were the inventory item most in need of protection. The County recommends a maximum disturbance of 35-50% to help riparian buffers and water quality. They suggested defining “woodland” then obtaining the formulas for specifics, checking the CCPC or Brandywine Conservancy website, or looking at other township’s ordinances (Kennett Square being the most formidable).
- Steep Slopes also need a specific maximum for disturbance requirement.
- Wetlands need stronger language for 50-foot buffers next to wetlands.
- Ms. Leland questioned Ms. Stauffer about the Regional Planning Commission for Phoenixville. There are fewer resources to protect in the borough but the townships surrounding the borough will increase its protection.
- Mr. Wright stated that the Township has no logging restrictions.
- Mr. Goodman suggested starting with defining woodland, checking websites for formulas, and considering legality.
- Further discussion took place about buffers vs. livestock, developers and buffers, overlays, open space designs, clear-cutting and logging, a mapped corridor of quality trees (Mallach), percentages, and the zoning ordinance and permitting for timber harvesting.
- Natural Resource Protection will be a future agenda item per Mr. von Hoyer.
Beyond Meat Update
Mr. Wright told Members that Township reps met with Beyond Meat management. The discussion focused on the latest sound study’s poor results. It showed that the improvements had only been temporary and the number of spikes were again, not acceptable. Beyond Meat says that their planned expansion will alleviate noise for Spring Oak neighbors.
The company received a Notice of Violation but due to a pending Zoning Hearing, it is on hold. The Township is hopeful that the Hearing will bring about positive change. Meanwhile, Beyond Meat must create a list of improvements to bring to the next meeting.
All sound studies have been paid for by the Township. Residents of Spring Oak are complaining about new odors and residues, and this is falling under the Nuisance Ordinance. Mr. Richter suggested the sound studies become something paid for by a third party.
Commons @ G.V. Lot #1 Revised Parking Lot Plan
Mr. Wright stated that this item (although removed from this agenda) is back with the engineer to reconsider the basin vs. stormwater and the parking reconfiguration.
Schuylkill Township Request for Comments on Land Use Assumptions Report
The Members discussed Schuylkill Township’s Land Use Assumptions Report as a step toward their adoption of a Transportation Impact Fee Ordinance. The Members had no comments to relate to Schuylkill Township and Mrs. Csete will advise them accordingly.
TND Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Mallach referred to the chart last revised 4/7/21 listing Common TND Open Space Requirements for the Planning Commission’s review. There was discussion regarding spatial distribution, and reconsidering the TND-4 and larger tract amenities. Minor editing was discussed adding the term “subject to inclusion of”. Mr. Mallach will circulate a revised draft.
Mr. von Hoyer moved to approve the TND Development District Part 22 of the Zoning Ordinance, including edits as discussed, and Mr. Richter seconded. Mr. von Hoyer called for discussion and there being none called the vote. All were in favor.
Wind Turbine Ordinance Review
The Planning Commission reviewed section 27-2303, General Provisions #4, Regulations for Wind Energy Systems to discuss the lot size, setback, and height requirements. Members found it to be satisfactory.
- There is a minimum lot size of 2 acres
- There is a setback of 110%
- It is not permitted in a front yard
- It has a structure maximum of 65′
- There can only be one
Administrative Note
Any documents referred to in the minutes are available to the public upon request to the Township office.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. von Hoyer adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Lisa Gardner
Recording Secretary
