Zoning & Subdivision Review Committee

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday – January 19, 1999 – 7:30 p.m. – MCRPC Offices

MEMBERS PRESENT	OTHERS PRESENT
Samuel Scott, Chairman	Dennis Puko, Executive Director
James Rollinson, Vice-Chairman	Lisa Holm, Planner
Clifford McCandless	Peg Heldorfer, Associate Planner
James Hogan	Jeremy Coxe, Planner
Ray Foster	Ronald D. Zahniser, Hermitage
	Scott A. & Pamela A. Jones, Hermitage
	Rita Ferringer, Hermitage
	Ed & Frances Sarvas, Hermitage
	Judy DeAngelis, Hermitage
	Frank Fusco, Hermitage
	Dean Alexander, Hermitage

Mr. Scott, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present. A motion was made by Mr. McCandless and seconded by Mr. Hogan to approve the Minutes of the December 8, 1998 meeting with no additions, corrections or deletions. The motion passed.

N E W B U S I N E S S

Proposed Zoning Map Amendment – City of Hermitage – Kelly Road – Rezone lands now or formerly of Fusco from R-1-100 Single-Family Residential to CC-1 Central Commercial - Ms. Holm reviewed this with the Committee. The property is located in the northern part of the City of Hermitage across the bridge (by Danny’s Restaurant) in Sharpsville. Bridge from Sharpsville to Kelly Road runs through the center of the property east west. The north section is wooded and steep; south section is partially wooded and gently sloping to the southwest and borders on the Shenango River. The current use of the property is residential within the two structures on the property. The remainder is vacant. The surrounding land use is bordered by R-1-100 on the east, south and west. There are several single-family residences on nearby properties. The Shenango Lake facility also generates seasonal traffic across the bridge. To the north is South Pymatuning Township and is zoned Mobile Home Park (not existing).

The request this evening is to rezone this property from R-1-100 Single-Family Residential to CC-1 Central Commercial. She noted our review criteria for reviewing plans noting that the change of this use is not discussed in either the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Hermitage or the County Comprehensive Plan and it would not fit in either plan. Surrounding land uses are also another concern. Single-family residential primarily surrounds property. The recreation area to the east is zoned same. Infrastructure is not available within Hermitage. Any connection to Sharpsville systems could be via the bridge and as such, costly. She noted other locations via map that are zoned CC-1 which could be used for such a facility or the possibility of building reuse in the City of Hermitage. Lastly, local conditions have shown that this location may be difficult to market. The businesses in this area in Sharpsville are Danny’s Restaurant, which draws a local crowd, and the Players has gone through many changes in use since its construction.

Mr. Scott asked for any questions from the Committee. Mr. Hogan noted that the Hermitage City Planning Commission voted unanimously against this rezoning. A motion was made by Mr. Hogan and seconded by Mr. McCandless to recommend denial of this rezoning. Mr. Scott asked for any comments from members present. Mr. Alexander noted that he is a neighbor in opposition. He commented that this rezoning is inappropriate at this location. He also reminded the Committee that the City of Hermitage unanimously recommended disapproval of this rezoning. He also noted that this is a single access road with no cul-de-sac. He also recounted why this rezoning does not meet our review criteria.

Mr. Fusco, owner of the property noted that the request is for rezoning of his property. He might not put a one-stop shop in, but instead build a bait shop. He noted how the rezoning does address the rezoning criteria. He also noted that the bridge is to be rebuilt in 2000. He noted that all the utilities are available and the Sewage Company could put a sewage plant in that could handle the capacity if he decides to create a complex over looking the river. He noted that as far as the turn around goes for traffic, one could be put in using the 2 acres of the property complex that was designated for parking.

Mr. Zahniser, neighbor expressed his concerns of increased noise/traffic. He did note that during the summer time it is sometimes hard to get out of his driveway due to the traffic to Mahaney Recreation Area. He also commented that there are eight homes on this street and half of the affected households are here tonight and are against the rezoning.

After final comments, Mr. Scott noted that it was properly moved and seconded (noted above) that this rezoning request be denied. The motion passed

Proposed Zoning Map Amendment – Pine Township – Rezone lands from R-1 Rural Residential to B-1 General Business – Mr. Coxe reviewed this with the Committee noting that the site is the Patterson property and is 1.745-acres which is located on West Main Street, behind the Park Motel which borders the Grove City Community Park. The topography is relatively flat with sparse vegetation. He also noted that its current use is R-1 Rural Residential and is vacant land. The proposed site is surrounded by Grove City Borough. To the north is the Park Motel (HC Highway Commercial); to the west is an apartment complex (R-2); to the east the old Borough garage (R-1); and to the south is the Grove City Community Park. Mr. Patterson, owner of the site in question, is also owner of the Park Motel. The proposed use for the property would be Business or Commercial for specifically the expansion of the existing Park Motel. There is no access to this property other than the property sits directly behind the Park Motel, which has access to West Main Street. Some discussion of how this property is located entirely within Grove City Borough however, remained part of Pine Township.

Mr. Scott asked for any questions or comments. There being none, it was moved by Mr. McCandless and seconded by Mr. Rollinson to approve rezoning lands from R-1 Rural Residential to B-1 General Business. The motion passed.

Major Plan – Preliminary Plan Approval – Betz Subdivision – Hempfield Township – Ms. Holm reviewed this with the Committee noting that this subdivision is located on Donation Road. It is a 6-lot subdivision with sewer extension, which makes it a major plan. She noted that no new street is required, all lots will front on Donation Road. The sewer extension will run from just east of Williamson Road to three new manholes on Donation Road. She noted that we are looking for preliminary plan approval contingent upon completion of the Storm Water Report and the Conservation District’s comments.

Mr. Scott asked for any questions or comments. Mr. Hogan noted that there are a lot of pine trees on the section of land still remaining of Betz. He felt that with the creation of new subdivisions on Donation Road and the curve on this road, these trees would make it very difficult to see coming out of their driveways. It was suggested that clearing away of these pine trees would benefit site distance for those pulling out of their driveways. Ms. Holm also noted that there is a drainage system that needs to be addressed. Mr. Puko noted that Donation Road is a State Road and the perspective owners will have to have a highway occupancy permit from PennDOT for each driveway for each lot. It was moved by Mr. Hogan and seconded by Mr. McCandless to approve this subdivision for preliminary plan approval contingent upon completion of the storm water report and the Conservation District’s comments. The motion passed.

Major Plan – Final Plan Approval – Village Park – Phase IVA – Pine Township – Ms. Holm reviewed this with the Committee noting that this is for final plan approval for Village Park – Phase IVA. She noted that last month we reviewed and approved the preliminary plan and modifications for Village Park – Phase IVA. She stated that no changes have been made to the plan and the engineer’s office provided additional information as requested. Ms. Holm noted that we are still waiting for copies of the bonds for the streets and sewers. Carol Christner-Papas had notified our office stating that she hoped to provide this information prior to the full Commission meeting on the 26^th.

A motion was made by Mr. Hogan and seconded by Mr. McCandless to approve the final plan approval for Village Park – Phase IVA conditioned upon receiving copies of bonds for streets and sewers. The motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Holm

Planner

 

 

Mercer County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com    www.mcrpc.com

 

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