ATTENDING: Chairperson Pam Brown, Members
Mike Burnley, Craig Hannafin, Steve Smolinsky, and Ginny Wright;
Township Manager Allen Heist; Board liaison Zoe Perkins; and Planning
Commission liaison Jim Wendlegass.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
The Chairperson called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. A motion
by Ginny Wright, seconded by Steve Smolinsky, to appoint Pam Brown
as EAC Chairperson was unanimously approved. Craig
Hannafin was unanimously appointed Vice Chairperson
on a motion by Ginny Wright and second by Pam Brown. Minutes from
the December 1, 1997 meeting were approved.
Jim Wendlegass reported the Planning Commission has committed
to completing their review of the West Vincent Township Zoning
Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance drafts
by mid February. Additional work sessions are scheduled for Thursday
evenings in January and February. The TDR draft - specifically
sending zones, receiving zones, ratios, values, and incentives
- is currently under consideration. It was suggested the EAC members
develop a rational basis for determining the sending zone, review
the Open Space and Recreation Plan to identify the critical areas
in the Township (including sensitive water areas and viewsheds
and eliminating steep slopes and wetland areas) and designate
the TDR sending zone area. Manager Heist was requested
to supply a copy of Act 247 legislation regarding TDR. Members
will complete their review, list viewsheds and identify critical
areas prior to the February EAC meeting.
Zoe Perkins reported the Reorganization Meeting of the Board of
Supervisors will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m.; Frone Crawford
has been requested to give a legal opinion on the development
of a Land Trust, which would enable the Township to accept trails
and donated land; and Castle Valley Consultants, Inc., formerly
the Doylestown office staff of Tatman and Lee, has been appointed
Township Engineer.
MAIL:
"Nitrates in Drinking Water", a fact sheet from
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, was distributed.
This information counters the claims of the Matthews Run Subdivision
professionals regarding nitrate concerns.
The Federation of Northern Chester County Communities Sustainable
Watershed Management Program Draft Stormwater Management Ordinance
was viewed by Members as a cumbersome document. Formatted as a
free standing ordinance, it was suggested that a table be designed
to facilitate incorporating sections of the generic Stormwater
Management Ordinance into existing Township ordinances where appropriate.
Members noted sections of information included in the draft are
components in the current Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development,
and Well Ordinances.
REPORTS:
The following reports were reviewed:
TOWNSHIP PARK:
Notice was received from the county that the grant application
for the purchase of Matthews Meadows Lot 46 did not meet the minimum
scoring threshold for funding. Manager Heist will be meeting with
the County Parks and Recreation Department later this month.
TRAILS:
Township Trails Map/Narrative: The first section
of the Trails Plan narrative was distributed to the Board of Supervisors
at their December 22, 1997 meeting for review and comment. The
EAC Trail Subcommittee members are preparing an informational
letter addressing landowner concerns, written narrative plan/ordinances,
charts, graphs and mapping.
Miller Trail: Township Solicitor Greenwood sent
a letter to Mr. and Mrs. Miller requesting the removal of the
obstructions within the trail easement. Mr. Miller has complied
to the request by removing the pallets; however, a dangerous situation
exists due to the remaining obstacles (i.e. overhead vines and
metal posts used to designate his property line) which could negate
protection under the Private Lands and Public Recreation Act.
Horse-Shoe Trail Club Inc.: Pam Brown has contacted
Club President Donald Cook regarding West Vincent Township's efforts
in protecting the Horse-Shoe Trail.
OLD BUSINESS:
Traffic Planning and Design has submitted a cost estimate for
the Route 100 By Pass project in the amount of $2,934,462.72.
French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust: Mrs.
Eleanor Morris is working with the County on the Dirt Road Project
grant application, following their request for additional information.
SUBDIVISIONS:
Matthews Run: Members reviewed the revised subdivision
plan. Previously mentioned issues and concerns still remain; in
addition, Lots 1, 2, and 7 present real concerns. The plan shows
too many lots (11) on a site which contains numerous constraints
- wetlands, woodlands, steep slopes, utility rights of way owned
by Columbia Gas Pipeline and Texas Eastern, overhead electric
line with a 15' wide easement, access easement to the Beale property
and a trail easement. Members recommend the applicant consider
a cluster design or combining some lots. The Mill Road access
is being researched by the applicant's attorney. The Liversidge
Plan was also reviewed.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m. The next meeting will
be held Monday, February 2, 1998 at 9:30 a.m. Please call the
Chairperson at 469-9858 if unable to attend.